Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: New 10k, half-Marathon & Marathon race planned for Clonakilty, Co.Cork!!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

New 10k, half-Marathon & Marathon race planned for Clonakilty, Co.Cork!!

There was a time not so long ago when there were very few Marathons in Ireland. Long distance races now seem to be popping up all over the place and a new set of races is planned for the town of Clonakilty in mid-Winter. The aim of the organisers is to attract people to the town of Clonakilty in the run up to Christmas. 


The 3 races are planned for Saturday the 11th of December. From what I hear, the 10k may be more of a fun run type of event while the half-Marathon and Marathon will be over the full distance and they will be accurately measured by a Jones counter. The course is described as follows..."The course will start at The Waterfront in Clonakilty, meandering through Rathbarry, Ardfield, Castlefreke, Ownahincha, Long Strand, Red Strand, Dunmore and Inchydoney, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way." The course is supposed to have a few hills so it may not be the fastest.


Other than that, I don't have much info at the moment. It is certainly very ambitious to try and arrange 3 events for the same day. It also raises lots of questions....


1) Will they have enough stewards for all 3 events?
2) Will the Cork BHAA Turkey Trot event on the following day (Sun 12th) take from the numbers?
3) Will people travel down to Clonakilty for a long distance race in mid-Winter? It is certainly a long journey for runners outside of the county.
4) What will the entry fees be? I'd guess that this may be crucial. Too much and it may turn people off.


There should be more information in September. It will be interesting to see what kind of interest this one generates.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think waterford have a half marathon around then, maybe even that date

John Desmond said...

You're right, the Waterford AC Half-Marathon is on Saturday the 11th of December as well.

It's bound to impact on numbers for the Clonakilty event.

Anonymous said...

I think they should just have one race either a 10 km or a half marathon its a bit late in the year to get the numbers for a marathon people that run marathon plan their runs early in the year

Anonymous said...

John

It begs the question wny would you plan a new half and a marathon on the same day as a race like the Waterford Half Marathon. Surely you must expect a lot of people to go to the already established Waterford Race. I agree with you though, Cost will ultimately determine whether this is a success or not as regards numbers.

vasiliy said...

Good idea to sort out new very good marathon in december

Anonymous said...

Good idea,let's go!

Anonymous said...

does anyone know about running groups in Bandon area - and saw a sign for shannonvale 10k when is that on

John Desmond said...

Shannonvale 10k...thanks for the reminder! Now added to the Cork race calendar

Anonymous said...

I think a December marathon would be very welcome..But the organisers would have alot to live up to..They have to compete with Dublin in October and not to mention Dingle in September..As a Cork City runner I would give this a bash..It would be a nice wind down to the this year after Cork & Dingle..And then the Munster 10 mile starts again :) I hope they get the price right and a decent technical running top too.. A well thought out & prepared running event is always welcome , in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I think there is room for a december marathon and a good way to finish the season for people that cant make Dublin.

Anonymous said...

Course sounds nice but personally already registered for Waterford. It gets a lot of positive comments so not sure it's a good idea to have the one in Clon on the same date.

Anonymous said...

I think it's a great idea to have a marathon in Clon, however I this year they should have stuck to a half and a 10k. A full marathon is little short notice for a lot of people (myself included) that along with other events on at the same time will undoubtedly affect the numbers...
Dee Cork

Anonymous said...

I am living in west cork and from what I hear about the event it is going to be planned around a kind of a festival with local food producers puttiing stalls out on the day and music. I'll definitely be giving Clon a go. The name itself is an attraction. From what I hear, the organisers are supporting all local trade and as I know the guy who is doing their website I'm hearing that they are trying their best to get year 1 as close to perfect as they can. I for one wish them all the best and I hope the day turns out well. I'm looking forward to the country run!

Anonymous said...

where do I sign up, tough course for hardened marathoners, esp in december, Ill definitely be there

Anonymous said...

About time there is a marathon on in west cork,aside from the cork city marathon why should we have to travel all over the country. have it n Skibbereen next

Anonymous said...

Clash of fixtures with Waterford half is unfortunate. I think once a race is sceduled, other organisers should respect it and find an alternate date.

John Desmond said...

I'd suspect that perhaps the organisers only looked at what other events were happening in Cork that weekend.

There are very few half-marathons on during mid-winter so it seems a bit crazy to go head to head with one of the few that are.

Anonymous said...

Great idea, west cork has the 8th of December with 10% of in all the shops every year. Would be good to have it moved to the weekend of the Marathon. Also sick to death of having to travel to distant locations for marathons, about time we have some in Kerry & Cork. Best looking places in Ireland.

Anonymous said...

Ill be giving clonakilty a go this year having done waterford last year - itll be nice to give something new a go - but i get the concept of "spreading out the half marathons" as they are so few in the winter months. perhaps the organisers in clonakilty and waterford will take that into account next year? I wonder if they are going to have a website - they appear to have registration on active but it doesnt look like their site is live???

Unknown said...

Hi All,
I'm involved in the organisation of this event. The comments we have been seeing on this board along with others have helped greatly with our planning. To answer some questions, the website should be up and running by this weekend - registration is live on active.com and runclon.ie.
Yes we will have technical running shirts and medals for all participants. The Clonakilty Business Association plan to extend their 10% Christmas shopping discount over the race weekend. Accommodation locally will be available at discounted rates to race participants.Hope that answers most questions - please forward any other queries to info@runclon.ie . Fiona