Get your runners on for Drumshanbo's Tony McGowan run on Sunday February 16
It’s that time of year again! Sunday February 16, sees the 2025 Tony McGowan run return to Drumshanbo. This post-Christmas three-race programme is ideal for runners at all levels.
The run is named after Tony McGowan (1940-2007) who co-founded Drumshanbo Athletics Club in 1980 and managed the club and schools teams competing at multiple local road races and All-Ireland Cross Country Finals. The eternal optimist, he was a person who would look at a far horizon while others looked at the ground. His ideas and optimism became goals for his club, parish and county.
Year after year, runners continue to return to participate in this scenic race that has been firmly locked into the racing calendar and this year we are expecting over 1400 participants which is the largest number we have had to date. The route takes in Ireland's first floating boardwalk along our beautiful Blueway and is an overall flat course, ideal for getting a personal best!
Members of the extended McGowan family pictured at the launch of the 2025 Tony McGowan Run Picture: Willie Donnellan
All participants of the 5km, 10km and Half Marathon will receive one of our newly designed medals with the 10km and Half Marathon participants also receiving our 2025 race t-shirt. The Half Marathon participants also receive our newly designed drawstring bag.
First Male and Female home in the half marathon will receive €100 cash prize, with a further €100 up for grabs if the race records are broken for the half marathon and 10k race.
This year, there are also cash prizes for our second place male and females in the half marathon and 10k.
This year, we have teamed up with local wood crafting business, Artwood Ireland, who will be supplying us with Tony McGowan Run branded suncatchers to present to our race winners. First Male and Female home from our Half Marathon will also pick up a fabulous voucher sponsored by RunPod, Sligo.
Currently the record times for the half marathon race stands at 1:11:27 for the Men and 1:22:45 for the Ladies. The current record for the 10K is 32.33 for the Men and 36.54 for the Ladies. The fastest times that beat the course records will claim a cash prize of €100!
This year, the Tony McGowan Run has chosen the Baby Harrison fund to be the recipient of funds raised. Baby Harrison is the son of Eoin Smith and Abby Eogan. Eoin is from Drumshanbo where his parents Gareth and Alison still live along with his younger siblings.
Finbarr Feely of Feelystone Boyle pictured with, from left, John McGarry, Phil McGowan, Fionan Feely and Shane McGovern at the 2025 launch of the Tony McGowan Run. The Tony McGowan Run will be held on Sunday February 16, in Drumshanbo Picture: Willie Donnellan
We have already sold out of the 10k and Half Marathon; however, there are places still available for the 5k. Online registration prior to race day for all races is a must. The link for registration is https://coreregistered.com.
Participants should note that the race schedule is changed compared to other years. The Half Marathon will start at 10am, the 10k at 10.30am and the 5k at 10.45am.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of our main sponsors:
Michelle Coughlan of Carrick Self Catering pictured with her children Amara, Brody and Savannah and Drumshanbo AC officials Ita Gray and Eilis McGowan Picture: Willie Donnellan
The Tony McGowan Run committee would also like to thank all the local businesses and sponsors, Waterways Ireland and the community of Drumshanbo who continue to support this event year on year as their loyal and valuable support is crucial to the success of the event.
Mairead Doyle, Darcy, Oliver and Gareth Smith, John McGarry and Phil McGowan pictured last Saturday at Acres Lake at the launch of the 2025 Tony McGowan Fun which will be held on Sunday February 16, in Drumshanbo Picture: Willie Donnellan