Facilities

This parkrun is located at the end of a cul de sac, and there is a small car park there. With a large crowd the car park would fill up pretty quickly, but cars could park along the side of the road. The start of the run is right next to Ballina Soccer Club, and I believe that the toilets in the clubhouse are available to parkrunners after the run. The run is located about a ten minute walk from the centre of Ballina, so is accessible to the town residents. Finally, Ballina is serviced by a rail link from Foxford, Castlebar and Westport.

Course

This run is an out and back course. There are several spurs off the main path so it is worth paying attention to where you are going, but I think it is pretty straightforward. The course is paved all the way, but can get muddy after a heavy rainfall with run-off from the surrounding woodland. The course is mostly flat with a few “pinch” climbs. The course goes through a mature woodland that skirts along the river Moy, which makes for very beautiful surroundings.

Coffee

Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow me to enjoy a post run coffee at this event.

X Factor

The park that this run goes through is very picturesque. It has an interesting history, not least the fascinating story of the SS Crete Boom which is lying on the bed of the river Moy. The run is organised by a large, friendly and enthusiastic group of volunteers which is always nice to see.