Achill all set for popular Half Marathon and 10k

Achill all set for popular Half Marathon and 10k


John Nestor

The 2014 Achill Half Marathon and 10k event is fast approaching, taking place on Saturday, July 5. The buzz and excitement is growing around the island as the signs are beginning to appear along the routes.
The half marathon route is set to the backdrop of Achill’s wild scenery.  Starting from Keel Sandybanks, the route heads east with a long slow climb to Bunnacurry.  The route then heads north towards Valley and on through Dugort village.  The return route to Keel is along the base of Slievemore with the view of the Minaun Cliffs and Keel beach giving the athletes a great boost as they can see the finishing line in the distance.  The runners pass three Blue Flag beaches as they complete the course and all of the route is along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, showcasing Achill’s rugged coastline.
The 10k route also starts and finishes in Keel, but the shorter route avoids the climb to Bunnacurry and cuts across towards Dugort and then back along the base of Slievemore,  joining the competitors for the Half Marathon on the homeward run.
Achill Tourism and Achill Event Management organise the event each year. This is a mammoth task and involves months of planning and organising. Over 200 volunteers are needed for the event, which in 2013 had over 1,400 competitors in both races.
Achill Tourism will shortly be issuing a new 2014 Tourist information map for the Island and is also working had on a number of other big events coming up including Feile na Mara, Achill’s festival of the sea.  Achill Tourism is also working with Mayo County Council, Failte Ireland, and local representatives to help develop the marketing products for Achill and further develop facilities for visitors.
The Achill Half Marathon is a very important contributor to the economy of the island.  It attracts a large number of weekend visitors, both competitors and families, and provides a great boost the accommodation and service providers on the island. The spend from visitors in local businesses over the race weekend in 2013 was approx. €475,000, a great boost for a rural community.
The Children’s Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin is the chosen charity for this year’s race 2014 and the total entry fee for 100 places in each race will go directly to the charity.