Two distances. One legacy. The Seamie Weldon Memorial 5K & 10K is back on Saturday 6th September 2025 at 5:30pm, celebrating its 10th anniversary and continuing to honour a man who gave so much to Ardee & District Athletic Club. Entries are open now and at €20 for a 5K or 10K option, are an absolute steal, sign up here.
The Enduring Memory of Seamie Weldon
The event is named in memory of Seamie Weldon, who devoted his life to athletics in Ardee as a runner, coach, and committee member until his passing in 2014. As Ashling O’Malley of Ardee AC puts it, “Everyone who knew him speaks of his passion, encouragement, and the joy he brought to running.” The race has become the club’s way of celebrating that legacy while welcoming new generations to the sport.
Competition Meets Community
This isn’t just another evening run on the calendar. The prize list is one of the most extensive around, featuring the Seamie Weldon Memorial Cup, the Jimmy Bradley Memorial Cup, junior trophies, masters categories, and even a bonus time challenge. “What I love is how the event recognises everyone, from juniors to masters, and from elites to first-timers,” Ashling says. “It really does strike that balance.”
Records, Rivalries & Championships
The 5K course records, Colm Rooney’s 14:35 from 2019 and Siobhán Eviston’s 17:28 from 2021, remain unbeaten. Each year brings fresh anticipation of whether they’ll finally fall. As Ashling notes, “They’ve become part of the history of the event, and they give both spectators and runners that extra bit of excitement.”
This year also sees the return of the Louth Masters 5K Championships, adding even more competitive edge and atmosphere to an already lively evening.
Ten Years of Seamie’s 5K
Reaching the 10th edition of the 5K feels like a milestone for both the club and the town. “It shows the strength of the running community here in Ardee, and how the race has become a tradition that people look forward to every year,” says Ashling.
The base at Ardee Community School gives the day its heart, with families gathering, volunteers buzzing around, and support lining both the town streets and surrounding country roads. “It’s that sense of community that makes the Seamie races so special,” Ashling explains.
Event Essentials
📍 Location: Ardee Community School, A92 F838
📅 Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
🕔 Time: 5K @ 5:30pm, 10K shortly after
💶 Entry Fee: €20
📥 Enter Online: Here
🏁 Course: Fast, road-based 5K & 10K
🏆 Prizes:
- Seamie Weldon Memorial Cup (1st Male Team, 5K)
- Jimmy Bradley Memorial Cup (1st Female Team, 5K)
- Junior trophies (5K)
- Bonus Time Challenge (5K)
- Individual cash prizes for 1st–3rd, plus masters categories O40, O50, O60
- 10K team and individual cash prizes
- PJ Callan Club Awards for top Ardee AC finishers
🎽 Medals: All finishers
👕 T-shirts: Option to purchase this year’s anniversary design
🚻 Facilities: Toilets at race HQ, parking nearby
Why Run It?
From its prize list to its community spirit, the Seamie Weldon Memorial 5K & 10K is more than just another road race. “There is something for every runner – from first-timers to seasoned athletes chasing PBs,” Ashling says. “What makes it truly special is that it honours a man who gave so much to athletics and to Ardee, and whose legacy still inspires our club today.”