Glen of Aherlow Trail Half-Marathon
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Cunningham | Aug 19 2024, 1:36pm | Aherlow half open for entry |
| Patricia Ryan | Sep 6 2024, 10:51am | Entries for the 10 year anniversary of the Loop de Loop in Aherlow are coming in thick and fast. Don't miss out, get your entry in. This is always one of the most popular events on our calendar. |
| Patricia Ryan | Sep 16 2024, 12:41pm | Aherlow Trail Races This year 2024 marks 10 years since the inaugural IMRA Aherlow Trail race event. Originally called the Loop de Loop, this event was conceived in 2014 by Mark Morrissey. Consisting of a 63k Ultra, a 42k Marathon and a 21k Half Marathon. All 3 races ran over a 21k loop of the trails through Coillte forestry in the scenic Glen Of Aherlow. Crossing Slievenamuck and taking in some fantastic views of the Galty Mountains. The 3 race distance format has proven to be very successful with the Ballyhoura and Glanageenty races following a similar format. Ultra (Stag Course) 3 loops of the 21k course with 300 meters of climbing in each loop. Barry Hartnett set the current record for completing the ultra in 2016 in a blistering time of 5:04:37. The women’s record was set by Donna McLoughlin, who has held the fastest time to complete the ultra since the first race was held in 2014 with a time of 6:43:06. Marathon (Fox course) 2 loops of a the 21k course. The record for the Marathon is held by local man Tom Blackburn, who designed the course and set the record in 2015 with a excellent time of 3:06:01. Tom also won this race 4 years in a row from 2015-2018. The woman’s record was set in 2015 as well by Suzanne Kelly in 3:43:56, Suzanne also won the half marathon in 2014. Half Marathon (Hare course) There have been a few small changes to the course since its creation. But for 2024 it will revert to a course reminiscent to the original one. The record for the half Marathon is currently held by Stuart Maloney who set a time of 1:22:10 in 2017 The women’s record was seized by Kealey Tideswell just last year in 2023 with a time of 1:35:47. Kealey has won the half marathon race 3 times in total with two consecutive wins in 2022 and 2023. Volunteers. The success of this event over the last 10 years has been made possible by the immense help from volunteers. The likes of Jane and Ger Griffin, Willie O’Donoghue, Lynda Hynes, John Cunningham and the Aherlow community. Everyone who has given their time over the years have been a huge help as they guide, hydrate and support runners on the trails. Every participant receives an IMRA Munster Long Sleeved T-shirt and there are prizes for the top three finishers male and female in each race. Showers are provided by Aherlow GAA. The refreshments and chats afterwards in Lisvernane community centre are always a delight. Sign up at https://www.imra.ie/events |
| Patricia Ryan | Sep 18 2024, 9:59pm | To those who register before 6pm this Friday: we hope your looking forward to your race around the trails of The Glen of Aherlow this coming Saturday 21st September. The Half Marathon race starts and finishes in the village of Lisvernane Co. Tipperary at 11am. Early start is at 10.30am ONLY for those who will take 3hours + to finish the race, not for your own convenience, you must tell us at sign-in if taking the early start & please tell us this when you cross the finish line also. Parking in the GAA field, stewards will direct you. No parking in the village. Sign-in is in the Community Centre which is in front of the parking area. Sign-in is open from 10.05am to 10.45am, no earlier or later as you may end up running the marathon! It is imperative that you sign-in so we know how many runners we have on the day. You can collect your 2024 race number here if you have not done so already this year. Collect your T-shirt here too. There are changing rooms and showers available in the GAA dressing rooms behind the community centre. Toilets and corridors of the community centre are not for changing or washing off mud. Self-service water stations for the Half Marathon are located at approx. 8k, 12k, 16k (top-up only, no cups or bottles provided) Mandatory kit: Rain proof jacket, Phone, charged & not on silent, (with race directors number saved) given out at sign-in. Your own water, no bottles or cups provided at water stations, only top-ups. There are a few short road sections so be mindful of traffic. Collect your sandwich, drink and crisps in the community centre after race. Please keep toilets and community centre clean and tidy. No littering the trails, community centre, village or parking area etc. Please be respectful of the local residents and follow the instructions of the volunteer stewards. See you all on Saturday. (No registration after Friday 6pm) |
| Mags Hassett | Sep 21 2024, 5:20pm | Huge thanks to Tricia, Robert and all the volunteers for a super race around the Glen of Aherlow. |
| Michael McSweeney | Sep 21 2024, 8:06pm | Thanks to Tricia, Rob and crew. Great day out. |
| Caroline Reid | Sep 21 2024, 8:22pm | Many thanks Patricia, Robert and all the team for great day! Much appreciated. |
| Brian Flannelly | Sep 22 2024, 5:21pm | Results are now up for this event - any questions/queries on them, please email: brian <dot> flannelly <at> imra <dot> ie |
| Patricia Ryan | Sep 22 2024, 9:50pm | Huge thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time yesterday to help make the Aherlow Loop de Loop happen. |
