Mayo coastal run organised to mark towns bicentenary

The Great Erris Run has been organised to coincide with the town’s bicentenary and get the community of North Mayo out into the great outdoors. 

Taking place, Saturday, August 10, the five and ten kilometre challenge, takes in the concept of ‘green exercise’ or training within nature.  

The run is set to become an annual event due to many reasons including its health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, reduced stress and a positive effect on mood.

As the route takes in a magnificent part of the Erris coastline, with views of Broadhaven and Blacksod Bays, it also provides ‘blue exercise’, physical activity in the presence of water.

Runners are encouraged to bring their togs for a post-race dip in the Belmullet Tidal Pool or one of the many deserted sandy beaches on the peninsula. 

Belmullet Tidal Pool was recently included in the ‘66 most beautiful and culturally significant sea pools from around the world’ in Christopher Romer-Lee’s book Sea Pools. 

Curative Powers of Blue Exercise

Healing powers from sea air and salt water have been long documented.  

Laden with important trace elements such as iodine and magnesium which helps regulate muscles and nerve functionality, the sound of the sea is also said to balance your circadian rhythm, allowing better sleep.

Additionally, it aids better breathing, as sea air has a higher salt content than regular air making it thicker, and helps to clear your throat and respiratory system.

Training outside also increases our intake of vitamin D, which is important after a 202 Oireachtas report recommended every adult in Ireland to supplement the vitamin due to remarkable levels of deficiency. 

Taking place Saturday, August 10 to mark the opening of the Belmullet festival week, all over 18’s are welcome to take part

Entry is €32, which includes a T-shirt, medal and post-race refreshments.

In preparation for the race, operated by local gym M Fitness, organisers are starting a run club on Sunday mornings from July 14.

 Open to all abilities, the free club run will offer both runners and walkers a chance to have their questions answered at the chat and coffee afterwards, where trainers and coaches can advise on challenges of the race.

Michael Doocey, MD of M Fitness said: “It’s all about pacing yourself with proper warmups, and we can advise on everything from frequency of training and footwear to proper breathing methods and smartwatches,

“The terrain for the Great Erris Run is really what sets it apart as it's flat, so it’s great for novices,” he added.