Right in the heart of the West Roxbury section of Boston is an Irish pub (not surprising) called the Corrib. The pub is owned and operated by a family who has the same last name as me (Bligh) which is a bit surprising given there aren’t a whole heck of a lot of Bligh’s running around.

The pub puts on an absolutely great 5K road race that raises a boatload of money that is put right back into the local community thanks to the charitable foundation that the race supports. There’s a great atmosphere at the race with many local dignitaries present, food and beer post-run, ice cream trucks and games for the kids and more.

The Corrib Pub Classic 5K was the June Grand Prix race this year for my running club, the Thirsty Irish Runners, so there was a sizable contingent of TIRs present which always makes the run more fun. Race time temps were pretty ideal for running and on the cooler side for a race that has had some really hot days in its history.

The course for the Corrib is a rather challenging 5K course through West Roxbury with some rather tricky uphill climbs mixed into the residential neighborhoods for good measure. I love to see local politicians and families hosting more than enough water stops along the course as it builds a nice neighborhood feel to the run. People are out cheering, runners are smiling and it’s an all-around great race. There’s an awesome downhill finish where you lean forward and let gravity help you along that is a perfect way to end a race.

I finished the Corrib Pub Classic 5K with a time of 27:15 good for 8:47/miles.