About the Club

Ballina Athletic Club was established in 1975. The club is a non-profit, community

and recreational amenity which is volunteer-led and aims to promote lifelong

participation in athletics to all people regardless of age, gender, ability or disability in a way which maximises competitive and recreational athletics. The club operates a number of juvenile and adult programmes which promote the physical, educational and life skills of participants.

The members of the club range in age from 5 to 80. Membership of the club has

risen significantly since the advent of Fit4life in 2009. Our club serves members from Ballina but also outlying areas e.g. Bonniconlon, Erris, Knockmore, Crossmolina, Foxford, Killala, Ballycastle and Enniscrone, Co.Sligo.​


Ballina Athletic Club believes that we are best placed in the community to work in partnership with other voluntary and statutory groups to increase the number people who are physically active, including both young and old participants. As a

voluntary athletic and physical recreation club we provide highly rewarding competitive, participative and social opportunities to people of all abilities and ages.

In keeping with good governance practices the club became a company limited by guarantee in 2016.

Why Join Ballina AC


By joining Ballina Athletic Club and surrounding yourself with experienced, enthusiastic people, you are more likely to run long-term, instead of depending solely on your own motivation.  Seeing what others who started off just like you have achieved will inspire you to keep training. The benefits of joining Ballina Athletic Club are as follows:

  • By arranging to meet with other runners, you will be encouraged to run regularly, and this will make it easier to continue running.

  • The club caters for every level and ability.

  • Structured adult timetable with group runs every Tuesday, Thursday at 7:00pm and Monday mornings at 10:00 am.

  • Designated weekly coached track session (interval training session) to improve running speed and technique).

  • Full access to the club's fully lit all-weather track.

  • The club will encourage you to vary your training. Members organise different sessions, Tuesday night – medium length run, Wednesday night – speed work, Sunday morning – long run.

  • Full access to training plans, 5km, 10km, half marathon and marathon.

  • Itinerary of club events i.e. 31 day challenge, Operation Transformation, Track to 5km Programme, and walking programme.

  • Club calendar of local and national events.

  • 2017 Dublin City Marathon Training Programme (ideal for all levels inc beginners)

  • Group discounts into races and events.

  • Information on how to improve running style and technique.

  • Advice on stretching flexibility, foam rolling and staying injury free.

  • Nutritional advice and information.

  • Strength and conditioning classes.

  • Peer support through a closed group.

  • Special guest speakers and seminars.

  • Organised group events and social outings.

  • Develop new friendships with people who share the same passion for running and exercise.

  • The club is a fantastic way to meet running partners that you can train with, outside of club sessions.

  • Includes membership to Athletics Ireland which provides a comprehensive programme of competition for all age levels from Juvenile to Master and access to coaching courses.