IMRA Sligo Women’s Trail Series wraps up with Union Wood gig
LAST Sunday saw the third and final event of the inaugural Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) Sligo Women’s Trail Series, an event ran in conjunction with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.
The first of three untimed trail runs was held at Hazelwood and on the Sunday before last participants headed to Slish Wood. Last Sunday’s event took place at Union Wood.
There were 46 women in Union Wood for a scenic 6km route that followed the gravel fire roads of the area. The trail also encompassed mountain bike trails (single-track paths) with a variety of natural obstacles along with some demanding climbs.
Theresa Kilgannon, Senior Community Sports Development Officer with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, was delighted with the success of the IMRA Sligo Women’s Trail Series.
Kilgannon stated: “This has been a very successful partnership between SSRP and IMRA to increase women’s participation in trail running. The series saw 99 women give trail running a go over the three events, showcasing the growing interest in the sport.
“A lot of the women found the untimed nature of this series a motivating factor to take part as it took away pressure and created a more
TAKING PART: Aisling Murphy, one of the IMRA Sligo Women’s Trail Series participants at Union Wood last Sunday, and her young daughter. relaxed atmosphere.” She added: “Many have said they are now confident to take part in the upcoming IMRA West League, achieving the aim of this series.”
Those who enjoyed the IMRA Sligo Women’s Trail Series will turn their focus to the upcoming IMRA West League. This will have a series of 11 events between this month and August. These events are open to all participants (aged 16 years and above).
The first event in the IMRA West League takes place on Sunday week, May 11, and offers participants the choice of running the short course (6km) or the full course (8km). The full course comprises of a climb to the summit of Union Rock. There is the option to start 30 minutes early if runners wish to have extra time to enjoy the route and take in the views.
Full details of the IMRA West League can be obtained on the IMRA website, imra.ie.