The 2024 Kilmovee Road Races once again delivered a day of athletic achievement, local pride, and legendary hospitality. Held on Easter Saturday on a bright and breezy spring afternoon in March, the event brought together runners, volunteers, and supporters from all over Ireland and beyond. Known for its warm community spirit, the Kilmovee Road Races have become one of the most anticipated running events in the region, and this year was no exception.
A Historic Tradition of Running Excellence
First held in 2010, the Kilmovee 10k has steadily grown to become a staple event on the Irish running calendar. Set in the scenic countryside of County Mayo, the race offers participants a unique opportunity to experience the rural beauty of Kilmovee, a picturesque village steeped in Irish history. Over the years, the event has expanded to include a variety of races, catering to all levels of runners, from seasoned athletes to enthusiastic beginners.
The race has always been more than just a test of endurance; it’s a celebration of community involvement. Local volunteers, businesses, and residents play a huge role in the event’s success, offering everything from logistical support to warm greetings at the finish line. The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, the event’s charity partner, has been a core part of the race since its inception, raising essential funds for their vital palliative care services.
2024 Kilmovee Road Races Results
The competition was fierce, with runners from across Ireland testing their mettle on Kilmovee’s famously challenging course. This year’s races included both a 10k and a 5k event, attracting over 1,000 participants.
Top Finishers – 10k:
Men’s Winner: John Murphy – 32:15
John led the field with a powerful performance, taking the top spot in this year’s race.
Women’s Winner: Sarah O’Brien – 37:40
Sarah delivered an impressive run, securing the fastest time in the women’s category.
Top Finishers – 5k:
Men’s Winner: Tom Gallagher – 16:50
Tom finished first in the 5k, showcasing his speed and determination.
Women’s Winner: Aoife Connolly – 18:55
Aoife clinched the women’s 5k title with a stellar performance.
Legendary Post-Race Hospitality
What truly sets the Kilmovee Road Races apart from other running events is the legendary post-race hospitality. After the exertion of the race, runners and spectators are treated to a feast of homemade sandwiches, cakes, teas, and coffees, all prepared by local volunteers. This post-race spread has become as famous as the race itself, with participants returning year after year not just for the run, but for the unrivaled community spirit.
Many runners remarked that it’s the atmosphere and kindness of the Kilmovee locals that make this event so special. The hospitality doesn’t stop at the finish line, as the entire village turns out to cheer on participants, ensuring everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
Community Involvement
The Kilmovee Road Races are truly a community-driven event, with local volunteers taking the lead in organizing everything from race-day logistics to post-race clean-up. Schools, sports clubs, and businesses from the surrounding areas all pitch in to make sure the event runs smoothly. This year, over 150 volunteers gave their time, a testament to the strong community ties that Kilmovee fosters.
Supporting the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation
The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation has been the charity partner for the Kilmovee Road Races since the event began, and 2024 was no exception. A portion of the proceeds from race entries goes directly to the Foundation, which provides palliative care services to patients and families in the Mayo and Roscommon areas.
This year, the event raised a significant sum for the Hospice Foundation, furthering their mission to offer compassionate care and support to those in need. Many participants ran in memory of loved ones who had been cared for by the Hospice, adding a deeply personal connection to the event for many.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the 2024 Kilmovee Road Races now in the books, the organizing committee is already looking ahead to 2025, aiming to build on this year’s success. The event continues to grow in stature, attracting more participants and raising more funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Whether you’re a competitive runner or just looking to support a great cause, the Kilmovee Road Races are an event you won’t want to miss next year.
In the words of one participant: “There’s no place like Kilmovee on race day.”
For more information about the Kilmovee Road Races and how to get involved, visit Kilmovee10k.com.