These 10k running routes around Ireland are perfect for the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon

The Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon is taking place remotely this year, meaning you can choose any of these beautiful scenic routes to pound the pavement and cover 10k over 10 days

If your exercise routine has seen an improvement over lockdown, there’s never been a better time to set yourself a new challenge.

This year, the 2020 Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is going virtual, with organisers asking those who want to participate to sign up online and run, jog or walk ten kilometres at their own pace — you can split it up any way you like, as long as you complete a full 10k between October 1-10.

No matter where you are, you can take part in the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon, even if it’s your first time. Go as slow or as fast as you like, all with the knowledge that you’re running along with thousands of women all over Ireland

If you’re looking for inspiration to get you over the start line, these are our favourite routes around the country, so you can find one near you.

Leinster: Dun Laoghaire to Killiney, Co. Dublin

Spanning some of the most beautiful areas of South Co. Dublin, begin your run at Dun Laoghaire harbour and take in the coastline as you run along to the Forty Foot, Bullock Harbour and on up to the Obelisk on Killiney Hill, before a gentle descent back down into Dalkey village.

Leinster: Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullins, Co. Kilkenny

Love a riverside run? This route from Graiguenamanagh in Co. Kilkenny will take you across the border into Carlow and down to St. Mullins along the River Barrow. The great thing about this run is that it’s pretty much flat the entire route, so perfect if you can’t manage anything too strenuous.

Munster: Blackrock Castle Loop, Co. Cork

This route is about 8km all in all, but if you begin your run in Cork city centre, you can tack on the 2km very easily. Run on the public walkway around the castle, before joining the old Cork to Crosshaven railway. You’ll run onto the Marina alongside the River Lee, before ending up back in Blackrock near the castle.

Munster: The Waterford Greenway

Now, we’re not suggesting the entire Greenway here folks, but this scenic Waterford attraction is handily broken up into sections, making it easy to map your run. We suggest starting at the beginning in Waterford city, and heading to Killoteran, which winds its way alongside the old railway track, before bringing you out to the gardens of Mount Congreve.

Connacht: Keel Bay, Achill island, Co. Mayo

Where better to try out your new running shoes than the stunning surroundings of Achill island? Starting off in the seaside village of Keel, a great 10km route is to make your way around the lake, taking in the scenery, before looping back around towards Keel Golf Club.

Connacht: Galway Bay

Another beautiful seaside run, the promenade along Galway’s coast is a great option for a 10k. Begin at Claddagh and follow the closed road down through Salthill, before turning towards the sea and looping back along the promenade. Just make sure you pick a nice day for it!

Ulster: Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal

Donegal is a strong contender for the best scenery in the country, and Glenveagh National Park is home to much of it. There are plenty of routes to choose from and to customise, but our favourite is the Glen (Bridle Path) walk, which follows a natural route through the Derryveagh mountains. Begin behind the Castle and follow the gravel road along. This is a mostly flat route, but it isn’t looped, so be sure to arrange a pick up at the other end.

Ulster: River Lagan loop, Belfast, Co. Antrim

If you’re going for a run in Belfast, you may as well map it through some of the best sights the city has to offer. Begin at the Titanic site and follow the embankment south for about 5km, before crossing the Governor’s Bridge and looping 5km back towards the Lagan Weir bridge.

If you’d like to participate in the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon, be sure to sign up at: www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie. It takes just a few minutes and costs just €10.

Don’t forget to share your progress on social media, be sure to tag the Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon’s Instagram page: @vhiwmm.

Feature image: Pexels