Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 4th Apr 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 4th April 2026. Approximately 1271 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... It looks as if most of the rain overnight had passed for this weeks 5k parkruns at 9:30am with the odd scattered shower passing through.

Tramore Valley Park... No volunteers, no parkruns. Well done to Paula Mulcahy who earned her 100th volunteer credit at the parkrun this weekend!

Ballincollig... Well done to Michael Brennan who earned his 250th volunteer credit by doing timekeeping at the Ballincollig event this weekend!

At the same event, Ted O'Keeffe completed his 250th parkrun!

Bere Island... Sean Brennan reached the century mark at the Bere Island parkrun this weekend. Sean has done 40 on Bere Island and 47 at Tolka Valley.

ONGOING

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

Upcoming milestones....

a) Tramore Valley Park - 200th event - 2nd May 2026

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  322 this week, 310 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Govinda O'SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 Eagle A.C. 17:12

2 Patrick GEARY Male SM25-29 18:48

3 Trevor WOODS Male VM55-59 Cork Triathlon Club 18:54

26 Lia FENNESSY RYAN Female SW20-24 22:03

51 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 23:45

55 Deirbhile O'KEEFFE Female SW25-29 Raheny Shamrock AC 23:55

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/418/

Tramore Valley Park: 244 this week, 284 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Christopher OREILLY Male VM35-39 16:47

2 Daniel HORGAN Male JM15-17 Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC 17:03

4 Arnaud BENJACAR Male VM55-59 Liffey Valley AC 18:28

3 Orla DRUMM Female VW40-44 Crusaders A C Dublin 18:18

17 Sophie WOLFE Female JW15-17 Togher AC 21:07

23 Lauren KEANEY Female SW25-29 22:22

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/196/

Glen River: 61 this week, 64 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Alex O SHEA Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 20:14

2 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:17

3 Cian BRANNIGAN Male SM25-29 20:56

8 Siun MOAKLEY REILLY Female JW11-14 22:43

10 Hilary HEDDERMAN Female SW20-24 23:40

15 Helen MOAKLEY Female VW45-49 24:48

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/305/

Midleton Greenway: 177 this week, 139 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Darren MCCANN Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:58

2 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:03

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:34

9 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 20:33

14 Emma BELL Female SW20-24 21:08

20 Sheila PURCELL Female VW50-54 21:38

Midleton Greenway...  https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/60/

Mallow Castle: 80 this week, 99 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM20-24 17:21

2 Vinny GRIMES Male SM30-34 19:39

3 Chris GALLAHUE Male VM40-44 20:38

11 Orla NOLAN Female VW55-59 Dromahane Roadrunners 23:01

12 Edel BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 23:41

15 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 24:44

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/223/

Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 35 this week, 59 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 John COUGHLAN Male VM45-49 20:15

2 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM45-49 20:43

3 Adam BULMAN Male SM25-29 20:56

7 Éadaoin COLEMAN Female VW40-44 22:52

14 Cait DELANEY Female SW25-29 24:09

15 Cliona O'KEEFFE Female VW40-44 24:55

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/204/

Macroom Castle Demense: 59 this week, 56 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 19:41

2 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:58

3 Matt MURPHY Male SM20-24 21:12

18 Carrie DESMOND Female VW40-44 24:34

20 Aoife GARDNER Female VW45-49 25:01

22 Caroline O DONNELL Female VW55-59 25:58

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/571/

Clonakilty:  56 this week, 39 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male SM18-19 Togher AC 18:59

2 Ciaran YOUNG Male SM30-34 Lothian RC 19:10

3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 West Cork Triathlon Club (WCTC) 20:43

12 Deirdre HARRINGTON Female VW50-54 Durrus Athletic Club 23:24

16 Sandra WALSH Female VW55-59 24:57

20 Kate WHELTON Female JW15-17 26:20

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/526/

Glengarriff Woods: 109 this week, 95 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 19:58

2 Finn CONNER Male JM15-17 20:16

3 Declan WHOOLEY Male VM40-44 Raheny Shamrock AC 21:43

14 Sarah KELLY Female VW35-39 Raheny Shamrock AC 24:10

18 Emer BROGAN Female VW45-49 25:08

24 Anita GRIMES Female VW60-64 26:37

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/448/

Bere Island: 80 this week, 39 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Colm WILSON Male SM20-24 20:07

