Facilities

This parkrun located in the south of Dublin city is easily accessible by bus and is well serviced by many routes. Allow ample time to get to the start line from the bus, however, as the park is quite big. There is a large car park available, but this event is very well attended so it fills up quickly. There are also toilets available in the park, though not near the start line

Course

This course is possibly best described as pan shaped, with two out and back spurs in the loop. You don’t double back on the same path, however, so it feels like one big loop. All turns are well sign-posted. The course is mostly flat but does have a small incline in the first kilometre. The surface is mostly paved, with one short gravel section. The park surroundings are fantastic, and the course brings you around to the big lawns and playing fields, the wood, and the pond.

Coffee

For post run coffee there is a café near the old big house, and there is also a market there on Saturday mornings. This gives a great atmosphere to the place and there are tasty treats and coffee available.

X Factor

Other than the very pleasant surroundings of Marlay park, something very special about this event is the sheer scale of it. There is a huge participation and it is great to see so many people out and active. The organisational ability of the volunteers is also impressive.