Battling Rain and Terrain: 38th Warriors Run in Strandhill

The 2024 Warriors Run in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, lived up to its fierce reputation this year, with 1,147 hardy runners braving a sudden downpour just before the race began.

Despite the rain and the rugged course, the 38th Warriors Run once again proved why it remains a beloved and iconic event in Ireland’s athletic calendar.

The challenging 15-kilometer course, starting from the Cannon Gun at Strandhill Beach and winding up the rugged Knocknarea Mountain, looping around Queen Maeve’s Cairn, put participants to the ultimate test of endurance.

Killian Mooney was the first runner to cross the finish line, completing the race in an impressive 55 minutes and 27 seconds. Aoife McCavana was the first female finisher with a time of 1:13:10.

Micki Murray, PRO of the Warriors Run, noted that this year's course conditions were wetter than in previous years.

“Some runners who had participated before said they found the course more difficult this year due to the conditions. One woman fractured her ankle on top of the mountain and had to be airlifted by helicopter. The Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue team was nearby, and we had ambulances with Civil Defence on hand for other minor injuries that occurred,” said Murray.

Murray also explained that the race is capped at 1,200 runners due to the location.

“Strandhill is basically a cul-de-sac area. We don’t have the space for more than 1,200 runners; we just don’t have the parking,” said Murray. “Spectators have started to spread out across the course in recent years."

“Half of the runners who register are from Sligo itself. Sligo has three major athletic clubs, and each year we have significant representation from the eastern running clubs. We also have a few international participants who plan their holidays around coming over to take part every year.”

The course demands not just physical stamina but also mental toughness, especially during the punishing 700-foot climb and the treacherous six-kilometer stretch over steep, uneven paths. Even seasoned athletes often find themselves walking parts of the course, and the descent offers little respite with its slippery terrain.

“Despite the heavy showers early in the day, we were delighted with how this year’s race went, largely thanks to our wonderful volunteers and the professionalism of the medical and rescue personnel on duty,” added Murray.

“We had 1,147 runners compete on the day, along with 127 walkers. While there were a few minor injuries, which are always a risk with mountain races, our committee will take a break until mid-November, when we’ll start planning for 2025. A big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers—without them, the race wouldn’t be possible.”

But the event is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of local culture, steeped in the Irish mythology and legend of Queen Maeve and her warriors.

The Warriors Parade, featuring warriors and wolfhounds escorting a Queen Maeve float to the start line, is accompanied by a samba band, a dance group, and live music afterward in the Warriors Marquee.

The race is part of a vibrant weekend festival in Strandhill, featuring music, social gatherings, and activities for spectators and runners alike.