2 Fergus ROONEY Male VM45-49 20:21

4 Ronan HARRIS Male VM50-54 Raheny Shamrock AC 21:06

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 20:45

11 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:32

12 Emma ROONEY Female JW11-14 26:51

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/539/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 46 finishers this week, 24 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 21:12

2 Ger O'TOOLE Male VM55-59 Blackrock AC 21:59

3 Aaron ROSS Male SM25-29 22:51 

10 Lucy J MCCANN Female SW25-29 24:50

18 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 Manchester Tri Club 27:18

20 Marie KEHOE Female VW45-49 28:00

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/459/

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

Results of the Streets of Killarney 5-mile - Fri 3rd Apr 2026

The Streets of Killarney 5-mile race was held on Friday 3rd of April 2026. 

The first woman was Michelle Finn of Leevale AC in Cork who won the Killarney race 24 hours after winning the Streets of Kilkenny 5k!

Full results HERE

 

New section of Greenway between Glenbrook and Monkstown is open - Apr 2026

 

Over the last few days, contractors have been putting the finishing touches to the new greenway between Glenbrook and Monkstown and it is now finally open as can be seen in the photo above.

It's not that long but it's another step in getting a full greenway between Carrigaline and Cork City.

The map above shows the location. The bright green section is the new greenway which is about 730m in length. The dark green section is the existing narrower section which runs under the 'Cut and Cover' railway tunnel and comes out in Monkstown.

The new greenway starts at the cross harbour ferry as shown above and heads south.

The photo above shows the end of the new section and transitions onto the narrower 400m section. The 'Cut and Cover' railway tunnel can be seen in the distance and Monkstown is around the corner.

Video... The video below shows part of the new greenway starting from the car ferry...

Cork to Carrigaline Greenway... This is a map of the approximate route for the full 17.5km greenway which will go from Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork City to Carrigaline.

As of the Spring of 2026, there is a greenway from Cork City to Passage West which is about 8kms in length and there is a short 500m section in Carrigaline. The balance is about 9kms.

This new section from the car ferry to Monkstown reduces the undeveloped section from about 9 to 8kms. It's not a huge amount but it's another step in the overall project.

Impact???... The previous footpath was reasonably wide so the impact for walkers and runners of the new section is pretty small, it just means that there is more space. The bigger impact will be for slower cyclists in that the greenway is a lot safer than the main road for adults and children. Motorists benefit because there are fewer cyclists on the road that they need to pass.

In terms of road races, the Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline and the Cork Down Syndrome charity half-marathon from Haulbowline to Pairc Ui Chaoimh use this new section of greenway.

Notice: Karen Fenton Memorial 5k in Ballinora - Sun 26th April 2026

The Karen Fenton 5K Memorial Run is scheduled to take place this year on Sunday 26th of April 2026 @ 11:30am. The location is for the 5k is in Ballinora which is just to the south of Ballincollig in the western part of Cork City.

Entries...You can enter online HERE

Update: Please note that the start time has been changed from 12:30pm to 11:30am.

Entries will also be taken on the day for the same price.

Part 2 of the South Kerry Greenway near Glenbeigh opens 2nd Apr 2026

The first part of the South Kerry Greenway opened near Goldens of Kells on the 19th of December 2025. See previous post.

The second part of the South Kerry Greenway near Glenbeigh will be opened at 2pm on Thursday 2nd of April 2026. This has been announced in several media outlets over the last few days but if you're not from the area then it's not really clear about what's really happening. I have put together a map shown above which shows the new stages.

The first stage at Kells is about 3.1kms in length and has been popular with walkers. The only thing though is that it's a bit in the middle of nowhere and people have to drive there to get access.

The second stage however starts in the village of Glenbeigh so local walkers and runners can access it from home. It is 4.2kms in length which gives 8.4kms for anyone going out and back. That's probably a roughly 90-minute walk for someone so it's pretty reasonable.

This new section basically has high ground to the west so there are no sea views but the semi-circle of mountains to the south provide a lovely backdrop to this section.

It is expected that an additional 2kms will be added to this section by the summer of 2026. The plan is to add an additional 10kms to the Greenway in 2027.

While the full greenway is 32kms in length and goes from Glenbeigh to Reenard (south west of Cahersiveen), the jewel in the crown so to speak is the section between the first and second sections.

