Work continues on the new athletics track in Bandon - Jan 2026

Bandon AC have been contracting a new 400m athletics track to the south of the town for the last two years or so and it is now approaching completion. The photo above shows members testing out the new surface recently.

The most recent update from Bandon AC was as follows...

"The final pieces still need to be completed, including:

🔹 Fencing for safety and protection

🔹 Infield lighting for evening training and field events

🔹 Essential equipment like mats and cages

Once we have approval to spend the Sports Capital Grant and complete the fencing, we’ll begin a phased move to training on the new track — starting with older athletes first, and expanding to our younger groups in the new year, once everything is in place and fully safe."

As can be seen from the photos, the track is pretty much complete. The infrastructure for the throwing cage is in place as is the runway track and pit for the long jump.

I presume it will be open to club members sometime in the spring of 2026 and it should be in full swing for the summer outdoor athletics season. It should be a major boon for juveniles and athletic clubs in the west Cork region when Bandon AC host competitions there.

A look at the Glengarriff parkrun numbers as the event turns 10-years old - Jan 2026

The inaugural Glengarriff 5k parkrun was held on Saturday 2nd January 2016 and it celebrated its 10th birthday on the 3rd of January 2026!

This event like the other parkruns in Ireland is a community based free event and it has been a huge success in that it has allowed a huge number of people to get some exercise in a safe environment on a Saturday morning.

The most recent event on the 3rd of January 2026 was the 419th edition and this is what the weekly numbers look like for the last 10-years...

You can see the initial surge in 2016 due to the novelty factor and then it settled down to a lower figure.

It looks as if 2020 was on track to be a good year for numbers but of course, that came to a halt with the pandemic restrictions in March of that year.

It's a bit hard to see any trends with all the 'noise' from the data so let's look at the average weekly numbers on a calendar year basis...

This chart shows the initial surge in 2016, the decline in 2017 and then a steady growth in numbers up to 2019.

I wouldn't read too much into the 2020 spike as it was largely due to the usual surge in numbers in January and February as people set out new years resolutions to get fitter. The lower numbers from all the events later in the year are missing and that would have brought down the 2020 average.

Post pandemic, the event restarted in September of 2021 and again, that figure is a bit on the low side as the January / February surge is missing. The steady recovery from 2022 onwards can be seen up to 2024.

It's interesting to note that the weekly average for 2025 was down by about 3 on the figure for 2024. It's not a big drop but it does suggest that the era of annual growth in numbers is over.

Why the drop in 2025??? Some possible reasons...

a) Tourist numbers from the UK to Ireland dropped 4% in 2025 compared to 2024. Considering how popular parkrun is in the UK, many tourists might take in a local parkrun while they're vising west Cork.

b) Glengarriff itself is quite small and a number of people from towns like Kenmare and Bantry probably visit most weeks. Is the higher cost of fuel and travel a factor?

c) Or is it just natural variability? Is an average of about 75 participants per week the natural number that an event like this in west Cork will attract?

Do parkrun numbers really matter??? For road races and the like with online entries, chip timing, prizes, refreshments, etc, a certain number of people need to enter before the race breaks even. For 5k parkruns which are free, that's not the case. 

Perhaps the one possible benefit is that there is a larger pool of people which might make getting volunteers every week easier?

Link... If you're thinking of visiting the Glengarriff parkrun then you can find all the details here... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/

I picked Glengarriff to do my 100th parkrun and it certainly didn't disappoint. Glengarriff Woods is a lovely location for a run and the course is one big 5k loop as opposed to multiple laps. Recommended.

Addendum: The old course had quite a tough hill. The new 'flatter' course was introduced on the 5th of October 2019. Looking at the results back then, it doesn't seem to have had any immediate impact in terms of numbers.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 3rd Jan 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 3rd January 2026. Approximately 1099  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report...  Despite the freezing conditions, only the Tramore Valley Park was cancelled due to ice on the course. It's that time of year and we can expect to see a few more cancellations over the next 8 weeks or so.

ONGOING

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

Upcoming milestones....

a)

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  361 this week, 307 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anthony MANNIX Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:08

2 Declan BARRY Male VM40-44 18:38

3 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 18:49

26 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 20:56

30 Isabelle CROWLEY Female JW11-14 21:18

33 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 21:30

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/408/

Tramore Valley Park: CANCELLED this week, 229 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Tramore Valley Park results... 

