Run the Bridges

​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.