Fantastic event

01 August, 2024 - Susan Whelan

I'm new to trail running this year and this was my first IMRA event. I had attempted mt gable before a few days after a big run I had and my legs were not ready for the 2km of road incline to the base of the trail then the 2km of steep climbing I made it 4km up and decided to turn back (even tho I had been told that the hardest part was over)... After that I felt I had unfinished business with mt gable, when I seen that imra were having the first galway event here I knew it would be a great excuse to complete the loop. Myself and 2 others from my area carpooled to the event which was great it added to the excitement of the day. Collecting our race numbers in clonbur gaa we were met with loads of friendly faces. We headed up to the start line, we had contemplated starting early but decided to go at 10 with the whole group . The 2km up the road was filled with runners ahead of me. I lost everyone at the steep incline of the trail people were getting smaller and higher till I couldn't see anyone anymore. The views were fantastic tho the hard climb was worth it. The course was so well marked out I was worried at the start but there was no need the flags guided me the whole way then the Marshalls were great lots of encouragement from then (possibly because I was the last person passing!). The grassy descent was great fun I had caught up with 2 ladies and we were sliding down in turns! The final 1km down the forest road was great to pick up some speed to the finish line. The tea and sweets at the finish line were much needed and very much appreciated. There was a great buzz about the day and all the volunteers really went above and beyond to make sure everyone was looked after. Can't wait now to sign up for the next one it really was a great event!

Great day!!

31 July, 2024 - Patsy Folan

The very first IMRA race in Co. galway and my first ever IMRA race as well. I was a runner and volunteer. I had the arduous task of filling the hot water containers at Clonbur Gaa pitch, couldn't go wrong with Martina guiding me. Race registration was at Clonbur gaa and they drove down to Mount Gable. Fair play to Lena and everyone for their meticulous planning, course was well marked out, 2km run by road, then 2km up the hill which you could jog a small bit before the descent. I managed to avoid 'paddys hole' as one lad ahead of me almost got swallowed whole ;) . Enjoyable run down to the finish where refreshments were waiting for us. The views at the top of Gable were breathtaking as the the day cleared up nicely after morning rain. The showers back at Clonbur gaa pitch were a most welcome way to finish the day. Hopefully the race becomes a staple on the IMRA calendar.

What a day!!

29 July, 2024 - Ronan McCarthy

Friday evening July 26th I met Darren Brewer at the Mount Gable car park. After a lot of organising by some key people, like Turlough Conway and Paul Sweeney, in the background the day was almost upon us, Galway’s very first IMRA Race and being part of the IMRA West League. Myself and Darren looked up at the sky and figured the rain would stay away and race gear would suffice as we shouldered the bags of flags and signs and set off to mark the route. It had been over a year since I had been on the mountain and with the clear evening I got to enjoy the breath-taking views that this hidden gem provides and reminded myself that I need to get back out running it as soon as possible. No matter how many times I’ve been on the mountain I always seem to take a different route once the trail disappears, so Darren’s unparalleled knowledge of the mountain was invaluable. We moved the descent away from the traditional fence route to try offer a new challenge for mountain regulars but also aide the mountain newbies by making it a little less steep. Once the descending was done we looked back to admire our handy work……..”Feck I really wish I was running this race now” , “Yeah me too, it looks great”, no room for modesty at all. Down the bottom of one of the off trail sections there was just one more route change/decision to make…..”What’s the quickest way around ‘Paddy’s Hole’ do you think?” Put them straight through the middle of it was Darren’s decision and we set down the flags with some rye smiles and headed for home happy that we had set out a great route that would be enjoyed by all.

