WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MUCH?

When is the Run in the Dark?

Run in the Dark will be held on Wednesday 13 November 2024 in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, Luxembourg and 50 cities around the world. Start time is 8pm local time in most locations, but please check the specific event page for your location’s start time.

 

What happens if there is bad weather?

We continually monitor weather conditions in the lead up to Run in the Dark events. All participants will receive an email if it is necessary to adjust the time, date or route of the event as a result of poor weather conditions.

How much does it cost to enter?

Please check the appropriate location-specific event pages as the cost is variable based on your location. There is a minimal admin fee on each entry, and for our Flagship events in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg you will have the option to either pick up your Run Pack in advance for free or choose to have it shipped to you for an additional cost.

Note, people who sign up before 5pm GMT on 12 September for the Early Bird deal in any of the Flagship locations – Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, or Luxembourg – get a free long sleeve Tech Top for free while stocks last. If you are a member of a prepaid group, you must complete the registration form with your personal details and claim your place by 5pm GMT on 12 September to claim the Tech Top.

Who can enter?

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. School groups who participate must comply by the statutory guidelines. Prams and pets are not allowed for health & safety reasons.

I can’t see my location on the website.

Our Flagship locations are Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg. Our smaller Pop-Up events, which are organised by our network of volunteer Pop-Up Champions around the world, will open between now and November.

If I can’t make it to an in-person event, can I do my own run?

Yes! If you can’t make it to an existing Run in the Dark, you can register for our virtual RemoteRun so you can complete your own route and still submit your time. You will time your 5k or 10k on a third-party app of your choice (Strava, Garmin Connect, MapMyRun, etc.) anytime between Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November and then upload the result on our website to appear on the global leaderboard.

How do I organise a Run in the Dark event in my area?

You can become a Pop-Up Champion and we’ll help you set up a Pop-Up in your area. Send us an email to info@runinthedark.org and we will get you started!

What is the time cut off at Run in the Dark?

Run in the Dark events are Fun Run 5k and 10ks that include people with all sorts of abilities who run, jog, walk and roll. However, depending on the location we have some restrictions. For example, all 10k participants must be able to complete the distance in under 1 hour 20 mins. Walkers are welcome for the 5k distance only and must complete the distance in under 1 hour 20 mins.

Why is it important to include an expected time during registration?

During online registration, you will be asked to estimate your running time for events in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg. This estimate will be used to assign you to an appropriate Run Number and Start Corral on the night of the run. Please arrive early to find your Start Corral and position yourself for your desired running time. A Safety Briefing and Warm-Up will take place before the race, so ensure you are in your Corral by 7:30pm to participate.

REGISTERING

When should I register?

The sooner the better! Our Flagship locations—Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg—sell out each year due to limited capacity on each route. Pop-Up events also have limited capacity in specific locations. Register today to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Can I register on the day at the event?

Unfortunately, you cannot register on the day in any of the Flagship locations of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, or Luxembourg as most of our events sell out beforehand. For Pop-Ups, if spots are still available, you can register on the day of the event, but there is no guarantee, so sign up early!

How do I know I’ve registered?

You will receive an email confirming your entry. If a friend or colleague registered on your behalf, the confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided during online registration. Please check your spam folder for this confirmation. If you cannot find the confirmation email, please contact us at info@runinthedark.org, and we will resend it to you.

What do I get at a Flagship event?

Participants in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg will have chip timing and receive a flashing armband, a finisher’s medal, water, and a bar. Additionally, those who register by the Early Bird deadline of 5 PM GMT on 12 September will receive a complimentary Run in the Dark long sleeve Tech Top, while supplies last.

What do I get at a Pop-Up event?

Participants in a Pop-Up event will join a small, volunteer-led Fun Run. Unlike Flagship events, each Pop-Up is different. Please refer to the specific event pages for details, including the meet up location after you complete your 5k or 10k run.

What does my registration fee cover?

By joining this global running event, you are supporting the Mark Pollock Trust through your registration fee and donations while any additional fundraising will go directly to our charity partner, Collaborative Cures, who’s mission is to cure paralysis in our lifetime. Your basic registration fee contributes to the costs of organising Run in the Dark in over 50 cities around the world with all additional organising costs being covered by corporate partnerships.

CORPORATE GROUPS AND CLUB/FRIENDS TEAMS

Can I/we enter a Club/Friends Team?

