Castlebar Community 5K Fun Run

On a September morning in Castlebar, before the town fully wakes up, a few hundred people lace up their runners and head for the Town Park. The Castlebar Community 5K Fun Run is a free, no-pressure event open to anyone who wants to cover five kilometres - at a sprint, a jog, or a determined walk. It suits beginners getting their first taste of a timed event, families who want to move together, and seasoned runners looking for a relaxed midweek-style outing without the chip-time stress of a race series.

What to expect

The route starts and finishes at Castlebar Town Park, a 12-acre green space in the centre of town with well-maintained paths and a mix of open grass and mature trees. The terrain is flat and accessible, making it manageable for walkers and young children as well as runners. Organised by the Castlebar Community Association, the atmosphere is firmly in the “everyone finishes” camp rather than the competitive category - think encouragement from marshals, a bit of craic at the start line, and refreshments waiting at the end. No registration is required, so you can simply show up on the morning. Bring water if it is a warm day, and comfortable shoes are all the kit you need.

Getting there

Castlebar is the county town of Mayo and sits on the N5 Dublin to Westport road, roughly two and a half hours from Dublin and 45 minutes from Galway city. Bus Eireann runs regular services from Dublin, Galway, and Sligo into Castlebar, and the town has a train station on the Dublin Heuston to Westport line - a journey of around three hours. By car, there is parking at Lough Lannagh car park a short walk from the Town Park, along with street parking throughout the town centre on Sunday mornings.

While you’re in Castlebar

The town has a good range of cafes and restaurants for a post-run breakfast, and the nearby Lough Lannagh loop walk is an easy way to stretch the legs further if the mood takes you. There is more to see in Castlebar and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Date: Monday 7 September 2026
• Start time: 10:00am
• Start point: Castlebar Town Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
• Entry: Free - no registration required
• Organiser: Castlebar Community Association
• More info: Check with the Castlebar Community Association closer to the date for any updates
• Accessibility: Paths in the Town Park are wheelchair-accessible; the route is flat and suitable for buggies