Saturday morning and I met our race director Lena Freyne at Clonbur GAA grounds at 7:45 to setup registration. Excitement and nerves a plenty as it was a first for both of us doing anything like this but Lena had a fantastic plan in place so we were sure there would be no hiccups. All volunteers had arrived by 8:15 and with the cloud beginning to lift from the top of the mountain and the sun starting to break through we just knew we were set for a fantastic day. 39 of the 43 registered athletes arrived to sign in before race start, a pleasure to see so many smiling friendly faces and with the sun now beaming down and the temperature climbing to 20 degrees every athlete was happy to tip up to the start line, 1.7kms away, at their own gentle pace and enjoy the view of the challenge ahead on the way there. At 10am the athletes were on their way with Brendan Joy setting a blistering pace for the first 2k, a gradual but punishing incline on the road before turning on to the mountain proper. The climbing continues at a steep rate up the trail for another 1.5k before finally relenting a little from the first trig point for a flatish but boggy run across the top of the mountain. Word coming from marshals was a lead group of 5 had formed on the ascent but once on the top of the open mountain the gaps started to appear and Aidan McMoreland took a lead that he would not relinquish for the rest of the race. From the second trig point the descending begins, it is a very steep descent in parts but grassy and soft so falls are not punished too severely. The route then turns on to farm track and with just 3k left to the finish the hard work is done, perhaps only Paddys Hole can slow you down at this stage. The last k of the course is a lightening fast gravel track all downhill to the finish line and marshals and timekeepers could hear the pounding of feet long before runners came in to view. General chat at the start of the day was that somewhere around the 50 minute mark would be the winning time, Aidan broke the tape at a staggering 44mins 05secs. 2nd home was early pace setter Brendan Joy followed in third by Oskar Szmyt. The top 5 home all breaking the 50 minute mark. First lady home was Mari Johnston in a brilliant time of 54:53 followed just 40 seconds later by Meave Maher-McWilliams with Susan Aldridge rounding out the ladies podium spots. All times proved well ahead of early estimations, a testament to the talent on show and the fab weather the day had brought. As more and more runners filed in I started to quiz on how the route was, both experienced runners and newcomers absolutely loved it, there was a few comments on how deep a certain hole at the bottom of the mountain was but these were all with smiling faces and indeed added to the draw of a new route on the calendar, a great justification for choosing a challenging route to introduce IMRA to County Galway. The prize winners collected their Booley vouchers and I raced back to Clonbur GAA grounds to check that our showers were nice and warm for the muddy bodies, the showers proved to be another huge hit with runners, especially those who had a long drive home ahead of them. A few more chats with runners again as they were leaving and again compliments on a great day, a great venue and a great route. A thoroughly rewarding day all round and as I locked up the dressing rooms and headed for home all I could think was……..”Right, how do I get to run this route next time around”.

Huge thanks to all the people mentioned above, all volunteers on the day, local landowners, Clonbur GAA Club and all who competed in Galway’s first IMRA event. Next stop Knockma.

Ronan McCarthy (Deputy RD)

What a brilliant event!

29 July, 2024 - Alan Prior

I was very apprehensive going into my first ever trail event! I wasn’t sure if I’d be able for it! I wasn’t sure I’d find the starting point! But all doubt was put to bed by the organisers!
The venue was easy to find with directions given. We registered at the GAA ground and had a lovely warm up walk to the starting point.
Everything was well signposted and there were very helpful friendly stewards from start to finish.
The location itself was beautiful with wonderful views! The course was tough, with a 2km road run to start, and then a big climb for about 2 more km. I had to walk most of the climb! But it was enjoyable!
As a newbie, I spent a few kms avoiding bog and water, but then I realised feck it! Just go for it!
What goes up must fall down the other side! And that I did, edged my way down the mountain, slipping, falling, tumbling! Great fun!
I was also followed by a sheep on the boreen near the Home straight. That was my fastest kilometre of the 9!!
And then through the forest, and put the foot down for the last kilometre!
I was so happy to just finish! Albeit very slowly!!
And then lovely tea, water, treats and some prize giving!
Brilliantly organised, officiated, and great fun!
Then a happy little journey back to Oranmore!
I can’t wait for the next one!
Alan