Race Number Collection
Race Day - Saturday 5th September
There will be a registration desk at the Educate Together school on the Red Lane on the morning of the race where you should aim to collect your number from 9am.
There will be a registration desk at the Educate Together school on the Red Lane on the morning of the race where you should aim to collect your number from 9am.
Timing Chip
The timing chip will be given to you at registration upon collection of your race number. The timing is provided by Pop Up Races.
Race Start
The 10K race will start at 11 am sharp; the 5K at 11:15. Roads will close from 10.45am to 12.30pm. Please note that the vehicular access route we recommend you take is also part of the race route that closes to traffic at 10.45am. Late arrivals to the event will not be able to get vehicular access along this route once it closes at 10.45am. It is important to get to the parking and start area before the roads close.
The start line is on the Red Lane. Both the 5K and 10K start at the same spot - see below for more details on your race. All entrants should use the Educate Together school’s playground for their warm ups and stretching before the race and must wait here until told to make their way to the start line by a Race Organizer. For the actual start of the race we ask competitors to have consideration for fellow runners and position themselves in the appropriate finishing time zone guided by the pacers. This makes for a safer and more enjoyable start for all.
People who have run the Lakes 10K should note that the start and finish lines have changed from previous years. The views of the lake and the Liffey still form part of the route - as does the dreaded hill!
The start line is on the Red Lane. Both the 5K and 10K start at the same spot - see below for more details on your race. All entrants should use the Educate Together school’s playground for their warm ups and stretching before the race and must wait here until told to make their way to the start line by a Race Organizer. For the actual start of the race we ask competitors to have consideration for fellow runners and position themselves in the appropriate finishing time zone guided by the pacers. This makes for a safer and more enjoyable start for all.
People who have run the Lakes 10K should note that the start and finish lines have changed from previous years. The views of the lake and the Liffey still form part of the route - as does the dreaded hill!
Race Finish
Both the 5 and 10K races finish at the same spot at the entrance to the Educate Together school. As you reenter the schools’ grounds you will be given your well-earned finisher’s medal. Refreshments will be available in the Marquee - including the world-famous Lakes 10K muffin. Don’t worry - 5K participants get the same sized muffins as the 10K-ers..
The presentation of prizes will take place shortly after each race at the Educate Together school area.
The presentation of prizes will take place shortly after each race at the Educate Together school area.
Race Route and Safety
The roads are officially closed to traffic and there will be marshals at the junctions. There should be no traffic along the route but circumstances may arise where a vehicle appears and runners should bear this in mind. A first aid vehicle will follow behind the last runners should anybody need assistance. There will also be a sweep vehicle if anyone feels unable to finish the race they can avail of this. There is one water station close to the half way point of the 10K race. Distances are marked in KM.
10K Route
We have made some changes to the route this year. They mainly involve the start and finish areas - most of the route remains the same as previous years. These changes will make access easier and place the finish closer to the amenities.
The 10K starts near the mid-point of the Red Lane running towards the Lake (i.e. down hill). At the Kilbride Road, the route turns left from where it follows the old route. Runners will cross the bridge towards the end of the race. The finish line is back on the Red Lane just after the Kilbride Road junction and before the school.
5K Route
The route for the 5K is an out-and-back, flat course. It follows the 10K course for approximately three kilometers before runners turn back to the finish just before the entrance to the school on the lakeside.
10K Route
We have made some changes to the route this year. They mainly involve the start and finish areas - most of the route remains the same as previous years. These changes will make access easier and place the finish closer to the amenities.
The 10K starts near the mid-point of the Red Lane running towards the Lake (i.e. down hill). At the Kilbride Road, the route turns left from where it follows the old route. Runners will cross the bridge towards the end of the race. The finish line is back on the Red Lane just after the Kilbride Road junction and before the school.
5K Route
The route for the 5K is an out-and-back, flat course. It follows the 10K course for approximately three kilometers before runners turn back to the finish just before the entrance to the school on the lakeside.
Parking and Directions
There are parking facilities as indicated below on the map marked ‘P’ on the Red Lane.(You should be at the parking area no later than 10:30am - earlier if you need to register and collect your number).
All vehicles coming from the Dublin direction should turn left before reaching Blessington Village onto Red Lane. The section of the Red Lane between the N81 and the parking facility will not form part of the road closure. Traffic coming from the southern side of Blessington should take a right at the AIB bank and again there will be marshals to assist with directions. This section of road will be closed from 10:45 to 12:30. We would ask people to carpool where they can.
All vehicles coming from the Dublin direction should turn left before reaching Blessington Village onto Red Lane. The section of the Red Lane between the N81 and the parking facility will not form part of the road closure. Traffic coming from the southern side of Blessington should take a right at the AIB bank and again there will be marshals to assist with directions. This section of road will be closed from 10:45 to 12:30. We would ask people to carpool where they can.