Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland

Friday, March 06, 2009

Weather forecast for the 2009 Ballycotton 10...
A series of cold fronts are crossing the country on Sunday and it is likely that for the race, we will be in between 2 of them. That means that we are not likely to get persistent rain but there could be a lot of short showers. Whether we get rain for the race is really hit or miss. It's likely that it will be bright with even maybe some sunshine but the weather could change in 10 minutes. It will probably be one of those days where the sun is shining in one spot and 10 miles away, it's lashing out of the heavens. The one thing you can be absolutely sure about is that it is going to be windy! There will be a strong airflow that will be coming down from the Artic so it is going to be very cold as well.

So, what does that mean for the race?

Start...The start may not actually be too bad as we will have the protection of the hill to the west. Even still, it's going to be cold with the temperature down around 6 deg C. In the open, it will feel even colder.

0-5 Miles...Basically, we are running into the wind for the first 5 miles. Once you leave the village, the countryside is a lot more open and the wind may feel pretty raw here as you warm up. You can expect to lose time here with the strong wind.

5-10 Miles...The opposite applies. We have the wind to our backs for the last 5 or so miles. You won't however make up for the time you lost in the first half.
Once you finish, you are likely to get very cold very fast. Keep this in mind when you are deciding what to bring to the baggage area near the start/finish.

With luck, we might avoid the showers. If we do get some showers with that cold wind, then it will feel awful. If your pace is likely to be slow then consider wearing an extra layer or maybe a hat/gloves.
Fingers crossed we'll miss the showers...

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi John, thanks a million for a fantastic blog and low-down on what's what for sunday! Just a quick question, I remember in the ballycotton 5 mile series last summer, they called out times at every mile mark, which I found a great help. Do you happen to know if there are any times given out via a race clock or loudspeaker during the 10 miles? Obviously the big crowds might make this impossible, but i'm just wondering!