Here’s what the weekend has in store. Let us know your plans – whether it’s racing, training or using tapering for a race as an excuse to sit around and watch sport on the telly.
Obviously, we’re gutted to have been overlooked for the Irish team at Helsinki’s European Athletics Championships – we missed the A-Standard by only 2 minutes. The margins in this sport are that fine. However, we’ll be supporting the Irish athletes all the way until the final day on Sunday. 
Before that, of course, the big race of the weekend is the Irish Runner 5 Mile in the Phoenix Park. We’ll be there, and will have a write up here, but do let us know how you got in yourself, and send any pics to bodyandsole@irishtimes.com.
That goes for any running your doing this weekend, and there are plenty of other races.
SATURDAY
35 Marathon Man Alan Corcoran completes his awesome lap of Ireland at the Waterford Viking Marathon. An incredible achievement.
The 10K Run in Carrigallen, Co Leitrim takes place at 2pm. It’s €10 on the day and funds raised will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
A duathlon, the first Fionn Mac Cumhaill Challenge, takes place at 2pm in Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Newry, Co Armagh. You can register on the morning too.
Sligo Athletic Club’s Ransboro 10k is on Saturday evening. Register in advance for €12, and €15 on the day.
SUNDAY
Our Race of the Week, the scenic Kerryhead Half-Marathon takes place on Sunday. That’s a picture from it above – although if the route really was to go through the shoreline, it would leave your shoes so stinky you’d have to bury them in a lead-lined pit.
The Snugboro FC 8k road race & fun run/walk is on Sunday too, and looks like an enjoyable event. Two miles from Castlebar, and with a few hills thrown in, you can register here or at the clubhouse on the day.
The Marion Geraghty Annual 10km Road Race takes place in Mountbolus, County Offaly. In its tenth year, it’s undulating course is a good test. Entry is €12 online and €15 on the day.
Finally, with a superhero theme attached, there’s the second Integral Seaside 10k at 3pm in the fishing village of Clogherhead, County Louth. We’ve done a couple of triathlons there and it’s a great place to race. It’s €22 in advance, €27 on the day. Here’s their video. See if you can spot Superman anywhere… Have a great weekend everyone.
