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Facilities

This run has loads of parking space, but public transport is not an option. There are toilets in the old school house, but I don’t think this is open before the run.

Course

This is an out and back course, on grass the whole way, so a bit unusual in that respect. The course is flat, and goes along next to the canal, but due to soft surface you may not hit PB here. There are some interesting features along the way: there is an aqueduct where the canal goes over the river.

Coffee

I had a cup of tea after the run in the old schoolhouse. Runners brought cakes.

X Factor

There is a great community spirit on show at this run. Everybody went for tea afterwards and had a chat. This was fantastic.

Facilities

There is a lot of parking in the Lidl car park, but this is not very near the course start. The run is accessible to residents, and a public toilet is available.

Course

Course is around some playing fields and through a wooded area, though the end of the lap goes along by an unattractive metal fence. The park seems a bit run down in places. The route goes along by the river Lee where there is a broken weir.

Coffee

The post run coffee is in a café far away from the run, requiring a drive. Coffee itself was nice.

X Factor

There is a big participation in this run.

Facilities

There are tremendous facilities available at this run. There is plenty of parking, toilets and changing facilities and a shower in the local community centre! The run is located close to local residents and bus station.

Course

The course is varied, going around the football pitch and then back through the park along by the river. Some short and tough climbs included. The course loops back on itself twice and runners go in opposite directions on the same road, so can be confusing. Also, the road is shared with cars.

Coffee

Coffee is provided in the community centre where you go to scan your barcode after the run. Biscuits and water also provided.

X Factor

There is great community spirit with this run. Everybody goes and has a chat after the run. Also, great shouts of support along the run from other runners, which is very encouraging. Finally the run is located in the grounds of an old house, now mostly demolished, with some interesting history linked to the Guinness family and the Penn family.

Facilities

This run is easily accessible by bus and local residents. There is not that much parking and no toilets. Also the park was locked when I arrived, so I had to jump a gate to get in.

Course

This is a flat course, but a bit confusing. There are two laps and afterwards the run loops back on itself. The park has three windmills and, what I think is, a man-made waterfall. Generally pleasant with a lot of wild birds, but a busy road right next to the park.

Coffee

I had coffee in a local shop after the run, which was nothing special.

X Factor

This is one of the bigger runs around. Despite this, there seems to be a good community spirit which is often harder to find in the city runs, so it is commendable for that.

Facilities

There is adequate parking next to this run for the number of people participating, but a large crowd would not be facilitated. No public transport or toilets available.

Course

This is a great course through a wood and along by the sea. Very hilly with lots of ups and downs, so quite challenging.

Coffee

Coffee/tea served on a park bench near the finish line. I had a glass of water and a lollipop, which was great.

X Factor

As with Glengarriff, there is something special about being in West Cork. Good community spirit with this run. I got a big welcome at the start line from the organisers which was very nice.

Facilities

There is only street parking next to the park, but it is relatively accessible by bus and close to local housing. No toilet facilities are available.

Course

This is a flat course, around playing fields. One interesting feature in the park is the man made wetland, and there is good signage up to explain its purpose. Lots of wildlife around this as well.

Coffee

I had coffee from a local shop, close by.

X Factor

This run is very close to the site of the now demolished Ballymun towers. It was interesting for me to think what life was like in these once iconic buildings.

Facilities

There are good parking facilities at the basketball arena close to the start line, and good public transport options also. The park is a bit removed from local housing however. There are no toilet facilities.

Course

This is a mostly flat course around some playing fields. The course is made up of a strange mix of laps of different sections – slightly confusing so pay attention to the marshals.  The M50 is right next to the park and is quite audible.

Coffee

No café nearby so I had coffee on the way back.

X Factor

At one point in the run, after the first lap you are at a height and get a view of the runners in front of you. It’s good to see how the guys up front are getting on and inspires you to go faster.

Facilities

The course is very accessible for local residents and by public transport. There is also a small car park next to the start line, which fills up quickly on Saturday mornings. There are no toilets.

Course

The course is good and flat, and is paved so this is a great place for a PB. The park environs are fairly plain however, with some untidy concrete in places. There are some nice trees about.

Coffee

I went to some local shops for a coffee after the run. It was not that good unfortunately.

X Factor

There is a big participation at this run.

Facilities

The run is easy to get to with the Metro and public buses, though I admit it was a bit confusing getting from the Metro station to the run start. There is lots of parking at the site. No toilets though.

Course

The run takes place in a very nice park, with lots of big old trees. A relatively flat run, but with some sharp turns, and the route crosses a lot of other paths – which can be confusing/dangerous with other park users. The path is muddy in places.

Coffee

I got coffee in a local café afterwards. To my disappointment it was not very nice, but I had a croissant, which was fantastic.

X Factor

Well, it’s Paris.

Facilities

This course has a central location to the town so is accessible to local residents, with some parking on site. There are no toilets.

Course

The course is in a very nice park, that is well maintained. Throughout the park there is good and interesting signage about the trees and the history of the park. Good flat run, but with a few sharp turns and narrow paths.

Coffee

Unfortunately I had to skip coffee as I was in a rush this morning.

Run

Although this run has a central location to the town, the town is small and at times, you get the feeling you are running in the middle of the countryside – a good escape. Something of note is that the Ballygowan factory is next door to the park.