A huge well done to all our amazing athletes who took on the Dublin Marathon today! Every one of you did the club proud with fantastic performances, determination, and team spirit from start to finish.
The objective is to run as far as possible in 24hrs around a 1500m track. The race brings together some of the best ultra runners in the world and Jason takes his well earned place amongst a tough field. .
Jason gives us an insight on his journey to the start line :
How were you selected?
Athletics Ireland selected a team in May. In order to qualify for selection athletes had to meet specific criteria to be considered for selection. One of those criteria was a minimum of 220km in 24hrs. I won the National 24hr championships in 2024 in Belfast with a distance of 231km and I was also a finisher in the Spartathlon Ultra event in Greece a non-stop 246km run from Athens to Sparta. My results in both these races led to my selection.
How many on the Irish team? Do you know your team mates?
There are 5 people on the Irish team, 3 men and two women. Many of the team are highly experienced endurance runners having represented Ireland at international level in previous years. The team includes: Jessie O Connor, Dave Andrews, Anne Jennings & Lorraine McMahon
When did you start your training programme?
After I found out in May I had been in selected for the world championships the hard training started then.
Give us some insight into your training plan?
Im self-coached so I created the training programme myself based on my experience. The structure of my plan is not very different to a marathon training plan. Ive been running consistent 160km+ mileage weeks for the last two months. I spent a lot of time training on hilly trail routes to build leg strength. The world championships is around a 1500m circuit so Ive had to do a lot of my training running around looped tracks to build some new mental resilience. My long runs have been ranging from 4 to 6 hours ( 40km – 70km ) including a lot of back-to-back long runs on tired legs. A big focus has been on eating and digesting food while running. How you fuel and when you fuel your body in these types of races is one of the most important things to get right so practicing your race day nutrition on training runs has been important.
What was your highest mileage week??
My peak mileage weak at the end of Sept was 253km / 157miles
How do you find time with work to train for this event while building this incredible mileage??
Its hard, you have work and family commitments, but you can always find a way if you really want something badly enough.
Being disciplined with your time has been super important.
Give us some insights into the nutrition you will need on race day??
I am aiming for around 80g of carbs per hour for 24 hours. This will come from a variety of sources – SiS Carbohydrate Drink, SiS Beta 40g Gel, Bananas, Coke Cola, Flapjacks
Electrolytes and salt tabs will be important. Im hoping to consume around 500-600ml per hour.
How has the training gone ?? Have you had any injuries/setbacks?
Training has gone well overall with no major injuries. Ive had a few niggles which I’ve managed through good sleep, massage & physio sessions, sauna / ice baths and good pre & post training nutrition.
What is the goal?
I want to put in as big of a performance as I can while wearing the green jersey and representing St Finbarrs AC. It will be a tremendously proud day for me and my family. If I manage to come away with a PB for 24hrs I will be delighted.
Is there race tracking available ?
Yeah, the event is being streamed live on YouTube and a tracker will also be available.
Held in conjunction with theTullamore Half Marathon on 30th August 2025
The Wednesday night session with Coach Dan Kennedy will be focusing on specific training for this event over the summer months.
Location
Tullamore Harriers Stadium, County Offaly, Ireland.
Start Time
10:00 AM
Course Highlights
Scenic route through Mucklagh, Killurin, and Cloonagh.
A mix of flat stretches and gently rolling hills, offering a challenge yet remaining accessible.
Closed roads ensure a safe and comfortable environment for runners.
Finishes with a memorable lap on the stadium track.
Ideal for those preparing for the Dublin City Marathon.
Welcoming all levels, from seasoned runners to first-time challengers.
Participants consistently praise the race for its seamless organisation, scenic course, and superb atmosphere. Tullamore Harriers AC takes pride in organising a top-class event.
The club may organise a bus to the event depending on numbers.
Cork Athletics Graded Leagues returns after an enforced absence of almost six years.
The Series will be held over five meets, over the months April to July. Each of the evening sessions will include County Senior Championship events, with the remaining Championship events being held on Sunday June 22nd
The club is encouraging all members to try the event in a no pressure enviroment. Club Coaches will be at the events, and can provide advice and guidance.
St. Finbarr’s A.C. is hosting a fun and festive members mile race on Tuesday, 17th December at the MTU Track!
Get kitted out in your festive reds, whites and greens. Let’s make a colorful night of it 🎅⛄🎄!
