Frequently Asked Questions
NB Please note that Race Numbers and Race Packs will be available for collection only on Friday 2nd July from 2.00pm to 11.00 pm and on Saturday July 3rd morning from 8.00am until 10.15am at the Race HQ at the starting line.
Q. Will there be a Full Marathon this year?
A. We will not be holding a full marathon in 2010
Q. What is the date and start time of the race?
A. Saturday July 3rd at 11.00am for all participants.
Q. Do all Athletes start at the same time?
A. Wheelchairs start first then Runners and Walkers will start at the same time however Walkers will start at the rear of the race allowing runners to start the race relatively obstacle free.
Q. When do I get my Race Number and Race Pack?
A. You must collect your Race Number and Race Pack from Race HQ located at the starting line either on Friday 2nd July before 11.00pm or on Saturday July 3rd between 8.00am and 10.15am. Race Numbers and Race Packs will Not be posted prior to race day.
Q. Is it possible to register for race entry at a late stage closer to the event or on the event weekend itself?
A. Registration is officially closed on the 1st of May. It is advisable to have registered prior to this date. There is a 2000 limit on the number of entrants for the race and once this limit has been reached registration will be closed to any other entrants.
Q. Is it possible to register for race entry on race day?
A. If the maximum limit of entrants has not been reached by race day then there will be limited entries taken on the day.
Q. Where is Race Start and Finish line?
A. Start and Finish lines for the Half Marathon are at Keel Caravan Park, The Sandy banks, Keel, Achill, Co. Mayo. Participants are advised to gather in the starting area at least 30 minutes prior to the race start. There will be refreshments available before and after the race
Q. Is there a storage area to store gear bags etc.?
A. Yes there is Storage Areas at Race HQ to store gear bags etc. Once you have your Race Number you may store your gear in the designated storage area which will be clearly marked. Event Staff will notify you as to which storage cabin you can store your gear in.
Q. What facilities are available at Start and Finish line?
A. There are plenty of toilets but no changing rooms, there is limited showering facilities for participants by prior arrangement with race organisers, this can be arranged by phone or email; there will be water stations at start and finish lines as well as water stations every three miles along both courses. There is a first aid centre and Race HQ and first aid at every water station. There are toilets at every water station. Enjoy the tented village where amongst all the interesting stalls you can receive an invigorating massage, fruit and refreshments are available to all participants prior to the race and after the race. There is a Bar B Que immediately after the race where each participant can enjoy much earned free food and drink.
Q. What should I do on Race day prior to the Race?
A. Collect your Race Number and Race Pack prior to the race. Make sure to pin your number on the front of your t-shirt or vest that you are wearing for the run. Drop what ever belongings you have at the relevant storage cabin. Proceed to the Race start and enjoy your race.
Q. Is there parking at the start and finish line?
A. Yes there is parking just before Keel Caravan Park and is clearly marked, these are dedicated car parks and stewards will be present to assist with parking; there is no parking in Keel Caravan Park which is limited to caravan and camping residents only. Some roads around the start and finish area will be closed so please take note.
Q. Who do I contact for help with my enquiries?
A. Race and Weekend Events Contact By E-Mail, info@achillmarathon.com, By Phone 00353 863251619
Accommodation & Travel Arrangements Contact Achill Tourism By E-Mail, info@achilltourism.com, By Phone 00353 9847353
Q. Where should I wear my race number?
A. Pin it to the front of your t shirt that you are wearing for the race with the pins provided, try not to lose your race number as it is bar coded for timing purposes.
Q. How is the course marked?
A. The course is marked in miles and at every mile interval from start to finish.
Q. Is the race being timed?
A. Yes BHAA are timing the race using a barcode method. This race is an official road race sanctioned and supervised by the AAI. Results will be available online a few days after the event at the tented village at the time for prize giving.
Q. Will the roads be closed to traffic?
A. The start and finish areas will definitely be closed whilst the remainder of the course will be subject to some traffic. However the Gardai will be present to make sure that road conditions will be safe, there will be plenty of Stewards to assist. Runners are asked to keep to the right hand side of the road as much as possible. The course is run on a relatively quiet route and there will be plenty of warning signs warning traffic to proceed with caution. We will keep you abreast of any updates so keep watching this space. There will be access to Keel Caravan Park.
Q. What is the course route and what is the course like?
A. Unfortunately we don't have a relief map of the course as of yet, the only route map at present is the larger map on www.achillmarathon.com and we will be giving more detailed maps including a relief map of the race within the next couple of months. The 2010 Half Marathon will be run the same way round as last year.
Q. What first aid precautions are in place?
A. The Order of Malta will be covering the event and there are extra medical staffs to assist. There is First Aid Station at the start and finish line and first aid personnel at each water station. There are three ambulance on stand by and a number of extra vehicles throughout the course should they be needed.
Q. When is prize giving?
A. At approx. 4.00pm at the Tented Village. There are plenty of after race parties and entertainment, all of which will be posted on the weekend events section of the website and at the Tented Village.
Q. How many competitors are expected?
A. Approximately 2000 competitors are expected this year.
Q. Are there many places open for lunch after the race?
A. Should the Free Bar B Que after the race not be for you, most restaurants in the area are open for food after the race.
Close by in Keel there is The Cliff House, Calveys Restaurant, Gracelands, The Bervie, The Beehive and Ferndale and Chalet Seafood Restaurant. In Dooagh there is Gielty's and The Achill Head Hotel. In Dugort there is Mastersons and The Cottage. All are close by and recommended. See entertainment guide in race pack for more details.
Q. If I decide to run my race for an Achill Half Marathon approved charity where do I get my sponsorship pack?
A. You will receive a sponsorship pack if you have opted to run your race for Irish Lifeboat Association and the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice on your registration form. Alternatively go to the contact us section of the website and request a sponsor pack from there.
Q. Can I run my race for other charities?
A. Of course you can.
Q. Do I have to run my race for charity?
A. No
Accommodation Latest
Updated accommodation availability for the Half Marathon weekend:
Accommodation Availability
Get Fit for the Race!
We have free training schedules for all levels of runners, courtesy of personal trainer Gillian Hynes.
Get Fitness Tips & Schedules
Achill Marathon runners can also get a special discount on training at Bootcamp Ireland.
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What to Expect
We have galleries of photos from previous races along with results and times. The Achill Half Marathon can be as fun, or as serious, as you choose!
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View Previous Results
Out & About in Achill
Achill Island is one of Ireland's most popular holiday destinations, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, for the range of outdoor activities available, and for the warmth of its welcome. Find out more about what Achill has to offer on the Achill Tourism Website:
Activities on Achill Island
Places to see on Achill Island
Eating Out on Achill Island
Pubs & bars on Achill Island
