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The Connemara 100 Race

The Connemara 100 was held on 15 August 2009. As a standard road distance, the race did not meet basic national or international criteria for recognising any of the performances. The principle reasons were as follows:

1. The course was not measured by a qualified measurer.

2. The course was not accurate or certified despite the organisers explicitly claiming otherwise.

3. There were no independent referees to confirm the course 'measured' was the course run by each of the participants.

4. The event was refused an AAI permit because it was not measured correctly.

These are violations of basic international rules that need to be observed for standard road distances. The rules are designed to ensure accuracy and a level playing field to compare performances.  

Yet the organisers, members of Athenry AC, claimed that there were 'unofficial' Irish records set at the event. Although conceding "its measurement to full IAAF standards" was "for most practical purposes impossible", they still claimed the course was "accurate".

In the light of this claim, it is interesting to note that the course was re-measured and lengthened the following year. UltraRunning Ireland is still unaware of its actual length as perhaps are the organisers.