Category: Race Report

Facilities

There is plenty of parking available at this parkrun for those who chose to drive to the event. However, if cycling is an option there is quite a good dedicated cycle path from Portadown to the parkrun. There are toilets on-site but no changing rooms.  For public transport, there are services to the nearby shopping centre from where you can walk to the park.

Course

This course is made up of one big lap of around the two lakes in the park. The route is almost entirely paved. Although this is not a flat course the amount of climbing to do is quite small. The Belfast-Dublin train line goes through the park, which results in the odd thunderous roar of a passing train, but other than this the park is secluded and very quiet. There are lots of mature trees and nice views out over the lakes. There is also a petting farm close to the start line, which is a great distraction for kids.

Coffee

Parkrunnners can get a post run coffee in the nearby shopping centre.

X Factor

This is a great location to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning, especially for families. After the run, a trip to the petting farm or the gardens would keep all occupied.

Facilities

For those who choose to drive to this parkrun there is ample parking available all along the Lakeland Forum. Public transport is an option too with the bus station being next to the park, though I am unsure what buses get in on time for parkrun. Of course, this parkrun being located in the centre of town means that it is within easy walking or jogging distance for most residents. There are no changing facilities on site, and there are toilets available in the Forum building after 10am.

Course

The course begins on a rather old-school running track made up of clay I think. It then progresses to the river bank and out to three laps of some playing fields and then back to the start along the river bank again. There is no clear path in some parts but there are cones laid down and marshalls guide you along in various parts of the course. The route is paved and mostly flat except for a pretty tough hill at the far end of the playing field which has to be covered three times. There are lots of pleasure boats on the river and some nice sights along it so plenty to keep the mind occupied as you go around.

Coffee

Coffee is had in the tea rooms of the historic Enniskillen Castle after the run.

X Factor

Writing is a skill well honed in Enniskillen with Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and Neil Hannon all educated in the town.

 

Facilities

This parkrun is a good bit out from the city centre but is still accessible by bus. However, as it is so far out there is also a large car park, though it does fill up. There are toilets and changing facilities near the start line.

Course

This course is made up of two and a bit laps around the Queens sports complex. The path is mostly gravel though there are large paved sections. The path narrows very quickly after the start, and given the large participation at this parkrun it can get quite congested. So, if you are aiming for a good time, try to make sure you are close to the start of the group. Getting a good time here is possible, but there are some fun ups and downs along the way which may slow your pace. There are many twists and turns but all are either marshalled or signposted.

Coffee

The post run coffee is had in the clubhouse next to the finish line. As always this is a great opportunity to meet and get to talk to your fellow parkrunnners

X Factor

As mentioned, this parkrun takes place in the Queens University sports complex. It is a very impressive facility. I was also impressed to see a large volunteer turnout at this event, particularly the participation of the Falcon running group.

Facilities

There is a small car park at this park in the east of Belfast city, but with a large contingent of parkrunnners the car park can fill up quite quickly. Public transport or walking may be a better options as a result. There is a toilet at the park, but no changing facilities.

Course

This is a fast, flat course made up of three laps around the park. The entire route is paved and sheltered so is a great spot to attempt a PB. The main feature in the park is the central pond, which is surrounded by mature trees providing many appealing views throughout the park. There is also a well maintained rose bed in the park, which is worth a visit.

Coffee

Coffee is had in the bowling club in the park.

X Factor

This run takes place in the shadows of the Harland and Wolff ship yard cranes, one of the most iconic sights of Belfast. There is much history associated with this site, not least of which is the building of the Titanic.

Facilities

This parkrun is easily accessible by public transport given its urban location about two miles north of Belfast city centre. Parking is limited however. There are toilets available close to the start line, but no changing facilities.

Course

This is a two lap course around the reservoirs in the park. The route is entirely paved. The park is on two levels and the lap is mostly flat on either level but there is a heartbreaking climb from the lower level to the upper level. Be prepared. The course had distance markers which are always useful for gauging the effort required and there are marshals at the major turns. The park itself is peaceful with nice views out over the water.

Coffee

Parkrunnners have coffee and refreshments at the pavilion near the finish line. A great opportunity to talk about how tough the hill was.

X Factor

At all parkruns it is important to be mindful of other park users. This spirit of mutual respect was exemplified in Waterworks where the start was delayed to allow some geese and ducks to move from the path.

Facilities

This parkrun is very easy to get to. Located in the middle of Belfast there is a bus service that goes by the park.  If you drive, there is plenty of car parking space next to the start line. Toilets and changing facilities are available in the leisure centre close to the start line.

Course

The course is made up of two laps, one short lap followed by one longer lap. The entire course is paved, and is mostly flat though there are a few small short climbs. The park surroundings are very pleasant, with large mature trees, open fields and lots of shrubbery. The course goes through some of the groves which, with the cool air under the trees, is very welcome on a warm day.

