Welcome to Blackrock A.C.
Welcome to Blackrock Athletic Club, one of Dublin’s premier athletic clubs. We are a community-based club dedicated to the promotion of athletics, the physical and mental health benefits they bring and the development of our members’ skills, fitness, and confidence. Our club offers a range of training and competitive opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities, from beginner to elite level.
Although we are an athletics club, our adult sections mainly do running and there are a variety of race events available to participate in. One popular option is the traditional 5K, which offers a manageable distance for runners of all levels. Our members are very active in Cabinteely, Poolbeg, Marlay, Shanganagh and other parkruns each weekend also. For those looking for a greater challenge, there are longer events such as the 10K, half-marathon, full marathon and onto ultra distances. Trail runs are a great option for those who enjoy running in nature and tackling uneven terrain and Blackrock A.C. has good representation at these events.
With so many options, there is a race for every type of runner. Scroll down for a sample list of upcoming events.
Feel the Difference
As well as making great friends, joining Blackrock A.C. can be a great way to progress quickly with running. You will have access to experienced coaches who can help you set and achieve your goals, as well as offer structured training programs designed to improve endurance, speed, and overall fitness. In addition, running with a group of like-minded individuals can be motivating and inspiring, pushing you to improve your performance and keep up with your peers.
With regular training and support from the club, you can see improvements in your running ability within just a few weeks or months, as you build stamina, increase speed, and develop proper technique.
However, it’s important to remember that progress ultimately depends on individual factors such as fitness level, consistency, and dedication to training.
Below are a list of events our members are attending.
Upcoming Events
Fit4Life Section

Fit4Life was an initiative started by Athletics Ireland in 2006 to provide an opportunity for recreational runners/joggers, both male and female, to train under the guidance of specially trained Fit4Life leaders. It was set up to overcome the perception that athletic clubs only cater to fast runners.
Set up in 2013 and now approaching its tenth year at Blackrock A.C. the Fit4Life offers a fantastic way to encourage people to get involved with running and adopt a healthier lifestyle. The programme is designed to promote fitness and well-being through a community-based approach that emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and social interaction.
One of the key benefits of the Fit4Life is that it provides a supportive and inclusive environment for people of all ages and abilities. The programme offers a range of activities and training options to cater to different fitness levels and interests. Participants can choose from short and medium group runs during the week, to longer runs at the weekend, making it easier for everyone to find an activity that suits them.
Another advantage of the Fit4Life initiative is that it creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants. Through regular meetings and events, participants can connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and interests. This social aspect of the program is especially beneficial for those who may feel isolated or intimidated by traditional fitness settings.
Overall, the Fit4Life initiative is a great way to get people involved with running and promote healthy habits in the community. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, the program can help people overcome common barriers to exercise and achieve their fitness goals in a fun and engaging way.
Men’s Section
While men’s running sessions are often geared towards male participants, as you can see from our photo, Blackrock A.C. welcome women who are present at almost all male sessions. The men’s training sessions can be a great way for runners to push themselves to their limits and improve their performance while also benefiting from the camaraderie and support of a group setting.
In these sessions, participants typically engage in high-intensity interval training, speed work, and other drills designed to improve their speed and endurance. While the workouts may be challenging, they are tailored to accommodate participants of different abilities and fitness levels. So no matter what your level, nobody is left behind.
Training takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings when the use of the track facility takes place. Sundays are generally long runs with a minimum of 5 minutes per km.

Women’s Section

Blackrock A.C. Women’s running group has become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a safe and supportive environment for female runners of all abilities. One of the key advantages is their inclusivity, which is evident in a variety of ways.
Firstly, the women’s running group is tailored to accommodate participants of different abilities and fitness levels from 5km up. Additionally, group leaders and coaches are trained to provide individualised attention and support to participants, helping them overcome common barriers to running such as injury, fatigue, and lack of motivation.
Another way in which women’s group promotes inclusivity is through their focus on community and support. By bringing women together to pursue a shared goal, these groups foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie that can be especially important for women who may feel isolated or unsupported in traditional fitness settings. Group members are encouraged to support and motivate one another, creating a positive and empowering atmosphere.
Experience how inclusive your fitness drive can be made with us. By providing a supportive and empowering environment,we help women of all abilities and backgrounds improve their health and well-being while building a strong sense of community and belonging.
Youth Sections
Blackrock A.C. provides a structured and supportive environment for children to engage in regular physical activity. This can help improve their cardiovascular health, muscle strength, coordination, and overall fitness. Our youth are split into two sections, juveniles aged 6 – 13 and juniors aged 14 – 19. Please note that there is a waitlist for 6 – 13-year-olds, however, membership is open to those aged 14+
We also provide children with the opportunity to develop a range of skills, including running, relays, jumping, throwing, and other fundamental movement skills. These skills can help build their confidence and self-esteem, as well as develop a sense of achievement and mastery. It is a great social environment for where they can interact with their peers, make new friends, and develop social skills such as communication, teamwork, and cooperation. Children who participate in athletics may also develop a sense of belonging and identity with Blackrock A.C., which can help improve their overall well-being.
Finally, Blackrock A.C. provides children with opportunities to compete against others in a structured and safe environment. This can help them learn to manage their emotions, handle success and failure, and develop a healthy competitive spirit.

Unbeatable Support
“Gerry Flaherty’s belief that I could run a marathon and his tailored advice in preparing for it were invaluable.”
Sarah Conroy
Blackrock A.C. Member
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Next Race
Clontarf Half Marathon and 5 Mile
Welcome to Joe Duffy BMW Clontarf half marathon and 5 mile. It takes place in the scenic setting of Clontarf Promenade and Bull Island with views of Howth Head and Dublin bay. The race is contained within an off road promenade and Bull Island giving it unique and relaxing appeal.
team
our committee

Audrey Burns

Gerry Flaherty

Gráinne Stafford

Helen Maher

Janice Kelly

Mark Cafferkey

Paul Hunt

Ray Murphy

Rob Asher
