Scariff will come together on Sunday, 4th October for the Fr Joe McMahon Memorial Run, with a 5K and 10K giving runners, walkers and families an opportunity to remember a much loved figure in the East Clare community.
With less than a month remaining until race day, entries are now open here.
The action gets under way at 12 noon, with both distances professionally chip timed. There is also a prize fund of up to €600, giving the quicker runners something substantial to target at the front of the field.
The event is not simply about finishing positions and times, though. At its heart is an opportunity for the people of Scariff and the wider East Clare area to remember Fr Joe and support local community initiatives.
Remembering Fr Joe McMahon
Born in Miltown Malbay in 1949, Fr Joe attended St Flannan’s College before beginning his studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was ordained in 1973 and returned to St Flannan’s that same year, beginning an association with the school which would last for four decades.
During that time, he taught Irish and Latin and worked for many years as a guidance counsellor. He later served as Vice President and then President of the college.
St Flannan’s College remembered his kindness, empathy, mischievous personality and quick wit, along with the warm welcome and sound advice he offered generations of students.
In 2014, Fr Joe became parish priest of Scariff and continued serving communities across East Clare until his death on 10th November 2024.
His contribution stretched well beyond church life. Local representatives recalled his support for music, culture and community groups, as well as his programme on Scariff Bay Community Radio and the care he offered to people throughout the area.
The memorial run provides a fitting way to continue that community spirit.
Two Distances and a Place for Everyone
Those looking for a proper Sunday road race can take on the 10K, while the 5K provides a shorter option for adults, children, families and walkers.
The 10K entry costs €30, with the adult 5K priced at €25 and the child 5K costing €15. Family entry is available for €60, covering two adults and two children. Families can enter the 5K together, while there is also an option for the adults to tackle the 10K as the children complete the 5K.
Scariff is no stranger to community road racing. Previous 10K routes have brought competitors from the town centre towards the surrounding East Clare countryside, with views across Holy Island and Lough Derg providing a fine backdrop once the hard work begins.
The full route for the 2026 memorial event has yet to be outlined, but runners can expect full event support and water stations along the way.
Two Distances and a Place for Everyone
Those looking for a proper Sunday road race can take on the 10K, while the 5K provides a shorter option for adults, children, families and walkers.
The 10K entry costs €30, with the adult 5K priced at €25 and the child 5K costing €15. Family entry is available for €60, covering two adults and two children. Families can enter the 5K together, while there is also an option for the adults to tackle the 10K as the children complete the 5K.
Scariff is no stranger to community road racing. Previous 10K routes have brought competitors from the town centre towards the surrounding East Clare countryside, with views across Holy Island and Lough Derg providing a fine backdrop once the hard work begins.
Registration will take place at Scariff GAA Clubhouse, with both distances starting from Main Street.
Full details of the 2026 courses have not yet been published, but water stations and full event support will be provided.
What Runners Can Expect
Every participant who crosses the finish line will receive a medal, while the first 250 entrants will also get an event t shirt.
Official photographers will be present to capture the action, from the battle for the leading prizes to the families and walkers enjoying the morning at their own pace.
The combination of professional timing, prize money and two distance options gives the event a competitive edge without losing the welcoming atmosphere expected from a local community race.
Event Essentials
📍 Location: Scariff, County Clare
📅 Date: Sunday, 4th October 2026
🕛 Start Time: 12 noon
🏃 Distances: 5K and 10K
💶 10K Entry: €30
💶 Adult 5K Entry: €25
💶 Child 5K Entry: €15
👨👩👧👦 Family Entry: €60
⏱️ Timing: Professionally chip timed
👕 T Shirt: First 250 entrants
🏅 Finisher Medal: For every participant
🏆 Prize Fund: Up to €600
🚰 Course Support: Water stations and full event support
📸 Photography: Official event photography
🌐 Cause: Supporting local community initiatives
🖊️ Entries can be secured here:
https://racereg.org/events/1e6c170c-9ade-4a20-8ee8-a1aa5ee222ac