Glen River: 95 this week, 64 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael KERRIN Male VM45-49 Maree AC 19:22

2 Willie WALSH Male VM50-54 Carraig na bhFear AC 20:01

3 Diarmuid DEASY Male SM20-24 20:41

8 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 22:21

10 Orla COFFEY Female SW20-24 22:48

15 Megan BATEMAN Female SW30-34 24:15

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/294/

Midleton Greenway: 159 this week, 140 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anthony OGRADY Male VM45-49 18:05

2 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:28

3 Guy BRINT Male VM50-54 19:10

10 Jude BUCKLEY Female SW18-19 20:50

20 Nicola COMER Female VW35-39 22:41

30 Rose BRINT Female SW18-19 23:13

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/49/

Mallow Castle: 96 this week, 119 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Simon BERNARD Male VM45-49 Wimbledon Windmilers 17:50

2 Kenneth BARRY Male VM45-49 19:35

3 Vinny GRIMES Male SM30-34 19:52

14 Maryann O CONNOR Female VW35-39 22:56

18 Elaine O'CALLAGHAN Female VW40-44 24:02

25 Mary MURPHY Female VW60-64 Mallow AC 25:31

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/211/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 46 this week, 58 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jack GLEESON 21:59

2 Ian GEARY Male VM45-49 22:06

3 Isaac LANDERS Male JM15-17 22:11

5 Sorcha KILGANNON Female SW18-19 22:55

10 Grace O NEILL Female JW11-14 24:37

14 Ailish BOURKE Female JW11-14 24:43

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/192/

Macroom Castle Demense: 61 this week, 78 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 18:45

2 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male SM18-19 Togher AC 19:11

4 David BRADLEY Male JM15-17 20:30

3 Martina KIELY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:17

10 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:49

15 Jennifer RING Female VW45-49 23:14

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/559/

Clonakilty: 66 this week, 55 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Alex O SHEA Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 18:45

2 Martin WHITE Male VM45-49 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 19:44

3 Bryan GALLWEY Male VM40-44 20:30

9 Annabel MUIR Female SW30-34 22:03

13 Marie PIGOTT Female VW35-39 22:28

16 Claire Mary TWOMEY Female VW40-44 22:48

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/515/

Glengarriff Woods: 129 this week, 112 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Angus MCCARTHY Male JM11-14 20:08

2 Carlo WILSON Male VM35-39 21:28

3 David MCCARTHY Male VM35-39 21:34

9 Nicole HARRINGTON Female SW20-24 22:11

19 Helen ANDERSON Female VW50-54 23:28

23 Ciara MURNANE Female SW25-29 Team Runna 24:29

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/435/

Bere Island: 59 this week, 44 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Luke MCNEILL Male JM11-14 20:55

2 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM60-64 22:21

4 John TIGHE Male JM11-14 24:06

3 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 22:31

7 Emily FITZGERALD Female SW30-34 25:43

8 Michele TIGHE Female VW40-44 26:24

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/526/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 27 finishers this week, 27 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 23:25

2 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 24:47

3 Marcus FAIRBROTHER Male VM45-49 25:06

11 Sharon POULTER Female VW45-49 29:49

13 Kate CROWLEY Female VW40-44 30:22

14 Niamh O'BRIEN Female VW35-39 30:59

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/446/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Cancelled parkruns - Sat 3rd Jan 2025

Sat 3rd Jan 2025 - The temperature is currently 0 deg C at Cork airport and there is a hard frost. While the roads and paths are generally dry due to the lack of rain over the last week or so, there may be patches that have remained wet and will noy be icy.

Please note that Tramore Valley Park is cancelled.

Glen River, Midleton and Macroom are confirmed as going ahead.

If anyone is thinking of doing a run on Sunday morning then the roads are likely to be worse.

Notice: Carrigaline 5-mile road race - Sun 15th Feb 2026

Eagle AC are organising their annual 5 mile road race in Carrigaline on Sunday, the 15th of February 2026 at 10am - NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME

The entry link is here... https://eventmaster.ie/event/QmzoCnKSOy

From the organisers.... Eagle AC is delighted to announce the return of the 37th annual Tommy Ryan Memorial 5 Miler in Carrigaline on February 15th 2026 at new start time of 10am.