Race times:
🏃♂️ 18:10 – Sub 6 Minute Mile
🏃♀️ 18:20 – Sub 7 Minute Mile
🏃♂️ 18:35 – 7+ Minute Mile
We are excited to support Penny Dinners Cork with a charity collection on the night. Bring your festive spirit to help raise funds for this fantastic local cause!
Come run with us, spread some holiday cheer, and make a difference! 🎅✨
If you can’t make it but would like to donate please do so here: https://www.corkpennydinners.ie/get-involved-l
Tempo sessions with Eamonn McEvoy and Marion Lyons.
Examples: 3 x 7 minutes, 4 x 8 minutes at tempo pace (about 25 second per mile slower than current 5km pace).
MTU Track
🚪 Entrance: Only use the back entrance to the track (i.e., the one behind the stand).
⏰ Timing: Other groups will be using the track before and after us. Please do not go on the track before 6 PM and leave promptly at 7 PM.
🏃♂️ Warm Up/Down: This could be done outside the track, e.g., on the pathway behind MTU by the river.
🤝 Sharing Space: On Tuesdays, Togher juveniles will be using the field events and equipment. On Fridays, we will be sharing the track with Old Abbey. Please be mindful that there will be others, including juveniles, around the facility during training times
New Members Welcome We usually split into 3 different groups at sessions, including an introductory group, so you will always find a pace to suit your current ability & challenge you at the same time. If you are interested in joining, why not come along for a test drive! We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and offer advice on your training too.
We are pleased to announce some important changes to our training schedule and location:
Training Days:
📅 New Schedule: Training will now take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.
🚫 There will be no Monday session until further notice.
New Location:
📍 Training sessions will now be held at the MTU Track.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these changes. We believe this new schedule and location will better accommodate our members and enhance our training experience.
MTU Track Important Notes:
🚗 Parking: Only use the car park behind the stand.
🚪 Entrance: Only use the back entrance to the track (i.e., the one behind the stand).
⏰ Timing: Other groups will be using the track before and after us. Please do not go on the track before 6 PM and leave promptly at 7 PM.
🏃♂️ Warm Up/Down: This could be done outside the track, e.g., on the pathway behind MTU by the river.
🤝 Sharing Space: On Tuesdays, Togher juveniles will be using the field events and equipment. On Fridays, we will be sharing the track with Old Abbey. Please be mindful that there will be others, including juveniles, around the facility during training times.
With the introduction of the new club training location of Tramore Valley Park we ask you kindly to take note of the following safety brief.
SAFETY BRIEF FOR CLUB SESSIONS AT TRAMORE VALLEY PARK.
AS TRAMORE VALLEY PARK IS A SHARED PUBLIC SPACE ST FINBARR’S A.C. MEMBERS ARE TO BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW DURING ORGANISED CLUB TRAINING SESSIONS.
CLUB TRAINING: WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS BETWEEN 6PM AND 7PM.
ORGANISED CLUB TRAINING CAN ONLY TAKE PLACE IN SELECTED AREAS OF TRAMORE VALLEY PARK INDICATED BY CLUB COACHES
RUNNERS ARE TO FOLLOW INSTURCTIONS OF CLUB COACHES AT ALL TIMES
RUNNERS HAVE A DUTY OF CARE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY TO THEMSELVES AND OTHER PARK USERS AND ARE TO EXERCISE DUE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES
WHEN RUNNING ON PUBLIC PATH WAYS RUNNER ARE TO RUN IN SINGLE FILE AT THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE PATH
WHEN OVER TAKING OTHER RUNNERS THEY ARE TO OVERTAKE TO THE RIGHT AND MOVE IN TO THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE PATH WHEN OVERTAKING IS COMPLETE
WHEN CHANGING DIRECTION RUNNERS ARE TO LOOK OVER THEIR SHOULDER TO ENSURE THE PATH IS CLEAR BEFORE CROSSING THE PATH AND MOVE ON TO THE LEFTH HAND SIDE IN THE NEW DIRECTION
WHEN RUNNING ON PITCHES/ FIELDS RUNNERS ARE TO BE AWARE THE SURFACE MAY BE UNEVEN/SLIPPY AND ARE TO EXERCISE DUE CAUTION
RUNNERS ARE TO BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS AND EXERSISE DUE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES
PEDESTRIANS
OTHER RUNNERS
CYCLISTS
SCOOTERS
SKATEBOARDS
BUGGYS/ PRAMS ETC.
WHEEL CHAIR USERS
DOGS
DOG LEADS
ANY OTHER SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALL HAZARDS NOT LISTED
Thank you for your attention. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask the St. Finbarr’s A.C. coaches at training sessions.
