The Kilmovee 5 & 10K Road Races returned to the heart of Co. Roscommon on Easter Saturday 4 April 2026 — and with over 700 participants crossing the start line into the teeth of Storm Dave, diidum's first live event delivered everything that makes this race so special.
An annual tradition
Held every Easter Saturday at the Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA Clubhouse, the Kilmovee Road Races have built a reputation as one of the friendliest and flattest road races in the west of Ireland — fast, chip-timed, and measured, with a "nice little kicker at the end." But the race is about far more than the running. It is a celebration of community, generosity, and togetherness that draws participants, volunteers, families, and supporters from near and far every year.
The 2026 edition featured the Michael McDonnell Shield — a schools competition recognising the vital role of teachers in community life — alongside the Miyah Kelly NS Challenge, open to teachers and students from any school or college. A brand new Kilmovee Road Races song was also unveiled for 2026, a rousing community anthem capturing the spirit of the occasion.
"Kilmovee becomes more than a race route — it becomes a celebration of everything that makes our community special."
Supporting the Mayo Roscommon Hospice
Each year the event proudly raises funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation — a cause close to many hearts across the region. Through participation, sponsorship, and the legendary post-race hospitality, the Kilmovee community once again came together to honour loved ones and support one of the most important charities in Connacht.
Enter Storm Dave
Storm Dave — Easter Saturday 2026
Met Éireann issued a Status Yellow wind warning for all 26 counties from 1pm, warning of very strong southerly winds, severe gusts, and coastal gales. Around 18,000 homes and businesses lost power nationwide. The northwest — including Mayo and Roscommon — bore the brunt. Dublin Airport saw 17 flight cancellations, 53 go-arounds, and 13 diversions. The West of Ireland Golf Championship at County Sligo was abandoned as winds approached gale force.
For Kilmovee, that meant runners toeing the start line in driving rain and blustery winds. But not 700-plus of them let it stop them. The course went ahead as planned, chip-timed by Core Timing, and the post-race spread at the GAA Clubhouse was — by all accounts — even more welcome than usual.
700+
Participants registered
4
Months registrations open
1pm
Start time, Easter Saturday
First event on diidum
Registrations for the 2026 Kilmovee races opened on 24 January 2026 at 7pm through diidum — the platform's first live event. Over the four months that followed, more than 700 participants registered online, with no on-the-day registration accepted. The diidum team handled all registration management, data exports, and attendee communications, freeing the organising committee to focus on the event itself.