We have a new course, new start line and a new & much improved finish area. We will release details of this once it’s been officially measured. The community centre is still our base but the race start time is now 10am, not 11.

Our Sponsors : We would like to thank our very generous sponsors the Edge Sports Shop for their ongoing sponsorship of our club event and as a result we have an incredible array of prizes. Our course bonus returns this year in collaboration with Coughlan DeKeyser Architects, and we are incredibly grateful to have them on board.  

The Prizes: 

Top Finishers:  Male & Female 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th 

1st Wheelchair Male & Female 

Top Teams:                        

Male & Female Teams 1st & 2nd 

Category Prizes:               

O35 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

O40 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

O45 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

O50 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

055 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

O60 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

O65 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd

O70 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd 

O75 M&F – 1st, 2nd & 3rd 

Our Charity Partners: Entry for the race is €20 and all proceeds from the race will be donated to Carrigaline Meals-on-Wheels, and Foroige Youth Diversion Project.

https://eventmaster.ie/event/QmzoCnKSOy

We look forward to seeing you all in Carrigaline in February, and thank you for your ongoing support of our club event. The Eagle AC members will be out in force to ensure a safe and well organised event as always.

For any queries or questions about the race please contact eagleraces AT gmail DOT com

Location...The town of Carrigaline is only five miles south of the South Ring Road so it is within easy reach of Cork City. The race HQ is the local community sports hall.

More info on the the Eagle AC website

The race is sponsored by The Edge Sports Shop

Notice: Skibbereen 10-mile & 5-mile road races - Sun 8th February 2026

Skibbereen AC are holding their annual 10-mile road race in west Cork on Sunday the 8th of February 2026. There is also a 5-mile option for anyone preferring a shorter distance.

This is very much a traditional type of road race with loads of refreshments afterwards (i.e. tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, etc) and there are hot showers in the GAA club changing rooms.

Proceeds from both races go towards the Palliative Care Services in Skibbereen Community Hospital and St Patrick's BNS classes for children with autism.

Entries HERE

Registrations will also be taken on the day at the O Donovan Rossa GAA pavilion from 10:30am onwards. The entry fee for the 10 mile is 25 Euros while the entry fee for the 5 Mile run is 20 Euros.

The 10 Mile race will get underway at 1pm with the 5 Mile Run starting at 1:15pm.

Info from Skibbereen AC... Both races and walk start and finish at the entrance to the O'Donovan Rossa GAA grounds. The entry fees are:

10 mile run €25 with a start time of 1pm
5 mile run € 20 with a start time of 1.15
Walk €10 with a start time of 1.30

Registration on the morning of the race opens at 10.30 am at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA Pavilion with the kind permission of the club, where the after race refreshments and prize giving also takes place.

Over €1000 in prize money!

The club is hoping for a strong turnout of both local runners and walkers as the event is suitable for all levels of fitness from the beginner to the elite athlete which we hope will travel from far and wide.

The club would like to thank most sincerely our main sponsors: Fields SuperValu: West Cork Distillers: Bantry Bay Medical Centre: Drinagh Co-op: South of Ireland Petroleum: without whose support this event would not be possible.

10-Mile: The 10-mile race start and finishes outside the O'Donovan Rossa GAA grounds and takes in a large loop to the north-west of Skibbereen.

The course is mostly on quiet country roads and has an uphill section from mile 2 to 6 with the last few miles being mostly downhill.

From Skibbereen AC... The 10 Mile loop start close to the O Donovan Rossa GAA grounds and then proceed up the Marsh road and onto Skeagh Road, turning at Clancy Cross. From there down through the Forest road to Reencorn and down past the old Abbey School at 9 miles and onto the finish at the O Donovan’s Rossa GAA grounds.

5-Mile: The 5-mile race takes in a smaller loop to the north-west of the town again.

As you might expect, there are fewer hills with the shorter course. It is generally flat enough for 3-miles, then one hill and then a fast finish for the last mile and a bit.