For this type of Team, simply sign up through the Individual Entry process, create a team and share the Team’s name with anyone who would like to join it.

Anyone wishing to join a team should enter the Team’s name during online registration. Note, each member of the team will pay individually.

Can I/we enter a Corporate Group?

A Corporate Group Leader pre-pays for a prepaid group of 5+ and circulates a link or email so the other group members can ‘claim a place’ in that group.

All places in a prepaid group must be claimed by 5pm GMT on 25 October (11 October in Luxembourg). After that date, places are no longer held and go on general sale.

How do I join an existing Club/Friends Team or Corporate Group?

You can join a Friends/Club Team by filling in the Team name during registration. You can request the Team Name from the person who created the Friends/Club Team.

If you have already entered and want to join a Friends/Club Team, please edit your entry in your participant dashboard, which you can find in your confirmation email. Once in your participant dashboard, add your Team’s Name to the Team Name field.

If your entry has been prepaid by a Corporate Group Leader, you will need to ask your group leader for a link to the registration form. The link will allow you to claim a place and join the Corporate Group.

All places in prepaid group must be claimed by 5pm GMT on 25 October (11 October in Luxembourg). After that date, places are no longer held and go on general sale.

CHANGES TO MY REGISTRATION

Can I swap locations after I’ve registered?

Sorry, the answer is no. Unfortunately, it is not possible to swap to another location. All Run Numbers are specific to each event so please ensure you are on the correct location page when registering.

Can I swap distances?

Sorry, the answer is no. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to swap distances.

I can’t find my confirmation email.

If you can’t find your confirmation email, please check your spam folder. If the email is not in your spam folder, email info@runinthedark.org and we will resend it to you.

Can I give my entry to someone else?

For Flagship locations you may transfer your entry to another runner if we have not started preparing Run Packs for shipping. Once we start preparing Run Packs in August, this option will automatically be turned off.

For Pop-Up events and the RemoteRun, you can transfer your entry at any time.

Please note that there is a €4 admin fee (or regional equivalent) to transfer your entry in any location.

Can I give my number to someone else if I can’t run at the event?

Sorry, the answer is no. Unfortunately, you can’t allow someone else to run with your Run Number.

Can I change the size of my Tech Top?

Sorry, the answer is no. Unfortunately, it is not possible to change the size of your Tech Top due to limited stocks.

Can I change my postal address?

You may make changes to your postal address up until we begin preparing Run Packs in August. Editing your postal address will automatically be turned off once we start packing, and it will not be possible to edit your entry after that time.

I can’t run. Can I get a refund?

Sorry, the answer is no. As stated in our Terms & Conditions, all entries are final once completed. Entries are non-refundable.

TECH TOP AND RUN PACK

How do I get a Run in the Dark tech top?

Register by 5pm GMT on 12 September for Run in the Dark in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, or Luxembourg and you’ll receive a FREE Tech Top.

I’m not sure what size Run in the Dark tech top to order, do you have a sizing chart?

Yes, please see the below sizing chart for our long-sleeve Tech Tops and bear in mind that Run in the Dark Tech Tops are unisex.

2024 Tech Top Size Chart

 

When do I receive my tech top?

If you entered as an Individual in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, or Luxembourg by 5pm GMT 12 September or before stocks run out, your Tech Top will be included as part of your Run Pack. You will have the option to either have it shipped for an additional fee, or Pick Up your Tech Top at Run Pack Pick Up.

If you entered by claiming a Corporate Prepaid Group place, your Tech Top will be delivered to a postal address of your choice in the weeks prior to the event.

When do I receive my run pack?

If you are taking part in a Flagship in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, or Luxembourg as an Individual and selected the postage option, Run Packs will be shipped in the weeks prior to the event. Please ensure when registering that the postal address you provide will be an address that will still work for you leading up to and including November. If your address changes after Run Packs have been posted, an additional postage fee will apply. We can only deliver to addresses in Ireland, the UK, and Luxembourg.

We will begin shipping Run Packs in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, and London in August. We will close the shipping option for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, and London on 25 October to avoid any issues in receiving your Run Pack. Anyone who registers after 25 October will attend one of the Run Pack Pick Up’s in your location (see your event page for more detail).

