Mount Lucas Parkrun

Mount Lucas parkrun is a free, timed 5k that takes place every Saturday morning on the cutaway bog at Mount Lucas Wind Farm outside Daingean. Now marking around nine years running, it draws walkers, joggers and runners of every standard from north Offaly and further afield, with the turbines of the wind farm turning overhead as a backdrop to the route. Like every parkrun, it is timed but not a race against anyone but yourself, and it is entirely free to take part.

What to expect

The course is a single loop around part of the wind farm’s cutaway bog trails on Mountlucas bog, mostly flat and run on gravel and stone tracks, so it suits buggies, dogs on short leads and first-timers as well as club runners chasing a fast time. Regulars mark milestones here often; 50-run, 100-run and 200-run t-shirts are a familiar sight, and local papers regularly report on runners passing those landmarks. Walkers and the tail walker set off just ahead of the main run, and results are published online within hours of the finish. A barcode scan is needed to record a time, so anyone taking part for the first time should register on the parkrun website and bring a printed or saved barcode. Volunteers are needed every week and are just as welcome as runners.

Getting there

Mount Lucas Wind Farm is signposted off the R400 between Daingean and Rhode, with parking on site. Coming from Daingean or Edenderry, take the R402 before picking up the R400 near Darcy’s service station.

While you’re in Daingean

Daingean is a small Grand Canal town on the Dublin to Galway route, with the canal harbour and towpath a short drive from the wind farm and worth a walk before or after a run. There is more to see in Daingean and across Co. Offaly.

Good to know

• Date and time: every Saturday, 9:30am
• Venue: Mount Lucas Wind Farm, R400, Ballycon, near Daingean
• Price: free; register once online and bring a barcode
• Recurrence: weekly, all year round, weather permitting
• Distance: 5km; suitable for walkers, buggies and all abilities