In order to get started, and keep motivated, you will need a goal.
The following is a small selection of the races going on around the country. Incidentally, the word “race” doesn’t mean you have to race. You can take part in any of the following at a run, jog, walk or waddle. The Flora Women’s Mini Marathon is a 10km run which takes place on bank holiday Monday, June 1st, and if you want to run for charity but haven’t fixed on a cause you might decide to work on behalf of the Stuart Mangan Appeal, see www.stepsforstuart.org. Emer Casey Memorial 10km Run . This is another hugely worthy cause, and something to get you started. It takes place in Youghal on May 24th and is in support of the Emer Casey Foundation, which you can read about at www.emercaseyfoundation.com. Burren Marathon Challenge (www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com) takes place in north Clare on Saturday, May 23rd, with a full, half and mini (six mile) marathons. The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club is organising the race. Inishbofin Half Marathon on May 16th, organised by Croí, is the first of two west-coast half-marathon events promising great craic and spectacular views. There is a weekend package on offer including bed breakfast, meals, race entries and ferry transfers. This is an exclusive running event with entries limited to 80. In an unusual twist, the participants set off in pairs at 30 second intervals, because the paths are so narrow. On July 4th declare your running independence with the Achill Half Marathon (www.achillmarathon.com) . The 24th Patrick Bell Memorial 5km Run and Walk for Charity takes place on Friday, June 19th at 8pm and is hosted by the Bohermeen Athletic Club in Co Meath in memory of the young athlete Patrick Bell, who died in 1985 at the age of 25. The race is linked with various charities. Inaugural Irish Multimarathon takes place on Clontarf promenade and Bull Island in Dublin on June 28th (www.irishmultimarathon.com). This is a family event, including half and full marathons, although if you want to do the full 26 miles, you have to run the same course twice which, psychologically, might be a bit difficult.
The Mooathon full and half marathon takes place on September 27th in Donegal (www.mooathon.com). There are also relay events in both these races, so you can share the fun … and the pain.