EUROFINS GREENWAY HALF MARATHON ON NEXT SATURDAY MORNING.
So it’s all systems go for this coming Saturday morning at 9am when 600 runners will be in Kilmacthomas lining up for the 13.1 mile race the Eurofns Waterford Greenway half marathon which will finish in Ballinroad. This event which missed two years due to covid is back with a bang and we are all so looking forward to running the famed greenway half once again. The club committee have been working diligently behind the scenes to make this a memorable day for all especially our visiting athletes, many will be having their very first run on the greenway and we hope it will a memorable one for them and that they will come back with more family members in the future to visit Waterford’s Gem. We hope now that the man above will look down on us favourably and give us a good fine dry day with no wind so we can show off this amazing amenity on our doorstep which is there to be enjoyed by all.
PRIZES ON OFFER.
The prizes for this race will be as follows. 1st 5 Men and Women
Ladies Categories
1st and 2nd O/35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65
1st Junior
Men
1st and 2nd O/40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70
1st Junior
We will also have 2 Men’s and 2 Ladies team prizes with first 3 finishing positions to score outside individual prize winners.
Note: Cash prizes will be given to the Men’s and Ladies winners and all category prizes will be vouchers.
Race Pack.
Your race pack containing your number were posted last week please ensure to bring it with you on race day. We ask runners not to transfer numbers as this ultimately delays proper and correct race results. If you forget your number on the day there will be a help desk facility at Ballinroad Hall to look after these runners. If any information on your number is incorrect please contact My Run Results directly on support@myrunresults.com
SPECIAL PARKING NOTICE FOR WEST WATERFORD GREENWAY HALF MARATHON.
With limited parking around the vicinity of the finish line and St Laurence’s hall itself on race day , we are appealing to all our club and indeed all local runners taking part not to park in Ballinroad at all on the morning, leaving as many spaces as possible to our visiting runners. We are asking all runners taking the bus to start in Kilmacthomas to park and assemble at the bus stop at St Augustine’s College where Hallahan’s buses will be leaving for the start line at 7.30 AM sharp.
You cooperation with this matter is greatly appreciated and will be a huge help to us on the day.
Thank you in advance.
Course Information.
This is perhaps one of the flattest routes for a half marathon in the country with a net elevation of -100 mts. Not only is it flat it also contains some incredible scenery along the way. From the old Workhouse built in 1850 in the beautiful village of Kilmacthomas over the Kilmacthomas viaduct to the stunning views of the Comeragh mountains to the North, cross over Durrow viaduct past Durrow Railway Station where the old platform and station still stand. Then it’s on to the spectacular Ballyvoile tunnel, a 400mt long tunnel which is full of atmosphere (don’t forget to watch out for the fairy door’s on either side). Next you will cross over the Ballyvoile viaduct, blown up in 1922 but now restored to its former glory. From here you can almost smell the sea as you round the headland and take in the spectacular views of Clonea strand and Dungarvan Bay. Then it’s downhill all the way to the finish as you take in the sights along the way, through the 12 mile mark and the playground in Ballinroad over the Clonea Road and finishing just before the Gold Coast Road.
SHARED SPACE ON RACE DAY.
As this is a SHARED SPACE (i.e the Greenway will be open to other users on the day) we respectfully request that all runners keep to the left of the path. Runners must be aware of bikes and oncoming Greenway users at all times. THIS IS A SHARED SPACE. KEEP LEFT AND PASS RIGHT. Please do not run any more than 2 abreast and leave room for others to pass. We cannot stress this strongly enough we do not want any accidents on the day and rules of the road will still apply to this route.
EUROFINS GREENWAY HALF MARATHON RACE PACERS.
We will provide some pacers for this race but as it is a unique course and a shared space we will limit the pacers as we feel that pacers could potentially create too many large groups of runners which could cause a problem. To this end we have decided to go with pacers for the following times.
1 hour 30 min
1 hour 40 mins
A hour 45 mins
1 hour 50 mins
2 hours
2 hours 10 mins
Pacers will be easily recognisable on the day as they will be holding balloons. We request that runners slot themselves in behind the pacer who they feel most comfortable with. The start will be narrow and to avoid accidents or tripping it is advisable to go behind the pacer that you can keep up with. This will ensure that the start is safe and secure for all. Remember you will be chip timed anyway so it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to cross the start line.
Water Stops.
We will provide water at 3 locations along the route and also at the finish line in your post-race goody bag. Please be aware that due to restrictions on dumping etc. this water will be in cups to minimise dumping/clean up of a 13.1 mile route.In keeping with the ‘Green’ ethos of the race we ask that you leave no trace and leave the Greenway as you find it. Any gel wrappers can either be carried to the finish line or left at one of the 3 water stops. Anyone seeing dumping on the route will be disqualified –no exceptions!
Earphones.
As with all West Waterford A.C. races, the use of Headphones is not allowed… We have to insist on this rule as you need to be aware of cyclists (listen for bells ringing) and other runners trying to pass and also so that you can hear safety stewards instructions. Why do you need headphones? You will be running along some of the most scenic areas in the country, look around you…. Take it in and perhaps chat to your fellow runners along the way!
The Finish Line.
When you complete your run please proceed through the finish tunnel. Please do not block up this area and proceed to Field of Dreams Waterford Ladies football field where your T Shirt pick up, goodie bag and Refreshments will be waiting, Gear dropped at start line can be picked up at top of Greenway at Clonea junction, We ask that runners walk back to pick up their gear bag please keep in mind that more runners still racing will be coming back against you on the final half mile so give them right of way at all times.