Directions: The race HQ is at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA grounds. There are only two roundabouts on the N71 road which runs to the north of Skibbereen and this is the westerly one.

The road to the GAA grounds is shown below, just remember the houses at the roundabout and stay to the left of those. The GAA grounds are about 200m up this road.

View of the approach road from the roundabout

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Thurs 1st Jan 2026

There were six 5k parkruns in Co Cork on New Years Day 2026. 

Well done to Aine Murphy who started the new year in style with her 250th parkrun!

Ballincollig - 364 finishers

Top 3 men & women...
1 Gearoid O FLYNN Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 17:03
2 John COAKLEY Male JM15-17 18:18
3 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male SM18-19 Togher AC 18:26
23 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:26
24 Kathleen RYAN Female VW35-39 21:28
25 Emma CLEARY Female SW25-29 21:30

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/407/

Glen River - 95 finishers

Top 3 men & women...
1 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 19:30
2 Odhran NASH Male JM10 Trafford AC 20:44
3 Alan YOUNG Male VM40-44 Border Harriers & AC 20:58
6 Michelle KENNY Female VW45-49 Leevale AC 21:41
9 Bernadette O'DRISCOLL Female SW30-34 22:39
19 Irene EIGHAN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 23:48

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/293/

Glengarriff - 75 finishers

Top 3 men & women...
1 Darragh PEELO Male VM45-49 21:53
2 Paul TESSYMAN Male VM45-49 22:12
3 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM55-59 22:19
6 Caroline O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 24:35
7 Meave QUINLAN Female VW40-44 24:57
17 Kamila JAKUBOWSKA-SWITAJ Female VW45-49 Fota Island Running Club 27:40

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/434/

Bere Island - 34 finishers

Top 3 men & women...
1 Unknown
3 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM60-64 21:48
4 Colin O DONOVAN Male VM45-49 23:16
2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:40
9 Michele TIGHE Female VW40-44 26:11
11 Leila SIDLEY Female VW35-39 28:37

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/525/

Castlehaven - 40 finishers

Top 3 men & women...
1 Cathal PRIOR Male VM50-54 21:08
2 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 22:26
3 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 23:01
12 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 Manchester Tri Club 26:53
14 Lola HELLEBOID LOPEZ Female JW10 Togher AC 28:32
18 Sharon POULTER Female VW45-49 29:56

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/445/

Clonakilty - 44 finishers

Top 3 men & women...
1 Alex O SHEA Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 18:36
3 Mark TIERNEY Male SM30-34 20:38
4 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 West Cork Triathlon Club (WCTC) 20:45
2 Hannah STEEDS Female SW30-34 Bristol and West AC 19:23
7 Anna O'NEILL Female VW55-59 23:06
11 Marie PIGOTT Female VW35-39 23:11

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/514/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Guest Post: Lightenings ...by Pat Walsh

 * Lightenings….. *

So 2025 comes to a close and what did it bring for you?

Did you hit goals and PB’s, or struggle through the year, or find no consistent spell of training as life got in the way. It happens.

We all have different journeys through life and do we learn anything as we go along? 

The average race has people of all abilities, so don’t be worried about what anyone else is doing and just focus on yourself.

Last year on New Years Eve, I was preparing to go to a 10k race and I got a phone call to tell me I had a stress fracture. While I was obviously injured but not knowing exactly what was wrong, this was not the best news or a great way to end a year.

Today, I went back to Grange-Fermoy AC  10K as a runner and not a spectator for my longest run this Year. I closed the circle and finished the Year on a positive.

Thanks to the wonderful people who made this fantastic event happen. Slowly but steadily becoming one of my favourite races of the year. The organization was superb and the refreshments afterwards a joy to behold. 

Thanks to my new friend Naomi for the company and chats today. A pleasure.

Would this have been my goal or my dream a year ago? No

Was I was delighted with myself? Yes

What have I seen this year? The inside of a GP office, Consultant office, MRI chamber, A Bone density scanner plus Physio and Therapists treatment beds. Very exciting to be fair. Things I never want to see again.

What I have I learned from the Year? Patience with myself and the importance of strength work.

