Mt Brandon Half (Kilkenny)
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Rory Leadbetter | Feb 24 2024, 8:22pm | Event page updated. Any questions please ask. First time RD so go easy ;-) |
| Deirdre Galvin | Feb 25 2024, 10:32am | This is a fabulous little mountain, and a cracker of a route for the trail speedsters among you. Some nice technical bits as well as lots of flowy fire roads. It's also a lovely race route for someone looking to make the switch between road and trail. |
| Dara O'Brien | Feb 25 2024, 11:30am | I can second what Deirdre has said. Brandon Hill is a gem for trail running, varied terrain, some lovely climbs and some great, flowing downhills. Add in some great views from the summit and the occasional herd of wild goats and you’ll have a great day out. Fair dues to Rory and Co. for getting it back on the list. As an aside, in Graiguenamanagh (about 5km from the start/finish) there’s a riverside sauna now in operation (hotbox.ie) with a plunge pool directly in the Barrow river. Might be a nice way to sooth the tight muscles for those who are that way inclined. I’ll be driving from Graiguenamanagh so, in light of limited parking, if anyone wants to park there, I’m happy to do a few shuttle runs up and back to the start/finish area. It would be great to see a good crowd there. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Mar 2 2024, 8:34am | Event page updated with more detailed route description to whet your appetites. Also potential move of prize giving location to be confirmed (which it is rumoured might include a Sauna and cold plunge) |
| Seán Lonergan | Mar 6 2024, 11:13am | Anyone plan on doing a recce of the route before the race? |
| Rory Leadbetter | Mar 6 2024, 2:30pm | I hadn’t planned an official one but if there’s a demand I’m happy to oblige |
| Rory Leadbetter | Mar 10 2024, 5:48pm | Ok I have 4/5 for a recce so the date and time that suits folk best is Saturday 23rd of March @1pm. Full route nice and easy probably allow 2:45. Please contact me ahead of the date if you’re coming. rory.leadbetter@gmail.com Nothing provided but company ;-) |
| Rory Leadbetter | Mar 21 2024, 11:37pm | Last call for those interested in the recce this Saturday @1 pm |
| Eoin Phelan | Apr 1 2024, 10:06am | It would probably be better to call this Brandon hill half instead as Mt Brandon is in Kerry |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 1 2024, 1:14pm | Agreed, I had intended to do this when I was appointed RD but forgot. |
| Eoin Phelan | Apr 5 2024, 1:54pm | Hi Rory, I have signed up for the race but I can volunteer to help with anything needed on the morning of the race? let me know if I can help and I will volunteer as a helper. Thanks, Eoin |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 5 2024, 3:29pm | Hi Eoin, that’d be great! I’m sure we could use you for the early start (if required) and sign In! All volunteers welcome as always. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 10 2024, 8:33pm | Hi folks, quick shout out for volunteers. We could still use some more course Marshalls, a summit Marshall and a laptop operator. The grub after alone will be worth the trip :-) And do remember, this is race 2 of the Leinster Half Marathon (LHM) League :-0 |
| Katie Mullan | Apr 12 2024, 6:59pm | Hi I'm new to trail race running, is there a time cut off for this race? I live in kilkenny so it would be close. I saw the shorter mt Leinster but there minimal signage along that route. Is the signage only at important junctions manageable for a beginner? |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 12 2024, 9:42pm | Hi Katie, the route will be well marked and marshalled so you won’t get lost. We hadn’t discussed cut offs, we may accommodate an “early start” (probably @10am) for runners who feel they might take more than 160% of the estimated winning time. This is for a few reasons, mainly that we’re not up on the hill all day and that everyone is back at the start/finish in time to get a bit of food (we’re doin a BBQ for all runners and volunteers) I think most people who run with IMRA remember their first race fondly, you’ll find a great bunch of folk with no egos, airs or graces and you’ll find they’re more than happy to impart knowledge and experience to a newbie. I’d implore anyone considering it to have a go. {Caveat: it’s highly addictive} |
| Katie Mullan | Apr 14 2024, 8:22pm | Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I was definitely conscious of not having me holding people up there. Thanks so much again for encouragement and advice |
