Active Carlow encourages walkers, runners, families and first-timers to sign up for the Coppenagh Coo 5km Carlow Chase
People are being encouraged to lace up their runners, get outdoors and set themselves an autumn challenge by signing up for the inaugural Coppenagh Coo 5km Carlow Chase, taking place at Coppenagh Farm on Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 10.00am.
The event is deliberately about much more than crossing the finish line first. With the message “Run it. Walk it. Chase it. Enjoy it.”, the 5km is designed to appeal to experienced runners, occasional joggers, walkers, families and people who simply want a reason to get active and enjoy the outdoors. The flat, out-and-back 5km course is suitable for both first-timers and those hoping to record a personal best.
Deborah Foley, Active Carlow Co-ordinator, said the event offers people an ideal opportunity to make physical activity part of their autumn and winter routine.
“As we move into the autumn and winter months, it can be very easy to become less active, so having something enjoyable in the diary to work towards can make a real difference. The Coppenagh Coo 5km is not about having to be the fastest or winning a race. It is about taking part, getting outdoors, moving at your own pace and enjoying the experience with other people.”
“Whether you run, walk or roll the full 5km, solo, with a friend or make it a family outing, the important thing is that you are getting active. A 5km event is also a very achievable goal for someone who wants to start moving more over the coming weeks, and we would really encourage people who have never entered an event like this before to give it a go.”
The Halloween event will also have a strong fun and family element, with fancy dress encouraged, and will kick off the Big Barn Bash – Family Food & Drink Festival at Coppenagh Farm. Advance race registration includes a commemorative medal and entry to the festival, while event T-shirts are available for the first 300 entries.
Cllr Tommy Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said the emphasis on participation makes the event particularly welcome:
“One of the best things about an event like the Coppenagh Coo is that you do not have to consider yourself a runner to take part. This is about participation, community and giving people a reason to get out and get moving. If you walk the 5km and enjoy yourself, that is every bit as much an achievement as somebody running it in a fast time.”
“I would encourage people across County Carlow to get a few friends together, bring the family, sign up and make a morning of it. Events that combine physical activity with fun and a strong community atmosphere are exactly what we want to encourage in Carlow.”
Organisers are encouraging participants to register in advance. On-the-day registration will cost an additional €5 for individual entries and €10 for family entries compared with advance registration.
The event also has a novel “final finisher” prize, reinforcing the message that the day is about taking part and completing the challenge, not simply being first across the line.
So this October, don’t worry about your time. Just get out, get moving and Chase the Coo! Book Your place now: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/coppenagh-coo-5km-carlow-chase-2026/