Do you want to set yourself a target for all the hours you are putting in working out at the gym? Discover our fitness goals calendar below which includes a combination of running events, fun runs, walks, marathons, 5k and 10k, obstacle courses, swimming races and more!
These annual events are wonderful at helping us find the motivation to keep on track with our fitness goals, and with the additional help from the awesome trainers in the gyms in Galway we’re delighted to say that we are crushing our goals! If you want to get started on your own fitness journey and need some encouragement, tap here to meet some of the amazing gyms in Galway who specialise in just that.
Parkruns & Running Club;
Taking place on a weekly basis, parkruns are a phenomenal way to exercise and create new challenges for yourself. Taking place every Saturday morning, these are a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Best of all these runs are timed so you can track your weekly progress with ease. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Locations for these parkruns in Galway include; Oranmore, Coole Park, Knocknacarra, Oughterard, Inis Meáin, Clonbur Woods and Portumna. Alternatively, the self proclaimed beer club with a running problem Galway Bay Brewery Running Club are a social beer run, free to join and all levels of runner are welcome. Just show up ready to run and everything else will fall into place. With 5k, 8k, or 10k distances available to run, all your hard work will be rewarded with a free Galway Bay beer for all runners. Check out their Facebook page here so you never miss out on one of their organised runs.
above: photo courtesy of Knocknacarra Parkrun
Road Races;
Inis Iron Meáin: The Original Island Road Race
Usually takes place on the last Saturday of April / Inis Meáin / for more info & to register tap here
A major social event for Inis Meáin, the course is exceptionally scenic with options of a 5km or 10km road race or a more challenging 12km route which includes a stunning beach run along Ceann Gainimh. The funds raised goes to support Coláiste Naomh Eoin, the island’s secondary school.
Inis Oírr Wild Atlantic Island Run
Usually takes place on the last Saturday of April / Inis Oírr / for more info & to register tap here
The annual 5km and 10km road race on Inis Oírr, takes entrants around the beautiful small island. This is a fabulous way to see everything the island has to offer while simultaneously challenging your fitness. This event raises funds for Coláiste Ghobnait, the island’s secondary school.
Streets of Galway 8k Road Race
Usually takes place on the second Saturday of Aug / Galway City / for more info & to register tap here
Each year, Galway City Harriers hosts this famous city street race that is sponsored by Blackrock Health Galway Clinic. The route leads participants along iconic sights such as; Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, UG and more. It's a truly unique way to tour Galway city!
Craughwell 10
Usually takes place at the start of September/ Craughwell / for more info & to register tap here
Comprising two different distances, the 10 mile and the 10k road races. This dual race format is to cater to the different fitness levels and running preferences. It’s chip timed and once the running is complete, you can join them for refreshments and rewards to celebrate your achievement.
above: photo courtesy of Inis Iron Meáin
10k + Full and Half Marathons + Triathlons;
Rock and Road Kinvara
Usually takes place first Saturday of March / Kinvara / for more info & to register tap here
A phenomenal way to test your fitness on country roads, it’s your choice between the 10k, half or full marathon race. All your race day needs are accounted for in your entry fee, including; refreshments, shower and toilet facilities, race number and even finisher medals!
Run Galway Bay
Usually takes place first Saturday of October / Nimmo’s Pier, Claddagh / for more info & to register tap here
A flat and scenic route awaits at this race course. Opt for the 10k, full or half marathon and run or walk your way along Galway Bay. This is great fun to complete with your colleagues or friends and their website provides loads of helpful training tips to set you up for success on the day.
Connemarathon
Usually takes place during third week of April / Connemara / for more info & to register tap here
This is the Connemara International Marathon with three distances- half, full and ultra! It’s one of the world’s most scenic running events so it’s really no surprise that participants travel from near and far to take part in it. Please note that you need to be 18 years or older to enter.
Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon
Usually takes place mid May / Grounds of Lough Cutra Castle / for more info & to register tap here
This Lough Cutra Castle event features some truly iconic courses in the West of Ireland. The weekend will host a huge range of races for all ages and abilities. Participants can pick a discipline - triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, swim and run - and choose a distance from starter to elite.
above: photo courtesy Rock and Road Kinvara
Fundraiser Events;
The Croí Corrib Charity Cycle
Usually takes place during the third weekend of June / Northward of Newcastle Rd / for more info & to register tap here
Get on your bike to help raise funds for Croí. With routes of either 107km or 47km, both routes begin at Dangan Sports Facility Carpark, travelling north towards Moycullen, Oughterard before concluding at Croí House in Newcastle. All participants will receive a souvenir t-shirt, as well as full route support, mechanical support and refreshments.
Croí 5km Night Run
Usually takes place during second week of October / Salthill Promenade / for more info & to register tap here
This is one fun run that you can take part in individually or register as part of a team with your family, friends, or colleagues to walk, run or jog! Participants will receive a special Croí Night Run Goodie Bag when they register too.
Race in Pink
Usually takes place during the last weekend of October / Ballybrit Racecourse / for more info & to register tap here
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and each year the team at Galway Racecourse partners with the brilliant Breast Cancer Research charity to host a dedicated fundraiser called ‘Race in Pink’. The race takes place around the racecourse and always promises to be a fun day out.
Run in the Dark
Usually takes place mid November / start at Mutton Lighthouse / for more info & to register tap here
Connecting runners across 4 continents, Run in the Dark is a global movement lighting up the night as people hit the road to walk/run 5k or 10k to help cure paralysis in our lifetime. Each entry includes a buff and flashing armband to light up the night as you run.
Christmas Swim for COPE
Takes place December 20th-26th /Salthill / for more info & to register tap here
A hybrid and festive event, for the COPE’s annual Christmas swim you can opt to join them at Blackrock Beach on Christmas day or participate with a swim wherever you are. Funds raised help provide vital support for families, men, women and children in Galway.
Darkness into Light
Usually takes place at the start of May / Galway / for more info & to register tap here
Participants come together to begin the 5k walk before sunrise and help raise funds for a much needed organisation. Taking place in locations across Galway county, these official walks raise funds to support Pieta House.
above: photo courtesy of COPE Galway Christmas Swim
Fun Runs;
Cuckoo Fun Run
Usually takes place during the May Bank Holiday Weekend / Kinvara / for more info & to register tap here
An annual family friendly fun run/walk in the seaside Kinvara - it’s a great day out for the whole family! The kids fun run is either 1k for 6 years and younger or 2k for 7 years and older. These races are not timed and are marshalled, medals will be awarded to all participants also.
Obstacle courses;
Turf Warrior
Usually takes place in November / Leenane / for more info & to register tap here
If you really want to challenge yourself, this is an epic 8k mud run & obstacle course challenge. The event is packed full of mud & bog, climbing & swinging, leaping into the Atlantic & all kinds of other mayhem and madness by the beautiful Killary Fjord.
Swimming Events;
Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim
Usually takes place mid July / Galway Bay / for more info & to register tap here
The swim traverses Galway Bay – a distance of approx 13 km - from Aughinish in Co. Clare to Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill. It is one of the longest open-water swims in Ireland and is the only bay swim crossing on the Wild Atlantic Way. The swim is now part of the Irish Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming – a series of three Irish marathon swims.
Galway Longest Day Swim
Usually takes place during the third week of July / River Corrib / for more info & to register tap here
Organised by Galway Swimming Club in support of one of their charity partners, for this day swim you can opt for either the 4k swim from Glenlo Abbey or 2.5k swim from Dangan. This is a timed, open water river swim for competent over 18’s open water swimmers.
Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim
Usually takes place at the start of September / Killary Fjord / for more info & to register tap here
This sea swimming event has a choice of 3 distances 3.9km (full Ironman distance) | 2km | 750m for all levels of experience in open sea swimming. Wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers are welcome in all distances. Additionally, expert kayakers and safety boats will be on hand at all times.
above: photo courtesy of GCS Longest Day Swim
Feature photo courtesy of Connemarathon
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