| Andre Van Barneveld | Apr 14 2024, 10:33pm | Hi, any link to a GPX of the route from the recce? Thanks |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 15 2024, 7:39am | Not at all Katie. Hope we see you on the day. Andre there’s a link on the event page to Strava route, that any good to you? If not I can try get a proper GPX up later today. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 15 2024, 7:41am | I’ve bumped the Strava link to the top of the “route description” section. Here it is below https://strava.app.link/UDmhBI9usHb |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 15 2024, 7:45am | Ok, lucky I checked that as it’s the old route. Here’s the actual route. https://strava.app.link/RscDH8ueOIb |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 15 2024, 11:34am | I have a GPX file now (credit: DarDar) if anyone wants it send me an email rory.leadbetter@gmail.com |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 16 2024, 11:49am | Anyone looking to avail of the early start please email me on the above address also. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 18 2024, 10:34pm | https://www.instagram.com/reel/C56mCLLMZx_/?igsh=cm5iYzV5eXlqa3k3 Teaser featuring Lonan and Patrick (thanks lads :-)) |
| Andy Keeling | Apr 22 2024, 10:58am | I'm heading to the race on Saturday but I'm afraid I'm car-less. Sorted for a lift down but if anyone would happen to have a spare seat after the race travelling towards the m50 or to a bus/train to Dublin It would be greatly appreciated. Happy to chip in for fuel/post race ice cream. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 24 2024, 9:46am | Quick update: Mandatory kit: Level B. Please be familiar with this, it will be checked. Early start: 10am (please email me if you have not) Prizegiving: finish line (1,2&3 M&F) Grub: finish line Burgers (any dietary requirements please email me ASAP and we will try accommodate) Water stop: 12.5 & 19km (please have your own collapsible cup or water bottle) Please carpool and please remember to leave no trace. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 24 2024, 4:48pm | I’ve had some reports of people having difficulty registering. It is being looked into. It may not be resolved today but will be resolved by tomorrow afternoon. |
| Laura-Anne Molloy | Apr 24 2024, 5:23pm | Andy if you still need a lift after race we will have a spot in our car, we will be going back to the Midlands via Carlow or Kilkenny then onto Portlaoise if any of those worked for you to get a train to Heuston. I've the spot in the carpool if that works. |
| Andy Keeling | Apr 24 2024, 5:44pm | Hey Laura Anne. Thank you but all sorted now via the carpool section. See you at the race! |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 25 2024, 3:02pm | Hi folks, It has been brought to my attention that the recent spate of entries to the Brandon Hill half Marathon have coincided with us adding a picture of the post race Burgers to the information page, and that some competitors, just after the burger are planning to run out of sight and feign injury and limp back. There will be no burger for any competitor that DNFs In the 1st km. Also, please could everybody consider carpooling to cut down on our carbon footprint and also because we have a limited amount of space for cars at The venue. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 25 2024, 9:32pm | Latest edition to race day: Viv’s Tea hut will be on site at the start/finish line with the best coffee and tea in the south east! Please bring a few sheckles with you as this is not covered by the race fee. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 26 2024, 5:48pm | Entries are just about to close folks, Get yourselves in before it’s too late! And please, please, please carpool in the morning. Early start register by 930 All others registered by 1030 please |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 26 2024, 7:49pm | Hi folks, just answering a few more FAQs There are no toilets on site at all, sorry. Carpooling is absolutely essential! Please carpool from home or from Graignemanagh (5km) or Thomastown (10km). There will be an independent tea/coffee van on site so please support. |
| Neil Gunning | Apr 27 2024, 4:44pm | Hey Rory & Team - thanks a million for running such a great event today - the marking, the parking, the volunteers and support along the route was fantastic - not to mention the burgers at the finish line - if that was how good your first race director role was - I’m looking forward to the next one already. Happy recovering to everyone |
