Welcome to the Joe Duffy BMW Clontarf Half Marathon and 5 Mile, where you’ll experience the beauty of Dublin’s coastline like never before. This year’s race takes place along the stunning Clontarf Promenade and Bull Island, offering runners breathtaking views of Howth Head and Dublin Bay.
Whether you’re a runner, jogger, or walker, both races are open to everyone looking to challenge themselves and achieve their goals. The flat terrain of the race course makes it an ideal choice for runners aiming for a personal best, and the half marathon even has pacers to help you stay on track.
The 5 mile race takes place entirely on hard-surfaced ground, ensuring a smooth and comfortable run for all participants. And with our unique finish line, you’ll be greeted with medals and goodies to celebrate your accomplishment.
Back with a bang after the success of 2022, we’re using the same formula that attracted 3,600 participants to this flat course last November. The race has a big-race atmosphere, and it’s no wonder that it’s an annual sell-out event. So don’t wait too long to register and secure your spot at the starting line.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up now for the Joe Duffy BMW Clontarf Half Marathon and 5 Mile on November 18th and experience the beauty and excitement of this unforgettable race.
Race Date: 18th Nov, 2023
Start Time: Half Marathon – 10.00am
5 Mile – 10.30am
Start Location: Alfie Byrne Park: https://goo.gl/maps/g4SiWTQJoBo3XBhm8
This new start location will contain the event village, where you’ll find number collection, baggage and toilets.
Number Pickup:
| Tues 14th | 10:00 to 17.30 | Wheelworx, Fonthill |
| Wed 15th | 10:00 to 17.30 | Wheelworx, Fonthill |
| Thurs 16th | 10:00 to 17.30 | Wheelworx, Charlestown |
| Fri 17th | 10:00 to 17:30 | Wheelworx, Charlestown |
| Race Day* | 08:30 to 09:45 | Alfie Byrne Park, Clontarf |
*Please Note: You will receive a txt message on Fri 17th confirming your race number. Please ensure you know your race number before coming to number collection, if collecting on the day. This will save you time and make for a more enjoyable pre-race experience! There will also be lists on display in the Race Village. Please ensure you know your race number before approaching the number collection area.
All race numbers will be published online at myrunresults.com, early next week.
Parking: Parking will be available in EastPoint Business Park, but there is limited space so please arrive before 9.30am to ensure you get a spot.
If you intend to park in EastPoint, please PRINT AND COMPLETE attached form and present it to security on entry to the park. NO FORM – NO ENTRY
Please also note: YOU MUST ONLY park as directed by Parking Marshals. STRICTLY NO PARKING ON EASTPOINT ROAD. CARS WILL BE TOWED!!!!
We recommend you carpool or use public transport if possible. The DART station is right beside the start/finish area. There will also be bike parking facilities at the event.
Bag Drop: Bag drop will be located beside the start area. It will open at 8.15am. Bag drop will be supervised, however management cannot accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items. The bag drop area is NOT undercover. Please ensure you place your items in a plastic bag to protect them should it rain. PLEASE NOTE: If you received your race number by post, your bag drop tag was sent to you. Please ensure you bring this with you as it will save you time on the race morning. Those collecting numbers can collect a bag tag at the same time as their number.
Toilets: Toilets will be located at the start/finish area. Please ensure to use these before the race begins. Please only use these toilets and do not go in public spaces. Toilets are located on the route at 5km, 9km and 16km.
Race Start/Waves:
Half Marathon:
Half Marathon Walkers will begin at 9.30am.
If you intend walking, please make sure to arrive in advance of this.
Half Marathon Runners will then begin at 10am.
There will be 4 waves.
Wave 1: Sub 1hr 40mins.
Wave 2: Between 1hr 40mins to 1hr 55mins.
Wave 3: Between 1hr 55mins to 2hrs 15 mins.
Wave 4: 2hr 15mins and over.
Pacers will have balloons for the following times 1:30; 1:40; 1:45; 1:50; 2:00. Please identify these and stand near them.
Your individual chip time starts when you cross the mat, so no need to rush. Please make sure your race number is visible as you cross the mat.
5 Mile:
The 5 mile will then begin at 10.30am.
Wave 1: Sub 38 mins
Wave 2: 39min to 45min
Wave 3: 46min to 60 min
Wave 4: 61 min and over
There are no pacers for the 5mile event.
Please listen out for your wave start time announcement and proceed to the start pen. Please note, your time will only start once you cross the start line. Make sure your race number with timing chip is visible.
Race Route: The start line is located in Alfie Byrne Park, beside the entrance to East Point business park. The race takes place in the scenic setting of Clontarf and is contained within an off-road promenade giving it a unique and relaxing appeal. An elevation gain of 38 metres makes this an ideal race to aim for a PB. There will be signage and marshals on the course to direct you. Please respect the marshals and follow their directions/instructions.
There will be a lead bike ahead of Wave 1 for both Half Marathon & 5 mile.
Half Marathon:
Half marathoners will leave Alfie Byrne Park at 10am and begin their journey up Alfie Byrne Road onto the promenade along Clontarf Road. The route travels past St. Annes Park and on to Sutton before turning around. On the route back, runners will take in an out-and back loop of the Causeway Road before the finishing stretch back along the promenade to Alfie Byrne Park.
5 Mile:
5 Mile runners will begin at 10.30am, leaving Alfie Byrne Park and onto the promenade on Clontarf Road. They will reach a turn point just after the Wooden Bridge, where they will turn and make the return run along the promenade.
Water Stations: Will be at 4km, 9km, and 16km (Half Marathon only – no water stations on the 5 mile route).
Please make every effort to place water bottles and caps in the bins provided at water stations and at the finish area. PLEASE do not drop bottles/caps along the route. We are lucky to be running in such a scenic location and littering the route jeopardises future events! Be smart – don’t litter.
Finish Area: You will receive a medal once you’ve completed the race, along with a bottle of water, banana, and other finish line goodies. Please try to move through the finish pen as quickly as possible to allow room for finishers behind you. Photos can be taken at our Finishers Wall located beyond the finish pen.
Medical Services: Are provided by EFAST Medical.
Results: Will be available on www.myrunresults.com.
FAQ’s: Still got questions. Please check out our FAQs at: Frequently Asked Questions | Bear Races
We hope you enjoy the Joe Duffy BMW Clontarf Half Marathon & 5 Mile
Bear Races
5 Mile Route
Half Marathon Route