This will have elevated views out over Dingle Bay and will include three short tunnels and one bridge.

New section of greenway near Glenbeigh

Once these two sections are connected then the greenway project takes on a whole new life. It was the same as the Waterford greenway. Once the section from Dungarvan to Kilmacthomas opened, the visitors flocked in. 

It should be the same for Glenbeigh. Cyclists can use it for an easy out and back cycle and there will be plenty of choices for walkers and runners. It's great to see some progress at last.

Cork City Marathon finish line moves to the Grand Parade...

The organisers of the Cork City Marathon have announced that the finish line for the 2026 event will move from Patricks Street to the Grand Parade. 

The full marathon will now start on the Grand Parade and finish by the city library on the Grand Parade.

The half-marathon will still start on Monahan Road which is about 500m from the city hall and it will finish on the Grand Parade.

The 10k will start somewhere on the South Mall and will finish on the Grand Parade.

According to the organisers.... "Exciting News! We have new start and finish lines this year, designed to improve safety, increase capacity, and create a stronger city-centre experience for runners and spectators!". They also put out a press release which was a masterclass in a public relations word salad.

What it means... 1) It makes no difference to the runners or spectators experience, it's just a different finish line.

2) They had about 20-metres in width available for a finish line on Patricks Street. It's about 30-metres on the Grand Parade so it's easier for the organisers.

3) Patricks Street is one of the main retail areas of Cork City. By moving the finish line to the Grand Parade, it means a lot less disruption for retailers and shoppers on Patricks Street.

Slí Cumann na mBan... This is the name of the riverside walk which went from the Mardyke Walk to the Irish Distillers plant by the North Mall. The Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k will no longer use this section and instead, it will take a more direct route towards Washington Street and the finish line on the Grand Parade.

This walkway was useful from an organisers point of view in the past as it meant that fewer roads would need to be closed. It is however quite narrow and was a real bottleneck when the number of runners was high.

By keeping the runners on public roads, it should mean that the numbers can be increased in the future.

In summary... The reality is that the Cork Marathon event is starting to fall behind and wasn't living up to its full potential. Cork City is the 3rd largest city in Ireland and in 2024, the Cork Half-Marathon was the 3rd largest half-marathon in Ireland. In 2025, it dropped down to 7th place because it wasn't able to cater for the demand.

Moving the finish to the Grand Parade means that it is moving from a retail area to a more suitable location for a sporting event. Removing the riverside walk will enable larger numbers in future allow the event to live up to its true potential.

Results of the Run the Line 5k in Carrigaline - Sat 28th Mar 2026

28 runners turned out for the free Run the Line 5k on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven Greenway on Saturday 28th of March 2026.

Notice: Cork BHAA Stryker 4 mile race in Carrigtwohill - Tues 28th Apr 2026

This 4 mile race in Carrigtwohill in East Cork is coming up on Tuesday the 28th of April at 7:30pm. 

Update: The link for the charity raffle has now been added to the post. Scroll down.

Entries for the 2026 Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park opening soon

Just a quick post to say that entries for the Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park will go on sale very soon. This unique event is very popular and always sells out every year.

The event itself is coming up on Thursday 14th of May 2026.

There is also a 1-mile race for 11-15 year olds. The 5k is open to anyone aged 16 and over.

There is no need to take any action for now other to be ready for the entries when they open.

The entries will be announced on the Fota Wildlife Park and Eagle AC social media channels and I'll have a post up on the blog soon after.

Guest Post: Mizen to Malin Challenge starts Tues 31st March 2026 ...by Fergal O'Donnell

 

I am attempting to run from Mizen Head to Malin Head and I will be starting on Tuesday 31st March from Mizen, hoping to finish on Easter Sunday.

I run through Cork on Day 1, hoping to make it to and stay in Millstreet on the first night. I only share in case anyone would ever fancy joining in for a few slow KM in Co. Cork.

I am doing this as a fundraiser, but absolutely not asking for donations - simply in case anyone would fancy joining in for part of the challenge.

My number is 07713 623264 if anyone wants to WhatsApp. I will have a live tracker, which I will share on my own profile but also on the Galbally Runners Facebook Page. 

Thank you in advance.

