‘Great boost’ as Donegal Half Marathon attracts 50 relay teams

This year’s Donegal Half Marathon has attracted over 50 relay teams.

The annual event is scheduled to take place in Letterkenny on Sunday, August 24. 

“In the early years, we had a relay event, but after a couple of years, we decided to drop it because there wasn’t a great level of interest,” race director Brendan McDaid said. “However, we made a decision a number of months ago to bring the relay section back, and we’re delighted that over 50 teams have signed up so far. This is a great boost to the event, and it opens it up to so many more people. 

“The more competitors we can get involved in the Donegal Half Marathon, the better. We’d like to think that the relay is back for good now.”

The relay event will see three runners, each completing approximately 7K. The first changeover point will be across from the entrance to Crievesmith Park, approximately 400 metres after the Oldtown Bridge, with the second changeover area located at the Rashedog junction before the course takes the competitors back into Letterkenny via New Mills.

“The first changeover point is about a mile from race headquarters at Aura Leisure Centre. Those doing the second leg can make their way from Aura, while those who completed the first leg can walk or jog their way back to Aura. The start line for the race is one mile from Aura on the main Glenties Road, so all runners are encouraged to give themselves plenty of time to get to the start line,” the race director added.

A bus will be available to take the third leg runners to the Rashedog changeover point. The third leg runners will cross the same finish line as those doing the half-marathon on the Danny McDaid Track at Aura. 

The relay teams, like the individual entries, can collect their race packs at Aura the day before the race. Each team will be given three numbers, which will have a green band. The first runner will wear ‘leg one’, and the second runner will wear ‘leg two’, with the third runner, most importantly, wearing ‘leg three’. The ‘leg three’ number will have the timing chip that will record the overall time for each team

To register for the 2025 Donegal Half Marathon as a team or individual, follow the link here. 

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