Count Up 2009-03-22T00:00:00 down 1

  • I had a very slow run due to a pre race illness but didn't mind as it gave me an excuse to have even more time on the lovely course and to chat to some of my fellow participants along the way. will have to come back next year to bury the demons!

  • I wish to congratulate Ray and all the team on the organisation of such a wonderful event. I enjoyed the marathon very much. Thanks a million. It was the most beautiful race I have ever run in my life. The landscape and the weather were so nice !!!!

  • Hi Ray, Mick and all the Connemara Crew. Many thanks for putting on another splendid Connemara events of marathon, ultra marathon and half marathon. We were all blessed by good sunny weather.

  • On a personal note, was my 1st ever race/half marathon, started training in Jan 07 for this, am now addicted, absolutely loved the day, great atmosphere, well done to all !

  • This was my first ultra and I had an absolutely fantastic weekend. Myself and 18 friends from Nidd Valley Road Runners came from Harrogate to run the marathon and all agree how great it was, we're all still buzzing from it.

General Information

[almost] everything you need to know about the Connemarathon

Race Number

If you do not have a number you will not be transferred to the race start and you will not be allowed to participate. We are also providing wrist bands at registration which will identify participants for bus transfer and food service at Oughterard and Clifden. This wrist band also acts as your bus ticket. PLEASE WEAR YOUR WRIST BAND AT ALL TIMES!

Facilities

Tea and Coffee will be available from 7.00am at Oughterard. Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee will be served throughout the afternoon for participants. Only those with a participant wrist band will be served. The Connemarathon do not provide any facilities for spectators so those not actually participating should come prepared with packed lunches etc. and plenty of clothing, because, believe it or not, the weather can turn nasty in this beautiful place. One recommendation is that spectators walk the two miles to the top of the 'hell of the west' where support is most welcome by the weary runners and walkers... and runners who end up being walkers! Note: Road closures will be in place during the race.

Traffic/Car Parking

There will be no parking at Maam Cross, so you must avail of the bus transfer to and from Galway City, Oughterard and Clifden. There will be NO parking at race start areas so all participants must avail of the bus transfers from Oughterard or Clifden to Race Start. There will be strict traffic restrictions throughout the course.

What about supporters and those who don't want to depend on the bus?

We are operating a park and ride service from Oughterard and Clifden. The business communities of Oughterard and Clifden have come together to help the Connemarathon ease traffic, and will steward the park and ride facilities for us. We ask all spectators to drive/taxi to Oughterard or to The Station House Clifden and use this service which will be running throughout the day. There is a nominal charge of EUR7 return per person.

Timing System

This year the Connemarathon is employing a chip timing system.

Baggage transfer from Start

Enclosed with your race number you will find a baggage label. Clearly write your number on this baggage label and attach it to the baggage you wish to have returned from the Start Area to Maam Cross. It is your responsibility to ensure that the bag is waterproof as these bags will be sorted outdoors. All bags will be transferred back to the Finish area for your collection after the race. As we promote the Eco friendliness of the Connemarathon we ask that you use litter bins provided and that you discard clothing carefully at the aid stations. Any discarded clothing will be given to charity.

We must keep Connemara Clean!

Please please please, make our volenteers' jobs easier by discarding your bottles at the mile markers (and not in ditches, bogs, streams, rivers, lakes, mountains and just about anywhere else you can get a bottle - our Race Director was up to his knees for days after the event recovering empty bottles from the furthest flung places. He says he didn’t mind but we think his energy could have been better used on other matters after the event.). The empty bottles will be recycled.

Water & Aid Stations

Water and aid stations will be situated at mile 3, 6, 9, 11, and the finish line for the half marathon; mile 3, 6, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, 24 and finish for the full marathon; and mile 5, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 26, 29, 32, 35, 37 and Finish for the ultra marathon. Galway Irish Spring Water will be available at each station but not at the start area. Energy drinks will be available at mile 9 and 11 for the half marathon and mile 9, 19 and 22 for the full marathon.

Toilets

Toilets at start, finish, and every 3 miles.

Mile Markers Every Mile.

First Aid

Report all accidents and emergencies to any Volunteer who will notify one of our Race Doctors.

Weather Conditions

The weather in Connemara is very unpredictable so it’s best to wait for the latest forecasts closer to race day. We suggest you dress as if it is going to be cold and wet.

Return to Oughterard and Clifden

Buses depart Maam Cross from 2pm onwards. Each bus will depart when full.

Prize Ceremony

First place prizes will be presented at 3pm in Maam Cross. Other Prizes (including veterans prizes) will be announced and posted after the event.

Pasta Party

If you are staying in either Clifden or Oughterard there are two Pasta Parties planned for Saturday April 5th in The Connemara Gateway in Oughterard and The Station House in Clifden. These were well attended last year, and will attract a bigger crowd this year. Both hotels are also planning a celebration evening on April 6th. Contact the hotels directly to book.

What time do the races start?

The Ultra Marathon starts at 9.00 on April 6th. at Maam Cross
The Full Marathon starts at 10.30 on April 6th. at Lough Inagh (walkers start at 9.30)
The Half Marathon starts at 12.00 on April 6th. at Leenaun (walkers start at 11.00)

Further Information

Check in at www.connemarathon.com for all the latest news and updates. Email us at info@connemarathon.com