With the easing of the restrictions of the past two-and-a-bit years, comes the very welcome resumption of some of our great sporting and outdoor events in North Mayo. Here are just six of a busy events calendar you can’t miss this year!
1. The River Moy Swim, Ballina, Saturday June 25th 2022
This iconic event first took place in Ballina in the1950s, believe it or not, and returned in 2019 during Ballina Salmon Festival after an absence of over 30 years. The original River Moy Swim started at the town’s famous salmon weirs and swimmers would dive in there and swim downstream to St. Muredach’s College, to compete for ‘The Bishop’s Cup’, which was presented to the Swimming Club by the late Bishop O’Boyle many years ago.
The 2022 River Moy Swim will commence from the steps across from St Muredach’s Cathedral in the heart of Ballina, and will finish at the slipway in the picturesque Ballina Quay, thus following the river’s route through the town.
Each participant will receive a swim hat, bag, and participation medal on the day. Please note that due to the nature of open water events, timings on event day are subject to change. There are three options now open for registration:
2. The Telus International Salmon Run Triathlon, Ballina, Saturday 16th July 2022
The 2022 Ballina Salmon Run Triathlon will return to the North Mayo capital on Saturday, July 16, starting at 9am. The sprint distance triathlon, which will include a 750m swim in the famous River Moy, a 20km cycle and a 5km run to the Ballina Quay and back to finish is hosted by the Liquid Motion Triathlon Club and proudly sponsored by Telus International.
This year, the event will be held on the concluding day of the 2022 Ballina Salmon Festival, which will run from July 10 to July 16.
The Salmon Run is a perfect race for triathlon beginners, and for non-beginners seeking a personal best time due to its scenic flat course. Entry for both individual participants and teams is now open, with individual entry costing €55 and team entry costing €90.
Registration is via the Triathlon Ireland website and more information can be sourced at LiquidMotion.ie.
3. The Belderrig Bronzeman – Saturday 30th July 2022
The Belderrig ‘Bronze Man’ is a race around scenic Belderrig Village, in North Co. Mayo, that includes a 100m swim, a 4km cycle and a 4km run. The race is open to anyone over the age of 16 and the objective is participation – it is not about winning or losing the race but about enjoying the day whether you are a contestant or a spectator.
Registration opens on the morning. The champion of the race will win the perpetual ‘Bronze Man Sword’ which will be on display in Belderrig Community Centre.
4. The Wild Atlantic 10-Miler, Ballina, Sunday, 21st August 2022
This gorgeous 10 mile road race starts in Ballina and takes in sections of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway, and draws crowds from far and near.
Hosted by Ballina Athletic Club, participants will enjoy a very scenic route, with fantastic encouragement from their dedicated team of stewards who are there for all types of support along the course. Runners are also guaranteed a fantastic run, route, day, T-shirt (for the first 150 registered), medal and an abundance of refreshments!
This race always sells out early, so don’t wait around! Registration is €30.
5. Céide Coast Half Marathon (and 10k Coastal Challenge), Ballycastle, Saturday 8th October 2022
It’s the most scenic half marathon in Ireland, and that’s a fact!
This beautiful half marathon route, hosted by Ballycastle Athletic Club takes you along the wild, rugged North Mayo Céide Coast, where you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the (newly revamped) Céide Fields Visitor Centre, the breathtaking Céide Cliffs, Ballycastle Beach and Dún Briste (The Broken Fort), the famous sea-stack at Downpatrick Head. All participants will be transported from the village of Ballycastle to the Céide Fields visitor centre/ cliffs where the race will commence.
You’ll get to enjoy the warm Ballycastle welcome and a hearty spread post-race.
Each entrant will receive their own uniquely designed medal and souvenir tech top, but the memories you’ll make in North Mayo will stay with you forever.
That’s just five great outdoor events in North Mayo – for a full list, visit the events page of our website.
