Having started in 2007, the Bay Run Half-Marathon has grown steadily every year and in 2011, it had over 1,100 entrants. That's an impressive figure for what is essentially a rural event. When you factor in the number of friends and family as well, that's a big boost in visitor numbers to a town like Bantry, especially at a time when the tourist season proper hasn't really started.
Location.....The Bay Run Half-Marathon takes place in west Cork in the south-west of Ireland...
Entrants are taken by bus from the town of Bantry to the start line in Glengarriff. The route takes in a loop to the north west before returning to Glangarriff and heading towards the finish line in Bantry.
This parts of Ireland is of course well known for it's hills and mountains and this is relected in the course. There are a few pulls along the route but of course, the advantage of this is the scenic view....
The photo above shows Garnish Island nestled in Bantry Bay with the mountains of the Beara Peninsula in the background. Sugarloaf mounatin with it's sharp sides looks very impressive from here. It's a stunning part of west Cork with some of the best views in Ireland.
It's probably not the fastest of courses but for anyone who wants to make it part of a long weekend away, it's hard to beat. Entry to the race includes bus transfer and a t-shirt. The closing date is on the 30th of April. They will also take registrations the night before as well in the Maritime Hotel from 6-8pm if people are interested in registering late.
The race website is http://www.bayrun.ie
Not too gone on the 12.00 start time! I have noticed that this has caused numbers to fall in other races who have made the same mistake. Would prefer a 10.00 start.
ReplyDeleteI agree with previous comment. Look at how Cobh numbers rose this year when the start time was made earlier. 10.00 would have been ideal
ReplyDeleteWhy - what's the difference? Heat of the day close to noon? (Newbie question)
ReplyDelete