The Board of Management wish to thank the staff, volunteers, parents and the wider community for the fantastic support that was given for our recent Run The Bridges Fundraiser on Sunday 7th of September. It was a huge success with over 700 entrants in the 10k and 5k and also a large number of donations on the fundraising campaign page. We most sincerely thank all who helped in any way whether it be through entering the race, donating money and refreshments, volunteering as a marshal or helping in any way big or small on the day. It was such a wonderful community event. Thank you to our main sponsor Regeneron. We would like to thank all our sponsors and especially the local businesses in Ballina and Killaloe for their support. A massive thank you also to members of the Gardaí, Coastguard and Clarisford Park for their much-needed support. We are delighted to let you know that just over €26,000 was raised and this money will go towards upgrade works of our school yard. Photos taken on the day by Charlie McGeever are available on www.ballinaprimaryschool.com under the Run The Bridges tab. We are delighted that due to the positive feedback received from everyone we will be running Run The Bridges 2026 on Sunday 6th of September 2026 at 10am. Entries can be made on Eventmaster at https://eventmaster.ie/event/GYD2CkKtpd

​We’re thrilled to officially welcome you to Run the Bridges 2025, a fundraiser for Ballina Primary School. This promises to be a fantastic celebration of fitness, community, and the spirit of Ballina/Killaloe!

Our team has been working around the clock to ensure your race experience is smooth, safe, and unforgettable — whether you're chasing a PB or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Here’s everything you need to know for the weekend:

🕘 *Race Day Schedule – Sunday*
      •     *Start Time:* 10.00am sharp – please be race-ready at the start line by 9:45am
      •     *Start Location:* Brian Boru On The Hill/O’Donovans Bar, V94 X0RF (Warm-up with Tracey Fitness begins at 9.45am) 
      •     *Finish Line:* Ballina Primary School, V94 V8X6

🧾 *Race Number Collection & Bag Drop*
Race numbers can be collected at the following time:
      • Sunday (Race Morning): 8.30am- 9.30am
📍 Location: Ballina Primary School, V94 V8X6

Please bring your confirmation email with you when collecting your number.

🧳*Bag Drop:*
Available beside number collection. Please clearly label your bag and avoid leaving valuables.

🚗 *Parking Info*
Limited parking is available in Ballina GAA Pitch (V94 WR91), but we encourage carpooling and allowing extra time in the morning. Other possible parking may be available around The Lakeside, Flanagans or in McKeoghs. If coming from the Killaloe side, perhaps park in Killaloe and walk over to Ballina Primary School.

💧 *Water Stations & Toilets*
There will be a water station for 10km participants at the 5km mark. Toilets will be available at the start, middle and end (O’Donovans Bar, Clarisford Park and Ballina Primary School). 

Bins will be available shortly after the water station — please help us keep the course clean.

🚧*Road Closures & Stewarding*
Please note this is not a closed-road race. While traffic will be minimal, all runners should remain alert and respectful of their surroundings.
We’re proud to have local volunteers as course stewards, supported by local Gardaí helping manage key junctions and crossings to keep you safe.                                                     

🏁 *The Course*
The route takes you on a scenic tour of Ballina Killaloe while incorporating our old and new bridges, connecting two vibrant and welcoming communities. Take it all in and enjoy crossing that finish line — you’ve earned it!
 
🏅*Medals & Refreshments*
All 10k runners will receive a high-quality finisher medal, available at the finish line.

☕️ Tea, coffee and a treat will be provided and sponsored by Old Barracks, Birdhill for all participants after the run. Refreshments will be served in our school hall also.                                                    
 🍌💦Fresh fruit and water will be provided and sponsored by Queally’s Supervalu, Killaloe and Carambola for all participants after the run.                                                
  
🧠 *Final Tips*
      •     Arrive early – to allow plenty of time for number collection, bag drop, and warm-up
      •     Stay on footpaths where possible. 
      •     Respect others – fellow runners, volunteers, stewards, and residents
      •     Smile! – Our event photographers will be capturing all the great moments 📸

Huge thank you to all participants, sponsors, volunteers, local Gardaí, the Order of Malta (Nenagh) and local Ballina Killaloe community. All proceeds go towards our new outdoor play facilities for students in Ballina Primary School.

RUN THE BRIDGES BALLINA KILLALOE 7TH SEPTEMBER 2025
This 10k race goes through the picturesque towns of Ballina/ Killaloe crossing the old and new bridges. The 10k race will be chip timed with all finishers of the 10k race receiving a commemorative medal. This is a fundraising event for Ballina Primary School, Ballina, Killaloe.

The 5k is open to all adult runners/walkers over the age of 16.

All abilities are welcome as it promises to be a fun day out. There will be lots of local support cheering you on!
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and Instagram for updates and please spread the word!!