The Story of Portmarnock AC
Founded in the early 2010s, Portmarnock Athletics Club has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in the sport of athletics. With a strong emphasis on participation, inclusion, and fun, the club has grown steadily in membership, serving everyone from enthusiastic kids taking their first strides in running to adults rekindling their love of sport or chasing personal fitness goals.
The Velvet Strand, with its firm, flat sand, has long served as the club’s unofficial training ground, ideal for everything from relaxed runs to group sessions. Hosting a beach race felt like a natural extension of the club’s identity: connected to the coast, welcoming to all, and driven by the love of running.
Run the Velvet Strand: Portmarnock AC’s Iconic 5K Beach Race Returns!
Get ready to make waves - Portmarnock Athletics Club’s annual 5km Beach Race is back this summer, promising fun, fitness, and seaside excitement on one of Dublin’s most scenic stretches of sand!
Set for Friday, August 22nd, 2025, this unique event takes place on the breathtaking Velvet Strand, a golden beach nestled in the heart of Portmarnock on Dublin’s Northside. Known for its firm sand and panoramic views of Ireland’s Eye and Howth Head, it’s no wonder this race has become a summer staple for runners of all levels across Ireland.
The Portmarnock AC Beach Race has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most beloved summer events on the Dublin running calendar.
What began as a grassroots idea, celebrating the club’s seaside roots and the unique training ground that is the Velvet Strand, has become an annual gathering of runners, families, and fitness lovers from all over Leinster and beyond.
Early editions of the race featured a tight-knit group of local runners, with volunteers marking out the course by hand and timing done with stopwatches. But word quickly spread about the fun and friendly atmosphere, the stunning scenery, and the rare chance to race on the sand.
Over the years, the event has expanded to include a Juvenile 2K race, a colourful fun dash for kids, and a festival-like atmosphere complete with free ice cream and music. Despite its growth, it has held tightly to its community spirit, run by club members, supported by local sponsors, and powered by the people of Portmarnock.
The race has also attracted a wide range of runners, from elite athletes looking to challenge themselves on a unique course, to beginners tackling their first-ever timed event. And all of them leave with sandy shoes, happy memories, and often, a personal best.
Why Run This Beach Race?
More than just a race, the Portmarnock 5K is a celebration of community, activity, and the joy of running in nature. Whether you're chasing a fast time or just want to soak up the good vibes, this race delivers:
✅ Fast, flat course on hard-packed beach sand
✅ Free ice cream for all participants
✅ Free race T-shirt for the first 500 senior entries (sizes subject to availability)
✅ A fantastic Juvenile 2K for U15 runners (€5 entry)
✅ A Free Kids Colour Dash for the youngest beach sprinters
And the real reward? The atmosphere. There’s something magical about running beside the sea as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, cheered on by friends, family, and a community that knows how to put on a great show.
Event Schedule – Friday, August 22nd, 2025
- 🎨 6:00 PM – Free Kids Colour Dash
- 🏃 6:30 PM – Juvenile 2K (U15) (€5*)
- 🏁 7:00 PM – Senior 5K Beach Race (€25*)
*Booking fees apply.
🧢 Race T-shirts for first 500 senior entries.
Made Possible by Our Sponsors
This year’s race is proudly sponsored by:
- DAA – Supporting local community and active living
- BDO – Helping build strong foundations in sport and business
- Active Cities Dublin – Promoting movement, inclusion, and health across the capital
Their involvement helps keep the race affordable, family-friendly, and focused on what matters most, encouraging people of all backgrounds to get active and enjoy sport.
Register Today!
Registration is now open at myrunresults.com. Spots fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most scenic and uplifting events of the year.
Whether you’re a club runner, a casual jogger, or just someone looking for a special way to spend a Friday evening, this is your race.
See you on the sand this August!
