The University College Dublin Athletics Club is a busy and very active club within UCD campus, with one of the largest club memberships within the university. The club is active five days a week with both sprints and distance group training available. It is UCD’s only club to have the most athletes to compete in numerous Olympics. Our famous past athletes include Derval O’Rourke, Joanne Cuddihy, Ciara Everard and Ciara Mageean who have done both club and country proud in their careers. Ad Astra Scholarship Athlete, Alanna Lally, is a current member of the club - nominated for U23 Athlete of the Year at the 2017 Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards.
Ciara Mageean: Irish Olympian & former UCD Athlete
The club boasts a very active social and racing calendar, with the ladies teams partaking in the annual IUAA Road Relays event in November, IUAA Indoor Track & Field, IUAA Cross Country and IUAA Outdoor Track & Field. UCD also competes against Trinity in the annual Colour's events including Road Relays, Cross Country and Outdoor Track & Field.
Many of our current female members have represented Ireland at international competition level in a variety of running related disciplines including:
- Outdoor Track & Field
- Orienteering
- Triathlon and Multisport Events
The club has a competitive aspect but also attracts a huge number of fun runners, people trying to get active and most importantly the supporters who come to cheer everyone on at races! Members are encouraged to get involved in events, whether social or competitive and there is a great club atmosphere.
“For me the athletics clubs is one of the best things I got involved in while in college. It’s a great social outlet and the club members are so lovely and friendly - it's why I’m still involved! The coaching we receive is excellent and it has brought so many of us on. I’m proud to be involved with the Bears!”- Hannah Gibney (Public Relations Officer)
The distance groups train Tuesday and Thursday with a gym session on Wednesday, with the sprints group training on Mondays and Wednesdays, with gym sessions on Tuesday and Friday. The distance group is coached by Perfect Pacing’s Emmett Dunleavy, who has been involved in the club for a few years. The sprints group is coached by Stephen Gaffney, former UCD Athletics Club captain.
For people who are interested to join, please contact the club via [email protected] or through the Facebook Page “UCD Athletics Club”.