This isn’t a moan. My first serious injury in nearly 40 years and I consider myself lucky. I do think the year helped me develop a better overall perspective. I cycled as first bike in a race, I stood on corners as a volunteer, I went out as a spectator to offer encouragement or a bit of slagging depending who was passing. I tried to keep this column going, when it wasn’t easy and my heart wasn’t in it due to lack of running. Thanks to everyone who engaged in such a positive way this year. 

12 points for 12 months

1 I won’t ever take my physical health for granted again. 
2 Don’t neglect the strength work.
3 Try to stay involved in some way if you are not running.
4 Keep up the contacts. People go missing when you don’t run. Your phone stops.
5 Listen to the specialists. They have the knowledge. Their parents paid a lot to put them through college.
6 No of us is invincible or indestructible. Muscle and bones will only take so much.
7 Important. If it affects you mentally being injured, then seek help. 
8 Don’t take life too seriously as we don’t know what is ahead for any of us.
9 Thanks those who organize races and make your life better.
10 Give someone a hug.
11 Respect your birth-cert but don’t be afraid of it.
12 Runners are lovely people.

I will have to finish on a frivolous note. On Saturday 27th we had a spectacular sunset for about 15mins in Midleton. Pic attached, someone captured me while I was trying to take the pic. It is better than the photo I was taking. She is a PRO and I’m an amateur. That could be said for a lot of what I do. There is light in the Year ahead of us.  

‘Shifting brilliancies. Then winter light
In a doorway, and on the stone doorstep
A beggar shivering in silhouette’…. Heaney, Lightenings

Happy New Year to you all

#pwr

Results of the Bride Rovers 5k run in Rathcormac - Fri 26th Dec 2025

Here are the results of the Bride Rovers 5k which was held in Rathcormac on the 26th of December 2025...

Position Number Name Time
1 98 Aidan Mahar 16:23
2 75 Struan Simpson 16:30
3 24 Gary Sleith 17:35
4 29 MJ Walsh 17:58
5 8 Gary Clerken 18:11
6 57 Dave Collins 18:12
7 44 Orla Tuohy 18:21
8 31 Noel Early 18:29
9 63 Keeley Tidesiwell 18:37
10 84 Cody Scanlan 18:39
11 64 Brendan Walsh 18:45
12 62 Sebastian Bryd 18:57
13 5 Johnny O Sullivan 18:59
14 70 David Walsh 19:19
15 72 Cathal Barry 19:26
16 153 Emily McEleaney 19:26
17 95 Luke Morrison 19:46
18 48 Ultan Tuohy 19:49
19 71 Cormac Barry 19:55
20 1 Ellen Hanley 19:58
21 90 Liam Barry 20:06
22 54 Aoi Tuohy 20:07
23 41 Kieran Dorgan 20:11
24 47 Aodhgán Tuohy 20:21
25 65 Vernon Yanis 20:24
26 83 Bill O' Keeffe 20:35
27 61 Pat O'Connor 20:44
28 17 Finn O' Driscoll 20:50
29 113 Jack Mannix 20:59
30 10 Sean Healy 21:05

2026 Dungarvan 10-mile sold out

The John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile road race is coming up on Sunday 1st February 2026 and it's the largest 10-mile event in Munster. The race is organised by West Waterford AC and all 3,750 entries for it are now sold out.

There are still places available for elite runners and the criteria is sub 55 mins for men and sub 60 mins for women. These times must be achieved in the last two years.

Analysis... Let's have a quick look...

1) We need to remind ourselves that 3,750 entries is an amazing number for what is after all a 10-mile road race in west Waterford at the start of February.

2) Entries opened on the 1st of Dec 2025 for Athletics Ireland club members and for non-club runners on the 8th of Dec 2025. 

Considering that the vast majority of runners are not members of an athletics club then we can use the 8th as the de facto opening date for entries. It then took 3-weeks to sell all 3750 entries.

3) If we compare the entries for the 2026 race to entries for the 2025 race then it sold out about two to three days earlier last year.

To put this in context, we're talking about entries for a race about two months in advance so 2-3 days isn't much of a difference.

What it does suggest however is that perhaps we're not in some sort of growth phase in terms of numbers attending road races. It might suggest that numbers have indeed peaked or perhaps we might be just coming off the peak.

Full house of parkruns for Kerry Constant for second year in a row...

