Never a dull moment down at home it seems these days! This weekend the annual Burren Marathon Challenge is taking place in my native Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. Last year over 1,000 people took part in the event and this year they are expecting around 1,500.

The event is hosted & organised by the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club which has grown its membership of 13 to 130 since being founded in 2006. There are 3 different routes to choose from and you can walk/jog/run whichever you feel up to:

• Mini Marathon (6 miles)
• Half Marathon (13 miles & participants must be over 16yrs)
• Full Marathon (26 miles & participants must be over 16yrs)

It’s a fantastic chance to get some fresh Atlantic air into the lungs while taking in some truly amazing scenery. Unfortunately registration closed last week & there won’t be any further registrations made for this year’s event but keep an eye on the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club website for info on their frequent organised walks around north Clare & south Galway. If you are taking part in the marathon this weekend, the very best of luck & don’t forget the hiking boots!

And for anyone around the area this Saturday, a BBQ and a few sociables will be had in Logues Lodge, Ballyvaughan that evening with entertainment provided by my cousins from Aran, The Mulkerrin Brothers.