Slieve Bloom Half Marathon (25KM)
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Smyth | May 5 2023, 6:09pm | Hi All , the SBW series of races is now open for entry . I’m looking for volunteers for the half. Please sign up on the volunteer section of the race event page , or just reply here. Just to mention that the half route will be 25km . It’s a lovely route and very runnable , and the day itself promises to be great craic for all : ) . Get signed up to one of the 3 races on offer ! |
| Hazel stapleton | May 7 2023, 8:09am | Will there be an early start for the half? |
| Brian Smyth | May 7 2023, 2:03pm | Hi Hazel , We are not planning on having an early start for the half . Marshals will still be out for the marathon and ultra so there will be plenty of time to get to the finish : ) Thanks , Brian |
| Brian Smyth | May 16 2023, 6:21pm | Hi folks , closing date for slieve bloom way ultra , marathon and half marathon T-shirt purchase is 5th June . The option to purchase a much coveted T will no longer be available in the online shop (or elsewhere) after this date. There is an image of the tshirt on event page . Folks I still need volunteers for this race including race reg , parking marshals , race finish volunteers , course marshals . Many thanks |
| Brian Smyth | May 16 2023, 6:22pm | And First Aider of course ! |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 6 2023, 8:54pm | Hi All , As Gaelan has mentioned on the Slieve bloom marathon forum , entry for the half-ish and marathon will close this Saturday 10th June . No entries possible after this date . We have also extended the availability of Tshirt purchase in the online shop until the same date. Don’t miss out ! Also, just to reiterate what Gaelan mentioned in his post regarding volunteers . We cannot hold the races without them . Please do volunteer for one of the 3 races if you can at all. Along with all of the previously mentioned volunteer roles needed , I also need a Laptop Operator for the half as we now hope to use the mat and timing chips . Also if someone can do first aid for the half it would be greatly appreciated. Again, the race cannot take place without a first aider . It would be great to get this role filled asap. Looking forward to a great day on the 24th , let’s hope the weather sticks around for a while longer . Thanks all |
| Eimear Deegan | Jun 6 2023, 9:48pm | Brian, is it still possible to order a tshirt I didn't notice the option when I signed up. Thanks |
| susan dixon | Jun 7 2023, 9:07pm | Can juniors volunteer for this event? I have one that wants to come with me if i sign up. Shes usually runs the junior courses so is familiar with the events. |
| Aoife Tunney | Jun 7 2023, 9:39pm | Is there a link to buy a T-shirt please |
| Mark McInerney | Jun 7 2023, 9:51pm | Hi Aoife, It's in the membership/shop tab at top of IMRA web page. The t shirt is taken from your IMRA profile. |
| Aoife Tunney | Jun 7 2023, 10:02pm | Thank you Mark |
| Mark McInerney | Jun 7 2023, 10:05pm | Meant the t shirt size is taken from your profile |
| Aoife Tunney | Jun 7 2023, 10:17pm | I must be too late , no T-shirt for sale !! |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 8 2023, 10:01am | Eimear & Aoife . T-shirts should be available in the shop again from now until race entry close on Saturday . Go to online shop and you can purchase there . Thanks |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 8 2023, 10:02am | Hi Susan Could you give me an email at Brian.explorethehills@gmail.com Thanks |
| Eimear Deegan | Jun 8 2023, 10:09am | Thanks Brian can see tshirt in shop now, but link isn't live yet |
| Eimear Deegan | Jun 8 2023, 10:24am | Ignore that, purchase complete |
| Annette O reilly | Jun 10 2023, 7:45pm | Hi I was just wondering if anyway possible I could enter the half I just went in to sign up not realising about cut off time |
| Frederico Lopes | Jun 11 2023, 8:47am | Same here. Is there any possibility to still join the 25km didn't realized entries were closing already on Friday. Thanks Fred |
| Niamh Kelly | Jun 11 2023, 9:27am | Hi everyone, It is with regret that I must inform you that the race entries will not be reopened. The deadline was extended until June 10th, and that was the final cutoff point. This decision was made to ensure that we have ample time to complete the considerable number of tasks before the race day, which is just two weeks away. Thank you for understanding |
| Helena O Toole | Jun 11 2023, 2:36pm | Hi folks, does anyone know if there will be water stations en-route (25k)? Thanks |
| Niamh Kelly | Jun 11 2023, 5:57pm | Hi Helena, Yes there will be, more details to come It is crucial not to rely solely on it. The water supply will be for emergency use only. |