We will begin shipping Run Packs in Luxembourg in September. We will close the shipping option for Luxembourg on 11 October to avoid any issues with delivering your Run Pack. Anyone who registers after 11 October will attend one of the Run Pack Pick Up’s in your location (see your event page for more detail).

If you are taking part in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, or Luxembourg and selected the Pack Pick Up option, you can collect your Run Pack on either Monday 11 November or Tuesday 12 November, prior to Run Day. Note, exact times and locations will be posted on your event specific pages in advance of Run Pack Pick Up.

If you are taking part in London, and selected the Pack Pick Up option, you can collect your Run Pack on the day of the event, Wednesday 13 November, prior to the Venue opening for Bag Drop, Start Corrals, etc. at The Bandstand in Battersea Park. Note exact time will be posted on your event specific page in advance of the Run Pack Pick Up.

If you are taking part in a Pop-Up, you will pick up your Run Pack at the On-Site Registration on the day of the event.

What happens if I don’t receive my run pack?

If you chose to have your Run Pack shipped instead of picking up in person and you have not received you Run Pack by Friday 8 November 2024 , please email us at info@runinthedark.org.

Pop-Up Run Pack Pick Up will be on the night of the event at the start line or information desk. Please see your event specific page for details.

FUNDRAISING

What am I raising money for?

Your entry fee will go directly to The Mark Pollock Trust along with any voluntary donations. The Trust is a discretionary trust set up pursuant to section 198A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (Special Trusts for Incapacitated Persons).

All fundraising goes directly to our charity partner Collaborative Cures (RCN: 20205817 & CHY 22737) whose mission is to bring people together to cure paralysis in our lifetime.

Do I have to raise money for charity?

No. You can just pay your entry fee and take part. Your entry fee will go directly to the Mark Pollock Trust.

Where and when is Run Pack Pick Up for Flagship locations?

If you chose to pick up your Run Pack in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, or Luxembourg as opposed to paying to have it shipped, you can do it on Monday 11 November and Tuesday 12 November. Please check your location specific page for location and time.

If you chose to pick up your Run Pack in London as opposed to paying to have it shipped, you can do it on the day of the event, Wednesday 13 November at The Bandstand in Battersea Park. Please check your location specific page for time and more information.

Pop-Up Run Pack Pick Up will be on the night of the event at the start line or information desk. Please see your event specific page for details.

Is there Run Pack Pick Up on the night of the race?

London will have pack pick up available on the night, but there will be NO Run Pack Pick Up on the night of the event for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, or Luxembourg. Please check the times of run pack Pick Up on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November on your flagship location’s specific page.

Pop-Up Run Pack Pick Up will be on the night of the event at the start line or information desk. Please see your event specific page for details.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Where can I find a Schedule of Events?

You will find a schedule of events on your event specific page. It will be detailed with dates, times, locations, etc. for all event activities.

When, where, and what time is Run Pack Pick Up?

If you chose to pick up your Run Pack in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, or Luxembourg as opposed to paying to have it shipped, you can do it on Monday 11 November and Tuesday 12 November. Please check your location specific page for location and time.

If you chose to pick up your Run Pack in London as opposed to paying to have it shipped, you can do it on the day of the event, Wednesday 13 November at The Bandstand in Battersea Park. Please check your location specific page for time and more information.

Pop-Up Run Pack Pick Up will be on the night of the event at the start line or information desk. Please see your event specific page for details.

Is there Run Pack Pick Up on the night of Run in the Dark?

London will have pack pick up available, but there will be NO Run Pack Pick Up on the night of the event for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, or Luxembourg. Please check the times of run pack Pick Up on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November on your flagship location’s specific page.

Pop-Up Run Pack Pick Up will be on the night of the event at the start line or information desk. Please see your event specific page for details.

When, where, and what time is Bag Drop?

There will be no Bag Drop in Limerick, but Bag Drop for Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg will be open until 7:30 pm on the night of the event. We close Bag Drop at 7:30 PM to ensure everyone gets to the start line on time to hear the Safety Briefing and to be ready for our start at 8 pm. Please refer to your event location specific pages for Bag Drop-Off location.

When, where, and what time is the Start?

Please check your event location specific page for where the Start Line and Start Area (Corrals) are located. We ask that you arrive to your Start Corral by 7:30 pm to hear the Safety Briefing and take part in the Warm-Up prior to the start at 8pm.

