Running has always been more than just a sport for me, it’s been therapy, discipline, and a way to connect with my surroundings. When I moved to Limerick, Ireland for my Masters Programme at TUS, I never imagined how deeply the city would shape my journey as a runner. From foggy riverside trails to spirited fun runs with new friends, this place and its weather, pushed me beyond my limits and helped me discover what I was truly made of.
Finding My Stride in Limerick
My first few runs were, quite honestly, brutal. The Irish cold doesn’t ease you in, it demands your attention from the first breath. I remember those early mornings, when my fingers were stiff, and visibility was low thanks to dense fog hanging over the Shannon River. But even then, there was something magical about running along the riverbanks along with the fellow ambassadors like Atharva aka Krish with me, the soft ripple of the water beside us, and King John’s standing proudly across.
Soon, I discovered that Limerick is a runner’s city if you know where to go. Some of my favourite running hotspots include:
- The River Shannon Loop – Especially scenic near the bridges and Arthur’s Quay Park, perfect for quiet evening runs.
- Campus trails – Wide, green, and filled with student energy.🎓🌿
- People’s Park – A shorter circuit, but great for intervals or a mid-day mental reset.🏃♂️🌳
- Condell Road path – Ideal for distance training with fewer distractions and some decent sunset views.
Running Through the Seasons
If running in Ireland teaches you one thing, it’s resilience. There were days I ran under drizzles that turned into full-on showers. Other days, the winds howled across the bridges like a test of will. I still remember jogging during monsoon-like rains, completely soaked but oddly triumphant. It’s funny how the worst weather sometimes leads to the best runs.
The real joy, though, was sharing the road with others. As part of the ambassador group, our group runs were full of banter, post-run hot chocolates, and shared playlists. It was about showing up, supporting one another, and being crazy enough to run in -1°C with smiles on our faces. (If you know, you know.)
The Race That Defined It All
Months of training, countless steps through rain, sleet, and shine, all led to one defining moment—my 6-mile race finish in 55 minutes in the Great Limerick run. Seeing that chip time felt like a quiet victory, not over the clock, but over the doubt, the hesitation, and the lazy mornings I had pushed past.
The final stretch felt surreal. My heart was pounding, my legs aching, but the cheers from strangers and familiar faces made everything melt away. I crossed the line not just as a runner, but as someone who had grown alongside this city.
Limerick Running Tips – From Me to You
- Best time to run for peace of mind: Early mornings (6–7 AM) when the city is still asleep and the river reflects the softest hues of dawn.
- Best time for community: Evenings or weekends around UL or People’s Park, you’ll always find fellow runners to wave at.
- Don’t wait for good weather—Run anyway. Ireland rewards the brave.
As I look back at the blurred photo of me running past the Shannon, and another of us bundled in green outside Doyle’s pub with St. Patrick’s spirit, I realize that my journey wasn’t just about pace or distance. It was about belonging. About letting Limerick’s wild weather and warmer people change me, stride by stride.
Here’s to more miles, more rain, and more reasons to run.
— Sidd