The inaugural Abbeyknockmoy Half Marathon, organised by Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club as a fundraiser, was on Sunday 12^th July. With 5K, 10K and half marathon distances on offer.  There was a great community feel from start to finish and a distance to suit everyone! The 10K course is particularly flat and fast, so that’s definitely one to consider next year if you’re looking for a PB.

Everything before the race ran smoothly. I got an email with all the key details – race number pick-up time and location as well as a map of the route which is always nice to have in advance! There was plenty of parking around the village, race number collection in the local pub beer garden was quick and easy, and there were no queues for the toilets which I loved! The 3 races had staggered start times which worked well. There are plenty of footpaths around the village and so it was very safe and easy to do a couple of km warm-up.

The half marathon route took in quiet country roads on a figure-of-eight course with gentle rolling hills. It wasn’t flat, but the elevation was enough to keep things interesting without ever feeling challenging. Although the quiet country roads weren’t closed, there were plenty of stewards throughout and it felt very safe and peaceful.

The real battle on the day was the heat. With a 10am start and very little shade, it was a tough morning for running. Thankfully, there were water stations at 5K, 10K, 15K and 18K, and every one of them was welcome and couldn’t come quick enough! I walked through them as I wanted to finish the kiddy sized water bottles rather than just take a gulp. The lady at the 10K water station also had gels, which I was very grateful for as the heat took more out of me than expected and I took the extra one she gave me as well as the 3 I had brought myself. The local support was brilliant too, children armed with water guns and even a garden hose along the route to cool us down. I definitely took full advantage of the hose before carrying on!

The finish area had a lovely atmosphere, with a nice medal and plenty of water, fruit, Coke and sandwiches waiting for runners. For a first-time event, everything was extremely well organised and the volunteers were friendly.

Abbeyknockmoy was a relaxed, welcoming local race that got all the important things right. I’ll definitely be putting it back on my race calendar next year!