Kerry Constant is a regular at many of the road races and parkruns in Co Cork. In 2024, Kerry managed to do all the available dates for 5k parkruns for the year i.e. all of the usual Saturdays plus the extra ones on New Year's Day and Christmas Day which makes 54 in total.

The 54 parkruns for 2024 were scattered across the UK and Ireland in 22 separate venues.

Kerry has now repeated the feat for 2025 with another streak of 54 parkruns!

The 54 parkruns for 2025 were at 23 different locations including 9 in Killarney, 7 in Youghal, 6 in Midleton, 6 in Tralee and 5 in Ballincollig.

As of the end of 2025, Kerry also has 218 volunteer credits to his name.

Cork runners who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns - Q4 2025

The parkrun organisation have a number of milestones going from 25 to 500 parkruns. The thing about milestones is that they are open to everyone and anyone can aspire to reach a certain level.

A number of people have recently passed the 250 mark and it's a significant achievement as it takes at least five years to complete. Thanks to all those who sent on updates and corrections.

***

Cork 250 Rules... As with any list, there must be some sort of guideline or rules. The criteria I went with are simple...

1. At least 100 of the 5k parkruns must be in Co Cork
2. Only the information on the parkrun website counts

I'm sure there are plenty of people in Dublin and elsewhere who are over 250 but this post is about the parkruns in Cork.

***

Cork runners who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns Club - Q4 2025... Since the end of 2025, the number of people in Cork who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns has gone from 39 to 62 in the space of a year.

The top 3 are from Bere Island and it looks likely that Joanne Sullivan will be the first person in Cork to reach the 500 milestone and that's likely to be in the autumn of 2026.

Macroom is the oldest parkrun in Co Cork and it's well represented in the list above.

The second half of the list from 250 to 338 is shown below...

With 20 more people joining the list in 2025, it's starting to get longer and longer. It will probably reach a stage where trying to keep track of everyone becomes too unwieldy.

Volunteers... Needless to say, it's the army of parkrun volunteers that keep the show on the road and the 'super volunteers' have 250 or more credits.

This has gone from 11 at the end of 2024 to 17 at the end of 2025. With the dual volunteer credits from both the 5k parkrun and the junior 2k parkrun, Maretta Brennan is on track to reach the 500 volunteer milestone sometime in the spring of 2026.

This list is very much the tip of the iceberg in terms of the number of volunteers who help out on Saturday mornings to make sure the parkruns can go ahead.

Errors & Omissions... If you know of any runner of volunteer from Cork missing who might at 250 or more, leave a comment with their name and parkrun number.

Link... More information about the 5k parkruns in Co Cork and previous lists can be found HERE

Results of the Run the Line 5k in Carrigaline - Sat 27th Dec 2025

This free timed 5k was held on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven walkway on Saturday 27th December 2025 and 14 runners took part.

There were no results published for the event at the end of November.

Results of the Shandrum 5k - Sun 28th Dec 2025

Top 3 men & women...

 1 Killian Lynch West Limerick AC MS 15:43 746
2 Pat Hennessy West Waterford AC MS 15:51 583
3 Nick Hogan Cork M40 16:23 745
7 Niamh Moore Leevale AC FS 17:50 636
21 Breda Gaffney Mallow AC F50 19:11 562
26 Lorna Davey-Fitzgerald Mallow AC F40 20:11 536

Results... https://www.premiertimingsystems.ie/2025-Race-Results/Shandrum-AC-5K-Results

Results & Photos of the Togher 5k road race - Sun 28th Dec 2025

 

Top 3 men & women...

1 Sean DOYLE Cork City A.C. M MS 247 14:54
2 Nathan O'LEARY Leevale A.C. M MS 747 15:02
3 John DURCAN Togher A.C. M MS 256 15:05
12 Michelle FINN Leevale A.C. F FS 1 15:49
24 Louise SHANAHAN Leevale A.C. F FS 895 16:19
30 Sinead O'CONNOR Leevale A.C. F FS 2 16:39

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has some start line photos HERE and post race HERE

2) MyRunResults has some finish line photos HERE

3) Damien O'Sullivan has a gallery HERE

4) Joe Murphy has several galleries... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3 ... Album 4 ...