Ballycastle Athletic Club in Co. Mayo for the fourth time hosts the wonderful Céide Coast half-marathon and 10k Coastal Challenge on Saturday 8th October. The route takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland, right along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Both the half marathon and the 10l route begin at the newly revamped Céide Fields Visitor Centre (participants will be bussed from Ballycastle village) where the races will begin from the world-famous stone age site.
It will then follow the original coast road, passing pretty Ballycastle Beach to Downpatrick Head, where the route will take you off-road, right up and around the historic headland overlooking Dun Briste and “The Crossing” at Poll na Seantine Blowhole – an absolutely unique, breath-taking and awe-inspiring route you won’t find just anywhere!
From the incredible Wild Atlantic Signature Discovery Point at Downpatrick Head, the route then proceeds back to idyllic Ballycastle village, where a warm welcome and some refreshments will await you at the finish line.
Even after just one year, the event has established a reputation for one of the friendliest and most well-organised half marathon races in Ireland, and this is before we even mention the incredible scenery!
If it’s a shorter distance you prefer, the 10k Coastal Challenge is still wonderfully scenic, and takes in historic Doonfeeney Church and its incredible standing stone, the second tallest in Ireland. Be warned though, it’s not called a challenge for nothing!
Both routes are fully timed.
Find out more about the Céide Coast Half Marathon
Click here to see the Half Marathon route
