Clara AC 5K Road Race

Clara AC brings its 5K road race back to the closed streets of the town on Sunday, 5 July, as part of the Healthy Offaly 5K Series - round seven of an eight-race county series. Entry is free, the course gives you a genuine work-out, and the atmosphere on race morning is reliably warm. Locals come out to cheer, the marshals know what they are doing, and you leave with your legs worked and a reason to come back the following year.

What to expect

The race follows a closed-road course through Clara town, giving runners the streets to themselves. Previous editions have drawn fields of around 340 athletes - enough to feel like a proper event without losing the community feel. The course has genuine variety: the Offaly Independent described it as “a good, honest course where runners were put to the test with some nice downhills followed by uphill challenges.” Do not expect a flat PB run, but do expect a fair test. Clara AC run it to a high standard, with marshals from Clara GAA helping on road closures. The race is dedicated to the memory of the late Paddy Dolan, which gives it local meaning beyond the finishing time. Each race in the series also acts as a fundraiser for the host club. Register in advance via Pop Up Races at popupraces.ie.

Getting there

Clara sits on the N80 between Tullamore (about 14 km to the north-west) and Portlaoise. From Dublin, take the M6 westbound, exit at Junction 5 (Kilbeggan) and follow the R446 south - roughly an hour’s drive. Clara also has a train station on the Dublin Heuston to Galway/Westport line, making it accessible without a car on a Sunday morning. Town-centre parking is generally straightforward, but arrive early on race day given road closures for the course.

While you’re in Clara

Clara is worth a little extra time. Clara Bog, just outside the town, is one of Ireland’s best-preserved raised bogs and has a free boardwalk and visitor centre - a good stretch of the legs after a race. There is more to see in Clara and across Co. Offaly.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 10:00am
• Entry: Free
• Part of: Healthy Offaly 5K Series (Round 7 of 8)
• Register: via Pop Up Races - pre-registration recommended
• Organiser: Clara AC
• Getting updates: check Clara AC’s social pages or the Pop Up Races listing for any late changes