The countdown is on as 10,000 runners get ready to light the city red for the Virgin Media Night Run on Sunday 23rd April at 9pm.
The Virgin Media Night Run is a unique opportunity for runners to race through Dublin’s iconic O’Connell Street. Starting at North Wall Quay runners will pass the Spire and head towards Grand Canal Dock and Ringsend before crossing the East Link and finishing at the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
Registration closes on Wednesday 19th April at 5:00PM so make sure you register at www.virginmedia.ie/nightrun. The entry fee is €30. On the night all runners will receive a Virgin Media Running Pack containing out branded running top (to be worn on the night), a race number (chipped) and numerous other treats.
Paul Farrell, Vice President of Commercial at Virgin Media said, “we are really excited to see the level of interest in the Night Run with registrations increasing every day. The night run is a fantastic event, with an almost carnival atmosphere in the city. There is something very exciting about taking part in a night run, especially through the streets of our capital, which will be illuminated red. I would really encourage anyone who is still considering registering to do it before Wednesday, they won’t regret it!”
Virgin Media Night Run in partnership with Athletics Ireland and TITAN experience. Virgin Media is working closely with Dublin City Council on the race route as road closures will be in place on the night, further information closer to the event.
Road closures will be in place on the night with further information available closer to the event.
Countdown to the Virgin Media Night Run- Top Training Tips from Mary Jennings, running coach and fitness expert:
With the Virgin Media night run just two weeks away, there are many things you can do (in addition to running) to get yourself prepared and ready for race night
- Get to know the race route
If possible walk, run or even drive the course before race day and you will be comforted to see how flat and scenic it is. By familiarising yourself with the race route you can visualise your run and more importantly work out where to start your sprint finish so you don’t sprint too early!
- Practice your race day food
9.00 pm is not the usual running time for most of us so plan your meals sensibly for race day. Hydrate early in the day rather than later in afternoon or evening. Eat a normal breakfast, your main meal at lunchtime and something lighter in the early evening so you feel comfortable and confident running.
- Plan your journey to the start line
With a large amount of people descending on the quays, think about how you will travel to the event. Plan to arrive 1 hour before the race start so you have time for toilets, walking to race start, warmup and most importantly time to relax and enjoy the wonderful pre-race atmosphere.
- Update your training plan
Be practical about what training you can do between now and race day. Work out the time you have available and based on this decide what is realistic for you in terms of pacing and race strategy. Cramming for a race doesn’t work. Build up your mileage gradually over these last few weeks and wind down training in the days leading up to the race.
- Recruit some cheerleaders
Nothing will make you feel better than seeing friends and family cheer you along the race route. It will add a pep to your step and will keep you running even if you feel like stopping. Round up your friends and make an evening of it in Dublin city.
Mary Jennings is founder and running coach with ForgetTheGym.ie. Mary trains beginners and marathoners and everyone in between to enjoy running and stay injury free. See ForgetTheGym.ie for more details.