Fast roads, canal views, and a finish on the track, the Lucan Harriers 5 Mile is back on Sunday 7th September 2025, and entries are now open here
This year’s edition promises everything that has made it one of Dublin’s most popular late-summer races: a fast, flat course, brilliant community support, and the unique thrill of sweeping into the Lucan track for a final lap in front of the grandstand crowd.
A Club Steeped in Tradition
Race Director Sinéad Murphy has been part of Lucan Harriers for over 20 years and is leading the committee for 2025. “I’m not a front of the pack runner, these days, I’d be thrilled to finish 5 miles in 50 minutes! But that doesn’t lessen my passion for running and our annual race,” she says.
The Harriers are one of Ireland’s biggest clubs, with over 700 members. For Sinéad, the race is as much about pulling everyone together as it is about fast times. “The race is a fantastic way for us to come together as a club and work together to hold the event. Everyone in the club takes great pride in both the club and the race.”
Canal, Roads, and the Track
The course begins on the roads through Lucan and Adamstown, with a flat mile along the Grand Canal before looping back into the Harriers’ home track. “The Canal is a beautiful amenity… there’s so much wildlife and greenery, and of course, the water along the canal brings a sense of joy to anyone running beside it,” Sinéad explains.
As for that track finish? It’s the part that runners talk about most. “I have yet to see anything but smiles on people’s faces when they cross the finish line, and for most, there’s a real determination for the last lap.”
Competition Meets Community
The race doubles as the Dublin 5 Mile Championships, attracting some of Ireland’s best athletes. But Sinéad insists that inclusivity is always at the heart of the day. “One of the great things about road races is that you are running the exact same route and the exact same race as world champions. What other sport can say that?”
Whatever your goals are, the welcome is the same. “Our event gives the same great experience to the person who runs it in 22 minutes as to the person who runs it in an hour.”
Tea, Cake… and Ice Cream
Lucan’s post-race hospitality has become as famous as the course itself. “The post-race refreshments are a great way for runners to chat, catch up, and discuss the race. And if you don’t deserve a cake after a race, when do you deserve one?”
And yes, the ice cream is back. A quirk that started by chance has now become a tradition, every finisher gets a cone to enjoy after their lap of the track.
Event Essentials
📍 Start Location: Lucan Harriers Track, Lucan, Co. Dublin
📅 Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00am
💶 Entry Fee: €25
📥 Enter Online: here
🏁 Course: 5 miles, road & canal stretch, finishing on the track
🎽 Championships: Incorporates Dublin 5 Mile Championships
🎉 Post-Race: Tea, coffee, cake & ice cream in the marquee
Why Run It?
To borrow Sinéad’s own words: “Experience the joy of running through scenic routes, the thrill of crossing the finish line on a track, and the warmth of our supportive community at the Lucan Harriers 5 Mile race, where every step brings you closer to a sense of achievement and belonging.”