Glendalough AC are excited to welcome a competitive field for the first Wicklow Athletics Off-Road Championship at Laragh GFC tomorrow morning at 9:45 am. Full details of the route can be see at www.runtheridge.ie.
The event will be held as part of the Derrybawn Woods 10k (itself held as part of the longer Run the Ridge 20 km event) – a fund-raiser for Laragh GFC and our club and is sanctioned by Wicklow Athletics Board.
Six of the county’s twelve clubs will compete in this inaugural event with over 50 runners battling for individual and team medals.
Background
The idea for the championship was first discussed back in 2016 internally in the club before being brought as a proposal to Wicklow Athletics this June.
Most casual followers of athletics are aware of the traditional running disciplines (cross-country, track, and road running) but may not be aware that World Athletics today recognises ultra, trail, and mountain running as official disciplines of athletics. To grow this segment of the sport these ‘off-road’ variations had their European and World Championships merged into one event (under the ‘off-road’ label).
The choice by Wicklow Athletics to host this championship likewise brings these disciplines ‘on par’ with the traditional cross-country, road, and track and field county championships.
Off-road running is the fastest growing discipline within athletics and it seems fitting that a county with as wonderful trails as Wicklow has chosen to add such a fixture to it’s calendar.
Spectators can support the runners from 9:30 on the Laragh GFC pitches. We also highly recommend walking up the ‘Bronze route’ zig-zags and give our runners a warm welcome as they make their way up the toughest part of the course. Parking for spectators is located in the public Laragh car park near the Woollen Mills.
Partners and supporters
We are glad to be supported by:
- Wicklow Athletics
- EcoTrail Wicklow for use of marking equipment and sponsorship of prices
- Laragh GFC for venue, parking and crew
- MyRunResults for timing services and finish line
- National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte for use of keys and permit
- Derrybawn House, The Woollen Mills, and Coillte for permission to pass through / past their lands
And finally a thank you to our suppliers: Soundhire.ie, Kelly’s Fruit and Vegetables, The Red Cross, Lindie Naughton Photography, and Mocha Joe’s Cafe.
Glendalough AC 