It’s April and that can only mean one thing. To give you a clue, it’s linked with the warmer weather.
Sun-starved pale skin. Check. Shiny new runners. Check. Smart watch. Check. Favourite singlet dusted off and stretched over an expanding waistline (when did that happen?). Check.
It’s officially running season, where office chatter turns to upcoming events, and lofty goals are proudly declared. Hibernating athletes of all shapes and sizes declare war on their post-Christmas bellies and salvage long-forgotten New Year’s Resolutions. Galway has a veritable feast of events to tackle, with many challenging and picturesque backdrops for athletes of all abilities. Some gain for all that pain.
Upcoming Events
If you’re visiting Galway, and want to get a feel for the people, there are few better places to lace up and get running. The community spirit, camaraderie and fun (embrace the pain!) are second to none. Here are a few races in the next few weeks that should be on your radar.
- 5th April 2025 | Inis Oírr Wild Atlantic Island Run. A 5km & 10km annual road race that takes place on the smallest of the Aran Islands. Sidenote: Galway Tour Company offer a tour of the Aran Islands. Learn more here.
- 11th April 2025 | Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon. Taking place on Inis Mór, this picturesque race is open to walkers, runners and joggers giving plenty of opportunities to take in the views at your own pace.
- 3rd May 2025 | Inis Iron Meáin. Billed as ‘the original Island road race’, this event offers an authentic escape from the stress of modern life, and takes place on Inis Meáin island – one of the Aran Islands, over distances of 5km, 10km and 12km.
- 24th May 2025 | Clare Burren Marathon Challenge. Full & Half Marathon, 10km run/walk. The 18th annual event takes place in the unique setting of the Burren, one of nature’s most extraordinary landscapes, providing a new challenge for runners young and old. Check out our Cliffs of Moher & Burren tour!
- Every Saturday. Inis Meáin park run. Need something a little less frantic? A free, fun park 5k community park run might be just the ticket. Get out and make new friends.
If these events are too ambitious for your current fitness levels, rest assured, there are plenty of races further down the track in 2025! To get there, you may find joining a running club the best approach, offering a fun and relaxed way to get back into your stride. Meet new people, stay fit, and get out of the house! Seek out a running club in your area for help and support here.
Visitors (or locals) interested in seeing more of Galway while they run could do worse than check out some of the best running spots, as featured here. Riverside running, ancient ruins, country escapes – our city has it all!
Time to lace up those runners and go explore!
