Originally started in 1978 the Powley (an area in the hills surrounding Castlecomer) men decided, while playing cards, on St Stephen’s day (Boxing day for British readers) to run off the Christmas excess by having a race over a cross country circuit. Not being the type of men that would be caught dead in a pair of Nike’s or Adidas runners, let alone actually own a pair, the most obvious foot wear for this type of event was, yes you guessed it, WELLINGTONS.

Now the less said about the amount of alcohol that had been consumed prior to this momentous decision the better but the history books will record that Paddy Phelan became the winner of the first ever Wellington race.

1981 is a year remembered for many events (More about 1981 is available in another part of the site) but without a doubt the most sensational event was the Powley men bringing the Wellington race to ‘comer (an affectionate abbreviation for the town of Castlecomer). Following an offer by local publican Jim Bollard to offer a perpetual cup to the winner.

The first Castlecomer Wellington Race took place over the Kiltown circuit on New Year ‘s Day 1981. The circuit is a demanding 5 km country road with two severe inclines and was an instant hit with the people of Castlecomer.

A number of important rules were decided upon and many of these still serve us today. Standard Wellingtons must be worn (no sawn off jobs)

Runners will be handicapped according to age and sex

All runners must register and have their card marked at the half way point

Walkers cannot win any of the race prizes except the best fancy dress prize.

Sixty-two people ran that year and £1,200 was raised for the “Lourdes Invalid Fund” and the first winner of the new route was David Farrell, the first Lady winner was Caroline Coogan.

From here the event blossomed and the following year 1982 saw the first float parade and the winning float was the “Pope Mobile”.

In the early years a certificate acknowledging participation was given to all participants and the top ten men and women received trophies as well as the top three veteran men and senior ladies.

Then rosettes were given as a memento of the occasion and various county colours were used, a commemorative medal was given to participants in both the float parade and the race for the Millennium event on 1st January 2000 and the 2016 event celebrated the 100 anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

The event has spread wings and similar events have been held in New York, Sydney, Toronto, Weston Missouri and for the past number of years our twin town of Penvenan Brittany have held a Wellie Race on St Patricks Day.