| David Dwyer | Jun 12 2023, 8:20am | Hi guys, I would love to race the slieve bloom half, didn't realise there was a closing date. Any chance of a late a sign up? Apologies i know you are probably sick of these requests. Many thanks, Dave |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 15 2023, 11:14am | Hi David sorry to disappoint but unfortunately we can’t reopen entries ; as Niamh has mentioned in her post above. However there is another Slievebloom race at Arderin on July 9th ; which is a fantastic route and a great way to explore the area. See the event page for more details Many thanks |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 15 2023, 11:32am | Hi folks , With race day fast approaching we are again reaching out for more volunteers for the 3 slieve bloom races. We are still looking for : -a first aider for the marathon. -A laptop operator for the half. -Marshalls to help out on the day. -Help at registration. -Help with refreshments. -Help at the finish line. We have good numbers for all 3 races , so the help is needed and would be greatly appreciated . Please let us know here on any of the 3 race forums , or go to the volunteering section of the individual race pages and sign up there . I’ve met many an IT guru at previous IMRA races , so if someone could step into the laptop role for us it would be great. Laptop Op would only need to stick around for the half-ish marathon. If anyone has any queries on volunteering and they wish to contact me direct , please do so on 083 0595560. Give your midland cousins a dig out ; ) Thanks all |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 17 2023, 3:10pm | Added my name for laptop on the assumption that all the required gear will be with RD kit for event, as I won't be in a position to collect beforehand. |
| Gaelan Elliffe | Jun 18 2023, 11:15pm | Some points to note regarding the upcoming Slieve Bloom Way races. (see below for more detail on each item) High Viz clothing and the mandatory kit list Way Markers and navigation Livestock in fields Leave no Trace Slippy/ damaged boardwalk Very limited parking on the route With the races being one week away and with the route in great condition, we hope you are as excited about the races as we are . There is great enthusiasm out there and we have gotten feedback that peoples recces of the route have gone well. It has been wonderful to see people volunteering to help out with the three races. Thank you very much to everyone who has volunteered so far. We still have a need for more volunteers on the day. Please see recent posts on facebook and the IMRA forum. High Viz clothing and the mandatory kit list Each race event page on www.imra.ie has mandatory kit listed. The half-ish race only has a couple of items. The main item I wish to highlight is that the Marathon and Ultra races require either high viz clothing or a high viz jacket. While all 3 races have a variety of terrain there are road sections on each route. It is important you are highly visible to other road users and obey the rules of the road. Way Markers and navigation The accompanying photos show some of the great work that has been done clearing the very good way markers along the 70km route. It is important that runners know the route in advance and bring either a map or a gpx method of navigating should they take a wrong turn. We will only be additionally marking a couple of points along the route. The few deviations from the SBW the marathon takes will be clearly identified also. There are 5 printable maps available at this link: https://slievebloom.ie/walk/slieve-bloom-way It also worth reminding people, the most recent Ordnance Survey map of the area is out of date and doesn't have the correct SBW on it. It would take you on a very different route to the yellow way marked trail. Livestock in fields The three races cross working farms. If you enter a field with animals you need to walk that short section and it is very important you stick tightly to the way markers in the fields so we reduce our impact on the farms. Most of the farms have stiles but if you encounter a gate it needs to be immediately shut behind you. Leave no Trace As with all IMRA races we leave nothing behind but footprints. There will be bags for rubbish at the aid stations on the day. Anyone seen dropping rubbish on the course will be disqualified. Slippy/ damaged boardwalk As with all mountain environments lots of varied terrain is encountered. Amongst the varied terrain on these races are boardwalks. Some of which are slippy and at a couple of points near the Ridge of Capard the board walk is damaged. Due caution needs to be exercised. (see the accompanying photo) Very limited parking on the route There is limited parking at numerous locations on the SBW. We are providing busses for runners to the start of the races. If you decide to not use them, you need to arrange a drop off. We can't leave cars parked at Glenbarrow, Kinnitty or Cadamstown. There is very limited parking at these locations. We also ask people not to drive up to the check point at Glenkeen. If anyone needs assistance from here, our team will shuttle them home. There is a large section of road here and it would result in cars driving against runners. We are making our final plans in the coming week. There will be emails sent out to all runners later in the week. Can I also remind people that the IMRA forum is the primary location for communication for these three races. Best of luck with your final race preparations. |
| Billy Stevenson | Jun 19 2023, 9:46am | Hi guys I've signed up as a helper/ volunteer for the SB half (well I think have signed up correctly?). I am also running the half so can we please ensure I have adequate time/ transport to the start. Thanks Billy tangofitness.bs@gmail.com |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 19 2023, 11:41am | Thanks Mick , great to have you on board . Thanks for stepping forward. Yes we will have all the kit , no need for you to pick up. Many thanks |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 19 2023, 11:48am | Thanks Billy , I’ve switched you to running volunteer. |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 19 2023, 11:51am | All just for clarity , a hi vis layer is also part of the halfish mandatory kit. See event race page for further details. There are road sections on the route and we need runners to be visible to passing cars /farm machinery at all times. Many thanks |
