Connemarathon 2014
DATE: tbc
Maam Cross, Co Galway
Not long until April 1st!
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This was my first real run, and now I am totally hooked. I just wanted to thank everyone involved, and say that I can't wait for next years Full Marathon. Keep up the fantastic work.
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Just a quick mail to say thank you very much for a wonderfully run race. The atmosphere was fantastic as always, and the whole event seemed to run without a hitch. The best half marathon in Ireland, without a doubt.
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The race itself was great and thank god for the weather, thanks to ray and the organisation team too. I really enjoyed it and will be back next year. The soup after the race was lovely. It was like a meal in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know?
We get some regular questions every year, and we try to address them as clearly as possible.
You can send any queries to http://www.connemarathon.com/contact
We'll be adding more information as the clock ticks down but for now...
Q: CAN I DEFER MY ENTRY?
A: You can defer your 2013 entry to 1014 if you let us know before march 1st.
Q: CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTRIES TO ANOTHER PERSON?
A: Connemarathon entries are Non-transferrable.
Q: CAN I SWITCHING RACES?
A: You can switch between Connemarathon races if you let us know before March 1st.
Q: WHAT TIME DO THE RACES START?
ULTRA START - 9.00
FULL WALKERS START - 9.30
FULL RUNNERS START - 10.30
HALF WALKERS START - 11.00
HALF RUNNERS START - 12 Noon
Q: When do I get my number?
A: You must collect you number and timing chip in advance of race day.
They will NOT be posted.
We will be distributing the chips on Timing Chips and Numbers can be picked up at registration on Saturday 6th April. Venue and times have been confirmed and details are available here.
See http://www.connemarathon.com/registration-venue-and-timings
Q: AM I A RUNNER OR A WALKER?
A: Put simply, if you have to ask, then you're a runner.
If it it takes you ANY less than 3 hours to complete the half marathon course - you are NOT a walker.
The walkers section is ONLY for people who will walk at their normal walking pace for the whole distance.
If you do any jogging, skipping or powerwalking at all, you should start with the runners group.
Anyone who starts with the walkers who runs for any distance will be taken off the course, and will be prohibited from entering future events.
Q: IS THERE A WALKERS START?
A: Yes.
Marathon Walkers start at 9.30am
Half Marathon Walkers start at 11.00am
Please ensure you use the first buses to get to the start on time. We are not responsible if you miss your start. Full Marathon Walkers staying in the Clifden area must contact The Station House Hotel to make separate arrangements to get to race start on time.
Q: What are the cutoff times?
A: There are cut off times for the Ultra marathon as follows: 2 hrs 30 minutes for the first 13 miles and 5 hrs 30 minutes hours for 26 miles. Anyone making slower progress than this will be removed from the course. There is no cut off time for the half marathon or marathon unless directed by medical personnel.
Q: Can I give my number to another participant?
A: Under no circumstances.
Q: We're planning on making a weekend of it. What's on?
A: If you log on to www.connemarabegins.com you will see lots of information about the Oughterard area. www.clifden.ie and www.connemarabegins.com are other sources of information on things to do in the area.
Accommodation information also available here http://www.connemarathon.com/accommodation
Q: What does my entry fee include?
The 70 euro entry fee covers
Bus Transfer from Galway, Oughterard and Clifden directly to race start
The race, including all the usual race support along the route.
Lots and Lots and Lots of 250ml Sports Cap Bottles of Water every 3 miles approx.
Sports Drinks at certain stations.
Portaloos at start, finish and every 3 miles (there were 70 in 2010)
Over 200 volunteers along the route.
15 Medical Personnel and Race Doctor, 3 Ambulances and a Medic Motorbike.
Hopefully the elation of finishing one of the world's truly magical marathon experiences.
Your Finishers Medal.
Your Finishers Tee Shirt. (The classic Blue 'I Hit the Wall in Connemara' ones that you see everywhere)
Lots of fruit and yet more water at the finish.
Post Race refreshments in Peacockes Hotel.
Buses back to Clifden, Oughterard and Galway (78 buses were employed by the 2011 Connemarathon).
Q: What are the entry limits?
A: There is a limit of 3,200 participants. The event usually sells out in January.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: We have a list of accomodaton providers in the accomodation section of the site
Q: Can I drive to the start?
No. There is absolutely no car parking at any of our start or finish areas.
You must use the race buses to get to the start. All cars parked anywhere on the route or at the finish area will be removed.
Q: Where do buses leave from?
A: Buses leave from the Cathedral car park, stopping for transfer to start in Oughterard. Buses also leave from The Station House, Clifden.
More Details here
http://www.connemarathon.com/bus-times-connemarathon
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: First and foremost, don’t forget your timing chip, race number and wrist band.
You should bring some 'pre-race' clothes as you will be at the start area for at least one hour before the race start. At the race start area, you will be able to put these clothes into your marked bag and onto a baggage truck, which will be transported to the race finish. Note that the baggage truck MUST leave 20 minutes before race start.
We also advise that as these bags will be stored outdoors it is your responsibility to ensure they are waterproof.
Q: Are there mile markers?
A: Yes. All races have mile markers.
As the Ultra Marathon joins the marathon course (after 13.1 miles), the mile markers will be indicated on the same marker as the Marathon mile markers.
Q: Where are the water and food stations?
There are water stations approximately every 3 miles providing 250ml Sports Cap Bottles - this race is organised by a runner :-)
Q: What do I get at the finish?
A: A medal, a T-Shirt, refreshments and a sense of complete euphoria/achievement/relief (Delete as applicable)
Post race refreshments will be provided in Peacockes Hotel after the race.
Q: Where can I get results?
A: Results will be published in the Irish Independent on the day after the race and will then be published on the Connemarathon website.
A: Are ipods and mp3 players banned ?
Q: Yes, all personal music devices are banned for safety reasons.
Our race vehicles and ambulances must use the course, and must be able to alert participants of their presence.
A ban means that anyone using a device during the event will be disqualified from our results and will not be registered as a Connemarathon finisher.
Q: Can spectators use the buses?
A: There is limited spaces on the Park and Ride facility will be available from both Clifden and Oughterard.
From Clifden Station House Hotel at 12 noon.
From Oughterard at 12 noon.
Please Park at the GAA pitches in Oughterard village.
Tickets must be purchased in advance using the following links:
www.connemarathon.com/spectator-ticket-child
www.connemarathon.com/spectator-ticket-adult
Please note that you will not be permitted to use the return bus without your ticket which is proof of purchase. The charge is €8 adult and €4 child per return journey. Tickets will not be on sale on race morning.
There is also a Bus Eireann Service on Sundays leaving Galway Bus station at 11.10 arriving in Oughterard at 11.50 and then the Marathon bus leaves at 12 to get to Maam Cross at about 12.30.
