We pride ourselves in providing a worthy experience for runners of all levels and that includes elites. We all need to be inspired and what better way than seeing some fantastic performances on our tough and challenging courses.
How to apply?
To apply for elite runner status, send us an email with the following details:
- Your full name
- The race you want to compete in (marathon or half-marathon)
- Link to your most recent race under the qualifying standard (see below)*
- Any special requests/ questions (such as pacers)
* If you do not meet the qualifying standard but believe you could be a potential winner of the race, please contact us. anyway. We will review the entrants and if your current time goals make you a likely podium finisher, we may still clear you for an elite entry for current year.
What we can offer elite runners
If you are an elite runner, you apply for an elite entry to gain a number of supports:
- Support bike (with own hydration options)
- Own bottles (for aid stations)
- Free or subsidised entry (see standards below)
- Ability to use pacers (they must also be registered)
- Direct briefing pre-race from our race director to discuss any special needs.
- Opportunity to compete for the special sub-2:30 Project prize of €1000 sponsored by Running Coach Ireland
In addition, we offer solid prize incentives for high performance with cash prizes for winners and podium finishers, bonus prizes for ‘King/Queen of the Hill’ (first finisher to the high point of the routes) and bonus prizes for lowering the course records.
Standards
Marathon
Men’s A Standard: 2:30 (100% Discounted Entry)
Men’s B Standard: 2:40 (50% Discounted Entry)
Women’s A Standard: 2:50 (100% Discounted Entry)
Women’s B Standard: 3:00 (50% Discounted Entry)
Half Marathon
Men’s A Standard: 1:10 (100% Discounted Entry)
Men’s B Standard: 1:15 (50% Discounted Entry)
Women’s A Standard: 1:20 (100% Discounted Entry)
Women’s B Standard: 1:25 (50% Discounted Entry)
Note if you do not meet this standard, we cannot offer the discounted entry but we may still offer you elite support if it looks likely that your current ability would make you a podium contender in this year’s edition.
Previous winners
Previous year’s winners are offered a free ticket to ‘defend their title’ and can be allocated an elite standard entry (on request) at the Race Director’s discretion even if they do not meet the standard above.