5th Fanore Burren Half Marathon & 10k Run - August 2014

The 5th Fanore Burren Half Marathon/10K/5K is dedicated to the anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf, which took place a thousand years ago. There are strong Clare connections here: the hero of the battle, Brian Boru, is the founder of the O’Brien dynasty in Clare. Born around 941 near Killaloe, he was King of Dál Cais (a territory north of the Shannon Estuary) and Thomond (now County Clare, then a sub-kingdom in the north of Munster). Subsequently, he made himself King of Munster and subjugated Leinster, thus becoming the absolute ruler of the south of Ireland.
In 1002, he was acknowledged High King (Ard Rí) of Ireland, but his authority was challenged by the Leinstermen under Mál Mórda, who obtained help from Viking troops based in Dublin, Orkney and the Isle of Man. On Good Friday, 23 April 1014, Brian’s armies confronted - and conquered - the armies of Leinster and Dublin at Clontarf. During the day-long battle, Brian was killed, allegedly by a fleeing Viking soldier who found him praying in his tent on the battlefield. This year’s medal - which will become a collectors’ piece in years to come - features Brian Boru and will be presented to each participant. Walk, jog or run in a stunning landscape, on the same roads that (according to local legend) Brian Boru is said to have taken! More info: www.fanore-info...