The Ratoath AC Half Marathon is back this coming Saturday, and once again it’s sold out. For a race that only launched in 2018, that kind of demand says it all.
Race Director Siobhéal Murray calls it “all about teamwork”, crediting a committee of club members who handle everything from logistics to refreshments. The event is the club’s biggest fundraiser, but it’s also become a fixture for anyone eyeing a personal best before Dublin.
From 5K to Half Marathon
The race grew out of a popular local 5K. As the running boom gathered pace, so too did demand for a longer test. Fairyhouse quickly emerged as the perfect venue. “Not many races can say their finish line is the same as one of Ireland’s most famous horse-racing venues,” Murray says.
That finish line under the grandstand has become the event’s calling card. Spectators can watch runners come through at mile 11, then catch them again as they enter the arena to the sound of cheers.
Course and Pacing
The tagline “fast, flat and PB-focused” has proven accurate. Murray does warn newcomers not to get fooled when they re-enter the gates at mile 11. There’s still a lap of the track to go, with a drag at mile 12 that punishes anyone who’s gone out too hard.
Pacers from 1:30 to 2:10 add to the atmosphere, and every year participants credit them for helping to deliver PBs. “They don’t just keep people on pace, they keep them encouraged,” says Murray.
Community Effort
The half marathon is as much a Meath community project as a road race. Alongside Ratoath AC members are groups like Ratoath Wheelers, the Men’s Shed, First Responders, and GAA volunteers. Meath Civil Defence and Gardaí provide vital support on the day.
The atmosphere reflects that effort. Murray says runners often comment on “the stewards, the cyclists handing out jellies, and the sheer friendliness of the event.”
Logistics Sorted
Few races are easier to get to: 10,000 parking spaces right beside the start and finish, HQ on site, and toilets and refreshments within minutes. But that convenience can backfire if people cut it too fine. Murray urges runners to be parked up by 7.30 to 8.00am to avoid missing the 9.00am gun.
Medals and goodie bags are waiting at the line, with optional t-shirts introduced to cut down on waste. Free tea and coffee in the Jameson Room afterwards adds to the sense of occasion.
Elites at the Front, Milestones Throughout
The course records are serious: Yared Derese clocked 1:05:29 in 2022 and Kate Purcell 1:18:01. But the heart of the event remains club and recreational runners. “It’s about fast times at the front and personal milestones throughout the field,” Murray says.
That mix explains why the race keeps selling out. It’s quick, well run, and full of community spirit. Or as Murray sums it up: “Flat, fast, and unforgettable.”
Race Day Essentials
📍 Location: Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co. Meath (Eircode A85 XK30)
⏰ Start time: 9.00am sharp (be parked by 7.30–8.00am latest)
⏳ Cut-off: 3 hours (traffic system safety)
🚗 Parking: 10,000 free spaces on-site, short walk to start/finish
🎽 Pacers: 1:30, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10
💧 Water stations: Miles 3, 6, 9, 11 + finish line
📊 Results: MyRunResults
Image: Ratoath AC