St Patrick's Day 5k race set to force road closures in Portlaoise

Action from the 2019 race. Picture: Sportsfile

placeholder image — Action from the 2019 race. Picture: Sportsfile

The popular event will attract huge interest

Almost 1000 runners will take part in the Streets of Portlaoise 5k run that is due to take place on Paddy's Day morning. The annual race attracts participants from across Ireland and will also be the first round of the 2024 Peugeot Race Series. The course is a fast relatively flat course with a town centre finish.

Ollie Plunkett, race director, spoke to the Leinster Express/Laois Live to let people know of road closures and some general information for those participating on the day.

"There will be a few road closures which could affect people going to mass. The race will be starting at 11am and we hope to have the race finished by 12 o'clock so just for that period of the time there'll be 1000 runners running through Portlaoise.

"The route will see them start on the Mountrath Road before taking them down Main Street and down by the library. They'll then go down the Ridge Road and come out at Dunne Stores. They'll go from there down the Mountmellick road and up Harpurs Lane before returning to the Mountrath Road and finishing at the library. I just wanted to let people know that might be attending mass or doing different things that just to be aware that those roads will be closed off for the duration of the race," he said.

The route for the race

Those that are running in the race are reminded that registration will take place at the Midlands Park Hotel from 8.30am on Sunday morning. To get to the start line, exit the hotel by the front entrance, turn right, left onto the N80, then right at the roundabout at the R445. The start will be marked with large Peugeot Branded Flags.

The Streets of Portlaoise 5k run will take place on Sunday, March 17 from 11am.