It’s easier to train when you have a specific goal in sight
Have your health and fitness plans for 2023 fallen by the wayside? Are you looking for motivation to get moving again?
If so, there are plenty of events happening around the country over the coming months that will provide you with all the inspiration you could hope for.
So, grab your walking or running shoes, put on your headphones and make the most of the longer, brighter days ahead.
Darkness into Light – 6 May
This may not be a race but it’s an annual event that has become a staple of the Irish summer calendar. The fundraising event organised by Pieta & supported by Electric Ireland, is taking place on Saturday 6 May, and will see more than 100,000 people across 200 locations come together for the most important sunrise of the year. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for communities to come together and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide.
TriAthy – 3 June
If you’ve ever harboured a secret desire to complete a triathlon, TriAthy in Co Kildare is a great one to get you started. With four races to choose from – Double, Olympic, Sprint and Try – you can pick the one that suits you best and go at your own pace. See triathy.ie for more information.
Women’s Mini Marathon – 4 June
This is a fantastic event that takes place every June Bank Holiday weekend in Dublin’s city centre and if you haven’t done it before, this is the year to do it.
Organisers have promised lots of fun and entertainment and this year’s theme is ‘For Me, For You’. So, whether you’re taking part for charity, for fun, for the buzz or just to say you’ve done it, everyone is in it together.
Click here for more details on how to enter.
Hell and Back – 10 June
If you’re more into obstacle courses than runs or cycles, you need to check out the biggest and most popular one in Ireland. Every year, Kilruddery Estate in Bray, Co Wicklow is transformed into an adventure playground where participants complete a 8-13km trail route crossing rivers and lakes, climbing hills and mountains and crawling through bogs and swamps.
This race will throw everything at you and if the weather is acting up, you’ll really have a challenge on your hands – but that just makes it all the more memorable!
See hellandback.ie for more details.
Cycle Ireland: Top to Toe – 10 – 17 June
If you want to travel the entire length of the country for a great cause, why not sign up for Top to Toe 2023? The cycle covers 445 miles of glorious Irish countryside which you can take in from your saddle on this challenging ride.
Over the course of eight days, you’ll travel up the west coast of Ireland while raising funds for Marie Curie – the UK’s leading end of life charity.
Click here for further information on the cycle.
The Ring of Kerry Cycle – 1 July
If you get the weather for it, it’s hard to imagine a more scenic Irish route than this one. The Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycle is back on the road Saturday 1 July for it’s 41st year. This iconic cycling event takes place along one of the world’s most renowned touring spots, a 170km circular route starting and ending in the beautiful town of Killarney.
See ringofkerrycycle.ie for more details.
Cycle Challenge (IHF) – 2-8 July
Technically, this doesn’t take place in Ireland but it is for an Irish charity so if you’ve ever wanted to see the breath-taking cities of Prague and Vienna, the Cycle Challenge for the Irish Hospice Foundation is the one for you.
The charity is inviting cyclists of varying levels to take on this visually stunning 500km+ cycle between the cities. You will explore some of the most beautiful parts of Central Europe whilst raising vital funds for a very worthy cause.
Click here for more details.
Of course, depending on how far you want to push yourself, there are a few events taking place after the summer that it might be best to start training for now!
Quest Lough Derg – 9 September
Taking place in various locations around the country, Quest Adventure Races are one-day, multi-sport events with three or more routes varying in difficulty. The challenge is to run, cycle and kayak across the most epic environments and see just how well you perform in tough terrains and potentially adverse weather conditions. For more information, see questadventureseries.com
Dublin Marathon – 29 October
The Dublin Marathon is one of the biggest fitness events on the Irish calendar and with good reason. Started in 1980, this is it’s 43rd year and it continues to grow in popularity. The race is a single track course starting and ending close to the city centre. While many sign up to do the race for charity, there is a cash prize for the top twelve runners.
Check out irishlifedublinmarathon.ie for further details on training, nutrition, prizes and lots more.
