The 12th Waterford Viking Marathon will take place on the 23rd of June 2024.
This year in association with charity partner AsIAm and initiative Autism Friendly Waterford, Waterford will be hosting the first ever Autism Friendly 10km run alongside the full, half and quarter marathons.
A full list of road closures can be found here.
Here's the advice for all those taking part in this year's events:
Pre-Race Information
Bibs
If you are an international participant or just registered over the last few days, you will need to collect your race bib/number.
Bibs can be collected on Friday from 4.30pm to 8pm or Saturday from 10.30am to 6pm when picking up your t-shirt and goodie bag at Race HQ, which is located the corner of O’Connell and Hanover Street.
Arriving Race Day? No problem, you can collect your bib Sunday morning from the Tower Hotel, just meters from start line, from 6.30 am to 8.15 am.
T-shirt and Goodie Bag
T-shirts and goodie bags can be collected either Friday from 4.30pm to 8pm or Saturday from 10.30 to 6pm from Race HQ, on the corner of O’Connell and Hanover Street. Highly recommend if you need to use bag drop facilities you use the goodie bag given to you. Make sure to write your race number on it.
Arriving Race Day? No problem, collection can be made Sunday post race.
Morning of Event
- Wake Up Early: Give yourself at least 3 hours.
- Eat a Light Breakfast: High-carb options like porridge or a banana and muesli, 2-3 hours before.
- Hydrate: Drink at least 2 pints of water throughout the morning, stopping 30 minutes before (You will need the loo before the run). And water will be available on your route.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear something you’ve worn previously, so less likely to chaf. Use moisture-wicking clothes and check the weather.
- Apply Sunscreen and Anti-Chafing Products: Make sure you are prepared, have the sunscreen on. And apply Vaseline to areas prone to chafing especially if you are running more than the quarter marathon.
Mental Preparation
- Stay Calm: Trust your training and stay positive.
- Have a Race Plan: Stick to your pacing strategy.
- Check the Route Map: Always good to know where the toilets and water stations are.
Pre-Race Routine
- Warm-Up: Light jog and dynamic stretches 30-45 minutes before. Waterford Viking Marathon warm up starts 8.45 outside Bishops Palace.
- Use the Bathroom: Go before heading to the start line. There are many toilets situated around the start line. Look out for signage.
- Arrive Early: Get to the start line with time to spare.
Final Checks
- Check Weather: Adjust clothing if needed, need more sunscreen?
- Bag Drop: Drop your bag off to the baggage area, clothing only. No valuables. This is located on The Mall. Highly recommend if you need to use this facility, use the goodie bag given to you. Make sure to clearly write your race number on it.
- Make Sure: race bib is attached, laces are tied, and you have your energy gels if needed.
Finally
- Stay with Your Pace Group: Find your pacer at the start line and stay with them.
- Positive Self-Talk: Keep a motivating mantra in mind.
- And Have Fun!!!!
Completion of Race
Finish Line: Located on O’Connell Street
Once you pass through the finish, please continue to move through to the exit to make room for other participants coming behind you.
T-shirt and Goodie Bag Collection
If you still need to collect your t-shirt and goodie bag, you can do so from Race HQ on the corner of O’Connell and Hanover Street, just meters from the finish line.
Bag Collection
You can collect the bag that you dropped off on The Mall, on the end of Hanover Street.
Enjoy the Atmosphere
Once you complete your run, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the live music and food.
Also, if you still have some energy, why not head back down to the final sprint for the finish, to cheer on your fellow participants.
Supporters
There are a number of great places for supporters to position themselves throughout the routes. Whether you are there cheering on a loved one, or just a good egg, supporting and encouraging the participants through their pain and struggle, we have many great places for you to position yourself.
A number of fan zones have been created for supporters to gather. At these zones there will be music played, live or by a DJ.
The live music zones will be
- Mount Congreve Gardens, (located at front of the house) and played by Deise Gypsy Jazz
- Mile 7 Kiloteran Carpark on Greenway, Traditional Music by upcoming stars
- Finish Line, live music from 11am
DJ’s locations
Mile 14: Full Marathon turnaround point
Mile 16: Ballyduff
Mile 18: Waterford Suir Railway
Mile 25: Bilberry carpark (end of Greenway)
Finish Line, Dj from 9.30 to 11am
“AsIAm is really pleased to be the Charity Partner in 2024. We are delighted that this run has embraced diversity and inclusion in a really meaningful way. Every Inclusive and Sensory Friendly initiative such as this run is to be applauded and supported and we encourage everyone to sign up and participate on the day. Our overall campaign is to ensure that everyone on the autism spectrum has the same chance in life. The same chance to live, work and play, as they are, equal, valued and respected”, said Dick White, Fundraising Manager, AsIAm.
"This year’s event promises to be bigger and better in every way, catering to a wider audience with new additions to the route, for quarter, half, and full marathon. And a perfect photo finish with the finishing line moving from the quays into the city centre", said Race Director Joe Cawley, “We are really excited about this year’s event, we have worked hard on creating some new additions to it and feel it is going to be a fantastic experience for everyone taking part. I am especially proud of the opportunity we are creating for those with Autism. It’s going to be a great day for all involved.”
Event sponsor Sanofi, Head of People and Culture, Martin O’Leary said: “We are really proud to be a part of it and excited to support in any way we can."
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