Taking place on the beautiful Portmarnock strand, people of all ages and abilities gathered to take part in a fun filled evening of racing on Thursday, August 31st. The Portmarnock Beach Run had a race for adults but also a 2K race for children. The Juvenile 2k race saw hundreds of kids take to the sand, many joined by their parents, but all loving the experience with the promise of an ice-cream at the finish line being a great motivator.
The main senior 5k race started at 7PM. While it was a cool evening weather-wise, the few hundred competitors gathered, and enjoyed the warmups and pre-race festivities. Portmarnock AC had volunteers to help people from bag drop, to directions, and general advice. Credit must be given to the volunteers of both this race, but every race up and down the country.
The course itself consists of a 2.5k out and 2.5k back run on Portmarnock strand. The sandy course meant that it was a bit softer under foot, but there was plenty of space for runners to find their own ‘racing line’ and not get tripped up. With only one turn in the out and back course, it meant for a very fast racing.
Runners from many different clubs from around the country and as far as Armagh took part. As this is known as the “Ice-Cream race” there were runners of every ability which made for a fun and inclusive race, and it was clear that everyone really enjoying themselves.
From the pre-race warm-ups all the way to the finish line, the vibe of community and great energy was maintained throughout. The MC on the day encouraged everybody over the finish line for the last 100 metres, before being rewarded with the coveted ticket for your free ice-cream!
The Portmarnock Beach Run was fantastic, I would encourage anyone to do it, and while the race didn’t have the sun and the weather that they might have had in previous years, the atmosphere was no different and people were still out there enjoying themselves.
The men’s race was won by Evan Reid of Portmarnock AC in a time of 16:43, with Stephen Butler of Raheny in 2nd with 16:59, and Conor Fitzpatrick from Portmarnock in 3rd in 17:50. The women’s race saw Annette Kealy first home in 18:54 followed by Zoe Quinn of Raheny in 2nd in a time of 19:07 and Ciara Pello from Clonliffe Harriers in 3rd in 20:14.
A special mention must go to the organisers, volunteers, and to the sponsors of the event (Dublin Airport Community Fund, No. 5 Organic Natural Organic Malahide, Halpenny Golf, The Grand Hotel Malahide) for putting on such a great, fun-filled evening for all to enjoy.