| Conor Nolan | Apr 27 2024, 4:54pm | Really enjoyed the event. Everything Neil says + a great course. A bit of everything and runnable, except for that last climb... OMG, vying for most hated status with 'that climb' on Annagh Hill. I had to haul myself up by using the fence! Wouldn't have missed it for anything :) Hopefully it'll be back on the calendar next year. Roll on the next Leinster Half race in the Slieve Blooms. |
| Conor Nolan | Apr 27 2024, 4:56pm | An extra word of thanks to the course marshalls. Great encouragement all the way around. |
| Richard Nunan | Apr 27 2024, 5:01pm | Thanks Rory, Paul, Niamh, Lonan and team, felt like alot of work went into that course - well done and super Burgers! |
| Karen Crean | Apr 27 2024, 5:44pm | Great morning/ afternoon running Brandon Hill... Superbly marked course ....amazing support especially at the top of the last climb..Great encouraging chants from volunteers. Thanks Rory and all the crew. The Burgers were a lovely treat and great to have a coffee station also. Prizes are really special.. Thanks again K |
| Andy Keeling | Apr 27 2024, 5:57pm | Great race today. Hand blown glassware prizes for the podium finishers by the RD himself. A fresh burger for all upon finishing. Where else would you get that? Well done to all the organisers and crew. Special shoutout to Dierdre Galvin who acted as a motivational coach for the last climb. |
| Andy Keeling | Apr 27 2024, 6:04pm | Great race today. Hand blown glassware prizes for the podium finishers by the RD himself. A fresh burger for all upon finishing. Where else would you get that? Well done to all the organisers and crew. Thanks so much. Special shoutout to Dierdre Galvin who acted as a motivational coach for the last climb. |
| Colm Hassett | Apr 27 2024, 6:28pm | Fantastic event today Thanks to Rory and all the team for putting it all together, my first half and I have the banged up knees to prove it, |
| Martin Cullen | Apr 27 2024, 7:26pm | Great day in the hills today. Some tough climbs. Great race and burgers. Thanks for the shouts on the last Hill up, it was needed. Very well organised and thanks to the RD and Volunteers. |
| Rory Leadbetter | Apr 27 2024, 9:22pm | Thanks so much for all the feedback folks and I’m glad ye all had some type 2 fun in the South East today. Massive thanks to everyone who helped today happen. Special nod to Lonan who was as much RD as I was and Dara who did all the work on the phenomenal Burgers! Also to Liam Vines and Paul and Niamh Kelly without whom I think we would all be racing a lot less. Their help and assurance along the way made this not only enjoyable but actually pretty easy to pull off. I’d strongly encourage anyone thinking of RDing to get in touch because the supports are there and it has been a great experience. Lastly just want to thank all the volunteers again, without you guys these races just wouldn’t happen. It’s not a big ask to volunteer a couple of times a year, as the Sultans and Cloughie say “a man can have no greater love, than give 90 minutes to his friends. See ye on the hills ;-) |
| Angela Flynn | Apr 27 2024, 10:32pm | Best Route Marked EVER… thanks so much for today Rory, and all the hard work that went into it beforehand, no least the hand blown glasses. . Burgers at the finish , topped off by sauna and dip in the Barrow., now aren’t ye all jealous ye didn’t come to the ‘ancient east?’ |
| Linda Rowden | Apr 28 2024, 3:17pm | Big thanks to Rory and his team of volunteers for a fantastic day out on Mount Brandon. The route had a bit of everything and was so well marked. Special shout out to the marshals for all their words of encouragement, particularly Deirdre whose cheering and waving got me up that last steep climb. The burgers at the end were delicious, as was the sauna and river dip in The Barrow in lovely Graiguenamanagh. It was a fab day out!! |
| John Murphy74 | Apr 28 2024, 3:26pm | What a fantastic event. Well organised, lots of parking and a quick registartion.A great course with a bit of everything and a real sneaky last climb. Well done Rory and crew for a great day. And the bar for post race refreshments has been set impossibly high. It's not often you get a gourmet burger on the side of a hill, hats off to Dara O' Brien!! |
| Adrian Hennessy | Apr 28 2024, 8:36pm | Thanks Rory and crew for organising such a great race. Really nice route. Will hopefully encourage a few road runners in future years to give it a go on the hills. Flawless route marking by Lonan, a man who knows his way around that hill. The burgers topped it all off. |
| Stephen Bailie | Apr 28 2024, 9:01pm | Hated the final hill BUT Loved the burger |
| Peter Kehoe | Apr 28 2024, 10:09pm | Great event yesterday, some tough "hills", well done and thanks to everyone who was involved in organising and volunteering this race, the burgers were very welcome at the end! |