We will start the event at 8 pm sharp or as soon as possible in line with safety protocols. It takes time for all participants to get started so take in the atmosphere and please be patient. We must be off the road by 9:30 pm to comply with road closures. If you are late, you will NOT be able to start the race for safety and road closure reasons.

COURSE & VENUE INFORMATION / START CORRALS / BAG DROP / WATER

Course Measurements

The 5k and 10k routes in each Flagship location are measured according to Athletics Ireland / Britain / Luxembourg Running Standards. Please note that if you are using GPS devices to measure the route as you run, tall buildings, built up city areas, heavily treed areas and your tangent line can affect GPS accuracy.

Can I review the Route and Venue Map for my event?

Yes. Go to your location specific page for information about the route and venue. For Flagship events in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg, there will be details on the Schedule of Events, Pack Pick Up, Bag Drop (excluding Limerick), toilets, Information, Start Corrals, Finish and Post-Race areas. The route and venue maps for Flagship locations will also be emailed to you in advance of the event. Please note that routes and venues are subject to change.

How to get to my Start Corral?

The time you selected during online registration will determine your Start Corral on race night. Your Run Number colour will match your Start Corral colour. Start Corrals are designated as follows: Under 30 mins, 30 – 45 mins, 45 – 60 mins, 60+ mins and Walkers.

There will be signage and Start Marshals around the Start Area and at all Start Corral entrances to guide you. Please gather in your assigned corral by 7:30 PM to attend the Safety and Course Briefing, as well as the Warm-Up, before the run starts at 8 PM.

What if my friend is in a different Start Corral but we want to start together?

For safety reasons, each Start Corral has a limited capacity. You must go to the Corral assigned to you based on the time you selected during online registration. Start Marshals will be present around the start area and at all Start Corral entrances to guide you to your designated starting point. The largest Start Corral is for those with a 60+ minute time and walkers, which you and your friends are welcome to join if you prefer to run together.

Will there be a Bag Drop area?

Limerick will not have a Bag Drop area, but a Bag Drop area is available in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg for all participants. Location and timing for the Bag Drop in your location will be listed on your location specific page as well as sent to you by email. Note, Pop-Ups do not have any Bag Drops.

At all Flagship locations (excluding Limerick) Bag Drop will CLOSE at 7:30pm sharp, so that everyone can get into their Start Corral and participate in the Run and Safety Briefing, Warm-Up, and be ready for an on-time start.

In Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg, your Baggage Label is the perforated part of your Run Number. Please remove your Bag Tag and put it on your bag PRIOR to arriving at the Bag Drop area. Note that we have limited space, so please bring a small bag and include only what is necessary. DO NOT place anything of value in these bags. Please check your location specific event page for more information.

Please note that running at night in November can make for chilly weather conditions! Please ensure that you bring appropriate layered/waterproof clothing to allow you to remain warm up to the start of and during the run after you leave the Bag Drop.

Will water or nutrition be provided?

Water and a bar are provided after you cross the finish line. If you require water or nutrition for the route, please bring it with you.

 

TIMES / RESULTS

Will I get an official time?

All participants at Flagship events in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, and Luxembourg get a timing chip in their Run Pack. The timing chip will be on the back of your Run Number.

You must wear your Run Number on your chest. The Run Number must be visible at all times, otherwise you may be refused entry, and your time may not be recorded.

Please note that the finishing time which will be available online after the event is the chip time. Placings in the results are based on chip time.

  • Chip time begins recording when you cross the Start Line mat until you cross the Finish Line mat, i.e. how long it took you from start to finish.
  • Gun time begins at the event start time i.e. 8pm. The clock timer at the finish line will start at this time, so the time on the clock will differ from your recorded chip time.

Pop-Up events are small fun runs organised by local volunteers and are not chip timed, but you can time your 5k or 10k using a running app of your choosing (Strava, MapMyRun, Garmin Connect, etc.) and upload the result to our Run in the Dark website to join the global leaderboard.

If you sign up for the RemoteRun, you can time your 5k or 10k using a running app of your choosing (Strava, MapMyRun, Garmin Connect, etc.) and upload the result to our Run in the Dark website to join the global leaderboard.

Results

Results for Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, London, Luxembourg, Pop-Ups, and RemoteRun will be posted online after the event on our website results page, which can be found in the navigation toolbar.

TRAINING

Do you have a training plan?

Of course. You can download our 8-week or 5-week training plans for both 5k and 10k here.