Winter Running Leagues in Munster...

With the long dark winter evenings, it can be difficult for people to run during the week. Some of the quiet country roads that you may be able to use during the summer are now too dark and running on the roads under streetlights is often the only option.

In some parts of Munster however, there are several winter evening leagues now re-starting after the Christmas break. These are usually races over short distances like 5 km and the runners wear hi-viz tops or bibs. These are becoming very popular as running in a race like this is a lot more interesting than say running on your own around a town. They also are suitable for runners of all abilities so they are an excellent way for getting new people into the sport.

At the moment, there are evening leagues in Dungarvan, Waterford City, Pilltown near Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel and Killarney. The one in Dungarvan is perhaps one of the oldest in that it has been going now for some 18 years and has featured before on the Nationwide programme on RTE television.

The strange thing is that there are none in Cork city or county. I know there are training groups but it's not the same. The evening leagues attract runners of all types......from the fast to the slow. Everyone can take part and can run at their own pace.

While it may be a bit late at this stage for clubs to organise one, perhaps it is something to think about for next winter? I know from previous posts and polls on the site, there was certainly a lot of interest in them.

More information on the various evening leagues in Munster can be seen on the Running in Munster website.......just look at the right hand side of the page.