Mountain Running
Jason Kehoe of Crusaders competing on Mount Leinster in July 2008. Photograph: John Shiels.
Looking for a change from tarmac? Want to enjoy some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery? Fancy some adventure and rush of adrenaline? Well, then mountain running may be the sport for you: from refreshing trail races in the Dublin mountains and the beautiful forests of Wicklow to mountain races over the highest peaks of Ireland and beyond. Mountain running is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland and there are currently more than 50 races on the annual hill running calendar. Distances vary from short cross-country style races to multi-day mountain marathons, and from gentle sloping trails to treacherous descents and climbs where you’ll be reduced to your hands and knees – in the world of mountain running there is a challenge for every preference and every runner.
Both new and experienced mountain runners can benefit from club membership for the same reasons road runners can but company becomes even more welcome on long runs over open mountain. There are hundreds of training routes on the Irish hills and the best way to discover them is by joining up with other mountain runners for a so-called “recce”: surveying race routes, sharing training runs, or just going on an adventure in the hills.
Mountain running is suitable for all runners, from beginners to aspiring internationals, and all can benefit from specific training, tailored for mountain running, to improve their agility, balance and co-ordination, all important components in mountain running. With the support of a trained coach, these important skills can be developed within the club to improve performance, enjoyment and injury-resilience on the hills. Crusaders has a long tradition for mountain running and prospective hill runners can avail of advice on specific training, equipment, safety and navigation on the mountains.
For road and cross-country runners, mountain running is very effective cross-training, providing strength from the uphill and quick leg-turnover from the descents, as well as keeping your running varied and your feet off hard surfaces.
The Irish Mountain Running Association has an impressive website with detailed information on their events, but as part of the club you’ll get inside information on the races and easier access to carpooling as well as company for the trips to the remote parts of the country where some races are located. Most hill races feature a team competition where you will be able to compete not just individually but also as a member of your club team.
Currently, Crusaders hosts two hill-related sessions on the Saturday of each week: one in Phoenix Park and one in the Dublin Mountains. If you are a hill-runner curious about the club and our sessions, or a club member looking to learn more about hill running, join one of our hill-specific trainings (See Training for details. Alternatively, just e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have any further queries.