Some of country's best young athletes will be in action at event in Tipperary
Festival of Athletics takes place in Clonmel on Saturday
Camida is delighted to support the Festival of Athletics, which is taking place on this Saturday, May 2 at TUS Clonmel Regional Sports Hub.
This vibrant celebration of sport, with free entry, will bring together athletes of all ages and abilities for a full day of competition, community spirit and high‑energy performance — values that strongly align with Camida’s commitment to supporting local communities and active lifestyles.
The main event is the Irish Milers Club (IMC) meet, and the rest of the events are built around it. The IMC was formed to improve middle distance running in Ireland by providing fast-paced races for athletes of a good track standard.
There are more than 250 athletes from all over Ireland competing, and many are the best Under 18, Under 20 and senior athletes in Ireland. The meet is a World Athletics Permit Meet. This attracts the best athletes in Ireland to participate, as if they run fast times and throw long distances they will get points to qualify for international championships including the European, World Juniors, Seniors and Olympics.
A noteworthy contest on the day is the Frank Greally Ambassador Primary School Mile, which proved a resounding success last year, with 175 children taking part and completing two laps of the track. The atmosphere was electric, and the event showcased the enthusiasm and determination of young athletes across the region.
Camida is especially proud to support initiatives that encourage youth participation in sport, helping to foster confidence, teamwork and healthy habits from an early age. The team at Camida wish organisers, competitors and fellow supporters every good wish for an excellent event.
There is lots to look forward to such as field events, which will feature the Hammer and Shot Putt, disciplines that combine power, precision and technical excellence. The hammer, capable of travelling distances of up to 70 metres in competition, is one of the most dynamic and visually impressive events in athletics. Last year 37 competitors took part, delivering an exciting showcase of strength and skill.
The afternoon session will host a thrilling three-hour track programme. With races scheduled every 6–8 minutes, spectators can expect continuous, fast-paced entertainment. The afternoon of track athletics from 1.30pm-5pm will feature fast paced, entertaining track races.
There were over 300 entries in 2025, underlining the growing popularity and competitive standard of the event. This year’s track programme will incorporate the Tipperary County Senior Track Championships over 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres and 1,500 metres, as well as a Junior 800 metres championship.
An IPC 100 metres Para-Athletics event, highlighting inclusivity and elite performance and the prestigious Irish Milers Club (IMC) races, renowned for high-calibre middle-distance competition, will also take place.
The Festival of Athletics represents more than competition. It is a celebration of community, resilience and shared achievement. From young first-time runners to elite county and national competitors, the event brings together sport at every level.
The organisers are grateful to Tipperary County Council and Carol Creighton for creating road signage to promote the event on all the access roads into Clonmel, and the entrance to the TUS Regional Sports Hub.