| Jeff Swords | Jun 19 2023, 12:22pm | Thanks all for the planning and organising of the 3 events, should be a great weekend. I'm trying not to open the can of worms around the high vis debate but for these races what's classed as "high vis", and presumably it's only to be displayed on roads accessible by motor vehicles? The effectiveness of high vis (the RSA, the country's biggest pimp of it, when pushed for their research which proves the effectiveness of it eventually admitted they have none) can be treated with a high dose of scepticism at this time of the year, you're much more likely to stand out against the glare of the sun amongst green and yellow fields and hedgerows wearing all black. Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox for now. |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 19 2023, 3:14pm | I can see why hi vis might be needed in an event in darkness. But in daylight? It is perhaps more apt to put out some runners-on-road signs, which is the norm for IMRA events using sections of road. |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 19 2023, 4:18pm | @Brian, please email me directly re: logistics for Saturday. I expect I am needed at the Registration (Finish), but not at the startline (I just need an accurate start time for the laptop for results to process properly. Cheers. |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 19 2023, 8:44pm | Hi Mick , email will be sent direct to all volunteers in the next few days . Many thanks |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 19 2023, 11:03pm | Jeff , Mick We will have road signage on road sections . I have removed hi vis as mandatory kit for the half , but as RD I’d still advise people to wear a hi vis / high fluorescent upper layer for road sections on the halfish route. We have now left this to each runner’s own personal judgement call . If I was running myself I’d wear something of this nature. The mandatory kit was carried over initially from the initial Feb date for this race . Dark short days etc. Of course everyone still needs to exercise caution whilst running on any country roads , with passing farm machinery etc ; and the above advice would be how one might exercise such caution . However it is no longer deemed mandatory kit for the half . Thanks all |
| Jeff Swords | Jun 20 2023, 10:33am | Thanks for the update Brian. |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 20 2023, 5:11pm | Hi Folks , looking forward to Saturday’s races . We could really do with some more volunteers for the halfish race . We need helpers for Registration, the finish line , helping with refreshments , aid stations on the SBW route . Even if you can only give an hour or two , all help is much appreciated and needed, and helps the event/s to run as smooth as possible . Thanks to all who have volunteered so far . Ya never know who you might meet or what you might take away from the day ; ) Thanks all |
| liz dwyer | Jun 20 2023, 5:28pm | I’m running the half but I will help with registrations of you guys need someone! Just let me know a time |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 20 2023, 10:04pm | Great thanks Liz . I’ll put you down as a running volunteer so . Email with final details and times etc will go out to all volunteers over the next few days . Reg opens at 10am for the half so you will be time enough getting there for 9.30am . Many thanks |
| Matthew Branch | Jun 21 2023, 1:06pm | Brian, been speaking with Gaelan. Im arriving in the IMRA Munster Van after dropping off a few water tanks, tables and gazeebo en route. Hope to be there between 10.30 and 11.00 ish depending on travel |
| Matthew Branch | Jun 21 2023, 1:48pm | I see there reg opens at 10 and closes at 11. I hope to be there at 10 then Brian. |
| Neil Dawson | Jun 21 2023, 2:24pm | Hi Brian I am doing half, but will be there 8.30 ish, If Needed ? |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 22 2023, 7:39pm | That’s Great , thanks a mill Matt |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 22 2023, 7:42pm | Thanks Neil , do you want to sign up as a running volunteer on the race page , and I’m sure we can find something for you to help out with (prior to you catching the bus to the start line) . Most likely will get you to help out with parking . Many thanks |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 22 2023, 8:51pm | FINAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SBW HALFISH 25KM RUNNERS: The below is from the race page, with some additional info also: 25Km route along the Slieve Bloom Way, starting at Kinnity Trailhead and finishing at Clonaslee Trailhead. Approx. 