Westport 10K Road Race

The Westport 10K Road Race, organised by Westport Athletic Club, is one of those road races that earns its reputation not just from the competition but from where it takes you. Starting and finishing in Westport town centre, the course threads through one of the west of Ireland’s most scenically dramatic settings - Clew Bay to one side, the unmistakable outline of Croagh Patrick rising in the background. Chip timing and an open entry policy mean it suits everyone from club runners chasing a personal best to those doing their first-ever 10 kilometre distance.

What to expect

This is a proper road race with chip timing, bib numbers, water stations on the route and post-race refreshments. Westport Athletic Club runs a well-organised event: marshals at key junctions, kilometre markers on the course, and results posted online after. The town centre start means the atmosphere is good from early - there is usually a mix of local club runners and visitors who have made a weekend of it.

The course takes in some of Westport’s best scenery. Expect coastal paths adjacent to Clew Bay, views out toward the islands that dot the bay, and stretches of the Westport Railway Walk - a converted rail line that gives flat, runnable ground. Elevation is modest for a west of Ireland race, with some gentle drags but nothing punishing. The final stretch back into town tends to gather a few locals watching from the pavement, which helps if your legs are starting to argue with you.

Entry is from EUR 15 and must be booked in advance. The entry fee covers timing, race bib and post-race refreshments.

Getting there

Westport is well connected for a town its size. By car, it sits on the N5 from Castlebar (about 20 minutes) and is roughly two hours from Galway via the N17/N5. Bus Eireann runs regular services from Galway, Sligo and Dublin. The town centre car parks are the obvious option on race morning - arrive early as parking near the start fills up. There is usually more space on the approach roads if the central car parks are full by race time.

While you’re in Westport

Westport is a genuinely good place to spend a day or a weekend around a race. Matt Molloy’s pub on Bridge Street is a landmark for traditional music, and the quay area has cafes and restaurants that do well for pre-race carb loading the night before. There is more to see in Westport and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 16 August 2026
• Start time: 10:00am
• Price: From EUR 15
• Organiser: Westport Athletic Club
• Registration: Book in advance - check westportathletic.ie for entry links
• On the day: Chip timing, race bib, water stations, post-race refreshments included