Coffee

Parkrunnners enjoy a coffee in the park at the finish line, a great opportunity to chat and discuss the run.

X Factor

There is a huge participation at this parkrun, with hundreds of people doing it every week. This is impressive given there are lots of parkruns in Belfast, and goes to show how popular parkrun is.

Facilities

This parkrun located in the Belfast suburbs is easily accessible by public transport, with many buses running by the park. Parking is a bit limited around the park so public transport would be the best option to get here. This parkrun shares facilities with the bowling club, where there are toilets and changing facilities available.

Course

This course consists of three laps, one shorter lap followed by two larger laps. The course is well marshalled and there are way markets painted on the path also. The course is paved throughout, and is well sheltered. However, there is plenty of climbing to do in this parkrun so don’t expect a PB. The park itself is very picturesque, with well maintained flower beds, mature trees and views of the mountains around Belfast.

Coffee

Parkrunnners gather in the bowling club after the run for coffee. A great opportunity to discuss the run once you’ve caught your breath after all those hills.

X Factor

Tá alán gaeilgeoirí in iarthar Béal Feirste, agus is breá leo gaeilge a caint. Is rud deas é mo chuid gaeilge a labhairt agus tá seans mhaith ann anseo é a chleachtadh.

Facilities

This run is located in a rural setting on the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry, and so, public transport is not an option for getting to this run. There is a good sized car park however for those that drive to the run. There are public toilets available in the car park, but no changing facilities.

Course

This parkrun takes place on Inch Beach, which is a long sand bar sticking out from the Dingle peninsula. The route could not be more simple; it consists of running from the start line down the beach to the turnaround point and then running back to the start line. The route is flat and is exposed to the Atlantic ocean to the west. Being on a beach, the surface is of course sand, which provides its own unique challenges. Generally the closer to the water the more tightly compacted the sand is. There are however several soft spots, which will slow you down. All in all, this is probably not the parkrun to attempt a PB. The surroundings are magnificent, with breathtaking views of the Iveragh peninsula to the south, and the Dingle peninsula to the north.

Coffee

Being a popular beach on the tourist trail there are two cafes close to the start line where parkrunners can go to enjoy their post run coffees.

X Factor

The more I visit it, the more I learn that the west of Ireland is a special place. Its scenery, its culture, its soul always leaves me with an indescribable sense of well being. This event captures everything about the west of Ireland that makes it such a wonderful place.

Facilities

This parkrun takes place in a park with a caravan park next to it so toilet and changing facilities are available and are very good. Parking is available at the park and there is a bus from Newry every Saturday morning which should get you here in time for the bus.

Course

This is a hilly run, which is not surprising given that Rostrevor is nestled in the foothills of the Mourne mountains. The run consists of two laps of the course, and is mostly made up of gravel surfaces. Although it is a tough course, it is very enjoyable, with plenty of twists and turns; plenty to keep your mid occupied. As you go around the course you will be treated to some beautiful scenes and vistas, including a run along a riverbank, a run through a forest, and great views over Carlingford Lough on a clear day.

Coffee

Coffee is had in a cafe at the top of the park. There are large windows in this cafe with great views out over the park and the surrounding area.

X Factor

There is a great history and folklore to this place, with Finn McCool himself making an appearance as the person to have thrown the Cloughmore on top of the mountain behind the park. CS Lewis also had connections with Rostrevor, so much so that there are many Narnia inspired features in the park, including the door to Narnia, which you go through during the run, and the famous lamp post on the other side of the door.

Facilities

This is a rural parkrun, so it is not really accessible by public transport, though there is a bus that services the nearby village of Rathdrum. There is, however, a large car park at the location. There are also toilets next to the car park, but no changing facilities.

Course

This is a very hilly course, so I would not recommend coming here if you want to do a fast 5k. The hills are great training however, so if you want to build up your strength, give this course a go. The course is made up of two loops, which veer off in different directions from the start line. The first, smaller loop is to the right, and the second longer loop is to the left. The course surface is mostly gravel and chippings. It is a bit uneven in places, and after rainfall can be slippy, so watch your step. This run is located in a forest and you are almost always surrounded by trees as you make your way around the course, which provide shelter from the elements. The trees also provide some beautiful scents along the course depending on the conditions and the time of year. Despite the toughness of the course I found this run to be very enjoyable. The downhill sections can be quite fast, and there is the odd clearing in the woods which allows you to see how the course loops back on itself.

Coffee

There is a cafe in Avondale House located close to the start line, but this is only open during the summer months. It looks like it would be a lovely setting for a post run coffee. When it is not open there are a few options for a good breakfast and coffee in the nearby village of Rathdrum.

X Factor

I attended this event on the inaugural run, which was a first for me. There is a lot of hard work needed to set up a parkrun and it was great to see all this work come to fruition. This was also a special run for me personally as I got to meet for the first time some Irish parkrun royalty in the form of the other die-hard tourists in this country.