Runs in Galway
Running has become increasingly popular over the last few years with it even gaining more popularity with the constraints which lockdown brought upon us, but those days are over with as many runs and events have started coming back after a two-year hiatus! It is time to get registered and your bags packed and combine having yourself both a fun leisurely holiday with some competitive running. If you are an active runner and are looking to combine your holiday with some either light or heavy activity Galway is the destination you have been looking for.
We have various different runs from 10Km to ultra-marathons to warrior challenges taking place throughout the year. Completing a challenge of this nature can bring an even better feeling to a holiday with the food tasting better and the drinks tasting that bit sweeter!
Portumna Forest Marathon (5k+)
Turf Warrior Obstacle Race & Mud Run (5k+)
Run Galway Bay (10k+)
Connemarathon (10k+)
Aughty Warrior Challenge (10k+)
Connemara 100 (100k+)
Portumna Forest Marathon (5k+)
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This run has everything you could be looking for when it comes to finding your ideal run. The distances are run over a 5-kilometre loop located within the Portumna Forest Park with additional distance being introduced for those looking to complete both the half and full marathon. The course is run on tarmac roads and forest parks which are solid and compacted. The options to run are 10km, 50km, Half marathon and full marathon. It has been described as a type of spiritual experience testing both the mind and body in equal proportions while surrounded by the serenity of nature. The pricing is as follows: 10km: €27.20, Half Marathon: €42.20, Full Marathon: €47.20 and the 50km: €52.20. The location is just about 1 hour from our hotel on Sandy Road and takes place around the first week of June.
Turf Warrior Obstacle Race & Mud Run (5k+)
The Turf Warrior is on twice a year in November and May, the spring and the classic beside the beautiful Killary Fjord and surrounded by beautiful mountains. The race consists of an 8km Mud Run and Obstacle course challenge packed with mud, bog, climbing and swinging leaping into the Atlantic and any other mayhem and madness you can envision. Free entry to the themed party at Killary Adventure Company is included for all the warriors which allows contestants to have a well-earned drink and swap stories of the adventure they just completed. The standard ticket price is €75 per person and €65 per person for the early bird with a €5 additional booking fee. Killary Adventure is located just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Maldron Hotel Sandy Road.
Run Galway Bay (10k+)
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The Run Galway Bay is the largest multi-distance running event in Galway City. It hosts a 10km, half and full marathon. The flat course takes in the beautiful globally recognised Galway Bay coastline from The Claddagh to Salthill, Blackrock and then back to the Claddagh. The scenery which can be availed of is unmeasurable with views of the Clare mountains across Galway Bay and the Wild Atlantic Ocean on offer. It costs €35 for the Galway Bay 10K, €50 for the half marathon and €60 for the full marathon. The race is just a 10-minute drive from the hotel and a 30-minute walk from the hotel. The next Run Galway is scheduled for the 1st of October. There are even cash prizes for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k with trophies up for grabs for the top male and female runner’s 1st prize of €500, 2nd prize of €125 and 3rd prize of €75.
Connemarathon (10k+)
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The Connemara International Marathon will take place this year on Sunday the 23rd of April 2023. This event is just 45 minutes from the Maldron Hotel Sandy Road with the series including an ultra, full and half-marathon distance. This much like the Connemara 100 has some of the greatest scenery which Ireland has to offer. It has even been host to a variation of different nationalities with 2019 there were participants from 33 countries with a large group coming all the way from France to partake in the running event. For international travellers looking to come to Galway for the event we have 3 local airports in Dublin, Shannon and Knock with the furthest being less than 3 hours away. The race begins at different locations but all ends at the same location at Maam Cross. If this is something which may interest you make sure to check out their website where there is a series of training plans available for whichever race you would like to compete in. The costs of the event are €70 for the half, €75 for the full and €80 for the ultra with a small online processing fee with race packs being posted once registered.
Aughty Warrior Challenge (10k+)
This challenge is based in Kilcreest in Galway on Saturday the 9th of July and offers both a 10km and a 22km trail run distance. The courses are set in the Slieve Aughty Mountains and can give the contenders an outstanding view overlooking Galway Bay, The Burren and South Galway. The course itself has some amazing woodland sections and exemplary views through its mix of woods and open mountain trails. It costs €30 for the trail run ticket and €40 for the 22km trail run and is located just 30 minutes from our location on Sandy Road and takes place at the beginning of July.
Connemara 100 (100k+)
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The Connemara 100 is one for the experienced and not for your average runner. It is seriously demanding both mentally and physically but with that the reward on completion is euphoric. The race is 100 miles long which is about 160km and runs from Clifden through Letterfrack, Lettergesh, the Inagh Valley, Maam Cross, Leenane, the Inagh Valley again moving on to Roundstone, Ballyconneely and back to Clifden with each participant given 30 hours to complete the stimulating trail. The race costs €90 to partake and all contenders are required to have their own team with them to look after food, water and whatever else the run might throw at them. The Connemara 100 start point is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from our hotel with the drive boasting some of the most captivating scenery on the planet. In 2012 the event was AAI permitted and awarded an IAU Bronze Label and this year will take place on August 13th.
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, Galway
Your trip for running in Galway will get easier thanks to Maldron Hotel Sandy road – making sure you can easily access your route via car as well as public transport.
Our ideal location just a few minutes from Galway City, as well as free parking will make sure you focus on your run and leave the rest to us!
Check out our hotel rooms in Galway city and start planning your trip today!