500m of ascent overall on the route . The route crosses forest tracks, farmland , road and single forest trails throughout. Please be mindful and respectful of any farm animals on farmland sections. There is a strict leave no trace policy so please bring all of your rubbish with you and do not litter under any circumstances. VERY IMPORTANT: The route will only be marked in one or two locations where deemed absolutely necessary. Follow the YELLOW MAN posts all the way from start at Kinnity to the finish at Clonaslee Trailhead. Keep an eye out for yellow man/yellow arrow signs at all times, they are plentiful on the route. It is advised that those who have less experience on trail routes , should run with someone more experienced , or at a minimum have a gpx downloaded to your watch . We will only mark one or two sections of the half route , so it is important that runners remain vigilant for the slieve bloom way yellow man way markers on the route . PLEASE NOTE: ROUTE IS 25KM TOTAL. IT IS NOT TRADITIONAL HALF MARATHON LENGTH OF 21KM VERY IMPORTANT: Mandatory Kit: Waterproof jacket , phone , water (refillable bottle) , food/energy source It is advised to bring Hi-Viz/reflective upper outer layer (for road section near end of race) REGISTRATION: Registration will open at 10am at Clonaslee community centre and close at 11am sharp in order to allow time for transfer buses to get to the start line at Kinnity . Please turn up early , as we cannot hold buses up for latecomers . CAR PARKING: Please park at community centre , or as directed by marshals on the day . NO parking at Kinnity Trailhead . This is a small carpark and we need to keep it vacant for buses and local users . ADDITINAL INFO: -Tshirts : Are available for collection at registration for those who have purchased one through the online shop. No purchases on the day unfortunately. -Remember , Your IMRA race number must be clearly visible on you. -Expect warm weather conditions on Saturday . Fueling, hydration and sun cream are important . -Buses will transfer runners to the start line at Kinnity Trailhead, and will start leaving from 11am onwards. Last departure will be at 11.20am sharp. Please board early and aim to be on one of the first buses if possible -AIDSTATIONS FOR THE 25KM ROUTE: There will be an aid station at Cadamstown , approx 12km into the half route. There will be water refill option here and possibly some other goodies , but do not rely fully on the water here. It is advised that runners carry some water with them also . You will also pass the Glenkeen aidstation toward the end of the route (approx 4-5km from the finish line). -RETIRING FROM THE RACE: If you are pulling out of the race please inform the race director on 083 0595560. -Refreshments: At clonaslee community centre , approx 1km walk back through the village. Same place where you parked and registered. I hope everyone has a fantastic day , and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the blooms. Many thanks |
| Conor O Keeffe | Jun 23 2023, 8:33am | Hey Brian, my friend cannot race tomorrow is there a possibility that I can swap my name in for his? Thanks in advance. Conor |
| Brian Smyth | Jun 24 2023, 12:03am | Hi Conor unfortunately not . IMRA don’t do transfers Many thanks |
| Gaelan Elliffe | Jun 24 2023, 5:23am | *Boil water notice in Clonaslee village* Take note. We have been busy the last couple of days arranging numerous water refill points about the Slieve Blooms external to the boil water notice. |
| Conor Nolan | Jun 24 2023, 5:54pm | Many thanks to the group who organised the SBW races and to the volunteers on the day. Really well done. The community centre was a great facility. Nice nosh and chats afterwards. I'd been looking forward to the 25k since it was announced and it didn't disappoint. Might have preferred the March date tho' :) Hopefully they'll be back next year. |
| Rose Pearson | Jun 24 2023, 7:19pm | Incredible race today! Great organisation on the bus runs... particularly enjoyed the sight of that last aid station with the jugs of water! Thanks to all those involved in the organisation! |
| Paul Kelly | Jun 25 2023, 12:45pm | Hi All - A GoPro 9 was handed into the finish line yesterday. If anyone is missing it please email us on slievebloomwayultra at gmail . com |
| Aoife Tunney | Jun 25 2023, 1:43pm | Thank you to all the crew involved in yesterdays race . It was a fantastic day , great route really well marked …I needn’t have panicked about getting lost !!!!! Plenty of refreshments at the aid stations which was much appreciated on such a hot day . Roll on next year |
| keith o brien | Jun 26 2023, 9:43am | hey guys great race at the weekend, fair play to all for organising, just looked at the half results there and for some reason im not on them, keith o brien, 1743, maybe my chip didnt register going over the mat ? |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 26 2023, 10:01am | Hi Keith, What was your finishing time, even roughly. Some rnners from other races had IMRA chips in their shoes crossing the line, so I removed these from results. Or, also if I didn’t see someone highlighted on the sign in sheets. There might have been a glitch registering your chip that wasn’t obvious to me at the time. Apols we’ll get that sited. Regards Mick |
| keith o brien | Jun 26 2023, 10:38am | yeah i had my own imra number and chip on, so my fault there, i was 2.45.11 , i know there was a lady behind me, not much help and rachel nolan finished the ultra not far behind me if thats any help .. thanks |
| Ronan Costelloe | Jun 26 2023, 12:47pm | To Brian & Team; thanks a million for all of your hard work in organising a brilliant race. I really enjoyed it. Everyone on the day was very friendly and helpful - this makes all the difference. Thanks again, Ronan Costelloe |
| Claire Ogorman | Jun 26 2023, 2:16pm | Hi guys - I see also my chip time is incorrect (2841) . I have it as 3 hr 10 approx I was a little ahead of my friend who’s number was 2800. Can my time be updated ? |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 26 2023, 3:28pm | Hi Claire. I recall your chip didn’t register crossing line line for some reason. Shall update result in due course, cross-checking vs manual results. |
| Adam Baker | Jul 12 2023, 12:21pm | VANITY POST ALERT..... Per chance are there any photos of runners in this? |
