Ireland is renowned for its sporting heritage, with Irish teams well respected all over the world, and St Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate this. Many of us will be watching the Gaelic football and hurling events promoted by the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) on the St Patrick’s Day weekend, and this is a great chance to embrace the Irish spirit! However, if you fancy a more active approach, there are plenty of ways to get involved in runs and races in Ireland for yourself.
While many people celebrate their Irish heritage on St Patrick’s Day with a pint or several, this is not the only way! For those who love to get outdoors and run, there are fun runs, charity races and themed events to get stuck into, and you’re sure to find something to help you make the most of the St Patrick’s Day weekend. Let’s take a look at some of the events going on in Ireland this year.
St Patrick’s Day Races
The idea of the St Patrick’s Day race is popular with many people, and whether you’re a running fanatic or a casual jogger who likes to feel they’ve earned their night out, there are a range of races to choose from. These include:
- Croom St Patricks’ Day 10K. The Croom St Patrick’s Day 10K is held in County Limerick, and it’s a popular race with runners of all levels. The race takes in some stunning countryside, including the River Maigue and Croom Castle, and there is a wonderful community atmosphere to the event. You can jump right into the 10K route if that’s your bag, or sign up for the Riverside 5K Family Fun Runwalk if you are a beginner or want to run or walk with your family.
- St Patrick’s Day Tubbercurry Road Race. This is one of the oldest running traditions in the northwest of Ireland, and takes place in County Sligo, hosted by the Sligo Athletic Club. The Tubbercurry St Patrick’s Day Road Race has options for 10K and 5K runs, and this makes it the ideal choice for runners of all abilities and experience levels. This is a great community event, and the support from the locals is wonderful, not to mention the refreshments available before and after the races!
- Mullingar Half Marathon. The Aon Mullingar Half Marathon on 17th March 2026 is an annual event, starting in the town centre and running out to the countryside, along the Royal Canal and back to the Mullingar Town Park to the finish line. This is a great course for a first half-marathon or if you’re trying to smash a personal best, since it is flat and scenic.
- Tallaght AC 5K. The Tallaght AC 5K is a popular event with runners and walkers based in Dublin. This is a fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Centre in Dublin, so there’s the chance to contribute positively to the community, and there are prizes for top finishers in many categories. This race is a great opportunity to connect fitness and fun, and the atmosphere is celebrated for its inclusivity and warmth.
- Streets of Portlaoise 5K. St Patrick’s Day is a good time to set yourself a challenge, and getting out there to do a fun run with your family or friends is the perfect choice. The Streets of Portlaoise 5K, in County Laois, is an annual event much loved by runners of all levels, with a fast and fairly flat route, ending in the town centre. You’ll find music, festivities and cheering crowds to help you on your way, and there are plenty of parades and celebrations to join afterwards, too!
If you’re looking for an event that isn’t specific to St Patrick’s Day, you’ll find plenty of other races around Ireland, including the Portumna 10K in County Galway and Wine on the Line in Kildare Town on Sunday, 15th March. These are great chances to combine exploring Ireland’s beautiful scenery with shaking off the cobwebs, and the latter also includes a bottle of wine if you register for the wine entry (over 18s only)!
Making the Most of Your Race
Irish runners already know that the weather is likely to be challenging when they head out on St Patrick’s Day, and preparing in advance makes all the difference. Having the right kit can help you to focus on your running, regardless of what the elements throw at you, and you’ll want to ensure that you have the following essentials:
- Running jacket. A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a must-have when you’re running in Ireland, and you’ll need to ensure that it is comfortable to run in. We love additional features like hoods that can keep the rain off your face, and plenty of pockets to store your headphones and your phone.
- Thermal layers. It’s very difficult to keep moving when you’re cold, and base layers that will keep your core warm and wick sweat away from your body will help to alleviate this problem. We love the innovative sports technology that brings us comfortable, breathable fabrics that feel great all day.
- Running gloves. If you’re running in wind or rain, especially if you’re starting early, you will find that running gloves help to protect your hands and keep you feeling positive. Look out for designs that are thin enough to enable easy movement, and if your gloves are waterproof, you’re more likely to stay comfortable if the heavens open.
- Reflective clothing. Staying safe is a top priority when you’re running, whether it’s race day or a training session. In dull, grey weather, visibility can be poor, and it’s very important to ensure you stand out from the environment around you. Look out for running clothing with reflective strips or add a reflective sash to your ensemble to keep yourself safe at all times.
- Comfortable shoes. You won’t be able to get around the course comfortably if you don’t have running shoes that fit your feet well, and taking the time to find the right pair can make all the difference to the health of your feet as well as your performance. Look out for extra cushioning, which will support your foot in the correct position, and a structure that suits the shape of your foot.
Whether you’re running or training, you’ll need to ensure that you stay warm while you are running, and this means adding a hat or a neck buff – or both – to your equipment list. We have a great selection of running clothing and accessories to choose from, and we’ll be happy to help you find the best solutions for your budget and your lifestyle.
Find New Running Shoes at The Edge, Ireland
At The Edge, we have an extensive selection of equipment for outdoor activities, including swimming, cycling, triathlon and surfing. We can help you find all of the essentials, whether you are a beginner or a professional athlete, and our friendly team will be happy to provide recommendations. Come and see us in store, or browse our catalogue on our website to find all you need for your St Patrick’s Day races this year!