Fergal O'Donnell 

Galbally Runners (Co. Tyrone)... https://www.facebook.com/galballyrunners/

Tracker... https://www.geotracks.co.uk/live/4936

Results of the Garretstown 5-mile road race - Sun 29th Mar 2026

The annual Garretstown 5-mile road race was held this year on Sunday 29th of March 2026 on what was a cool but dry morning. There were 357 finishers this year, up 9% on last year.

Top 3 men & women...
256 1 Naoise Ó FLAITHEARTAIGH Bandon A.C. M 27:10  
242 2 Adhamh O LEARY Leevale A.C. M 27:17  
1772 3 Simon NOLAN Bandon A.C. M40 27:50  
331 15 Siobhan HOARE Togher A.C. F40 31:15  
29 21 Claire MC CARTHY F40 32:31  
254 27 Shona Brid O SULLIVAN Courcey A.C. F 33:39

Full results HERE

1) Joe Murphy has the following photos...

a) Album 1 b) Album 2 

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 28th Mar 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 28th March 2026. Approximately 1196 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... Cool and mostly dry for this weeks 11 events although there were a few scattered showers despite the Met Eireann forecast.

Mallow... Pat Kerrigan reached his double century at the Mallow Castle event and all 200 were in Mallow.

Castlehaven... Maria Cregan reached the 100 mark this weekend and 78 of the 100 were at Castlehaven.

Ballincollig... Well done to Mike Feeney and Andreas VN who reached the 100 milestone this weekend.

Tramore Valley Park... The person with the highest number of parkruns this weekend in Cork was Angela Howarth, a visitor from the UK doing Tramore Valley Park for the first time. She has completed 503 5k parkruns in 226 locations.

Glengarriff... Well done to Danny Manning who completed his 300th parkrun this weekend!

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

Upcoming milestones....

a) Tramore Valley Park - 200th event - 2nd May 2026

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  310 this week, 317 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:14

2 Jason NICHOL Male VM40-44 18:20

3 Tadhg DALY Male SM18-19 18:58

22 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:06

24 Fiona KAVANAGH Female SW25-29 22:21

31 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 22:49

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/417/

Tramore Valley Park: 284 this week, 312 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Richie LOMBARD Male SM25-29 16:58

2 Matthew ELLIS Male SM30-34 18:05

3 Tommy DERVAN Male JM15-17 18:25

11 Niamh CRONIN Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 19:41

21 Aine O DONOGHUE Female VW50-54 20:17

22 Isabelle CROWLEY Female JW11-14 20:28

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/195/

Glen River: 64 this week, 67 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Marcus BISHOP Male SM30-34 17:27

2 Tobi GRAB Male VM45-49 Úlla ag Rith 19:49

3 Aaron HORNIBROOK Male VM35-39 20:05

10 Lynda O'GORMAN Female VW50-54 24:17

16 Eileen KENNY Female VW75-79 26:05

21 Kasia JURKIEWICZ Female VW35-39 Úlla ag Rith 27:02

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/304/

Midleton Greenway: 139 this week, 139 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David CARRASCO COQUILLAT Male SM25-29 17:22

2 Derek SMYTH Male VM45-49 18:59

3 Connor DOYLE Male SM25-29 19:12

6 Emily OSHEA Female SW20-24 19:25

27 Catherine REIDY Female VW45-49 24:19

30 Amy MCCARTHY Female SW20-24 24:51

Midleton Greenway...  https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/59/

Mallow Castle: 99 this week, 67 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Matthew COOKE Male JM15-17 18:59

2 Ben COLGATE Male SM30-34 19:18

3 Vinny GRIMES Male SM30-34 19:26

14 Orla NOLAN Female VW55-59 Dromahane Roadrunners 22:21

16 Elaine O'CALLAGHAN Female VW40-44 22:39

18 Edel BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 23:25

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/222/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 35 this week, 59 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 21:09

2 Gary ROCHE Male VM45-49 22:06

3 Shane GREENE Male VM40-44 22:26

6 Nikkii BARNETT Female VW55-59 Orion Harriers 23:13

8 Laura BEAUSANG Female JW11-14 23:41

10 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 24:56

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/203/

Macroom Castle Demense: 56 this week, 75 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 20:18

2 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:28

3 Matt MURPHY Male SM20-24 21:18

4 Jennifer RING Female VW45-49 22:18

7 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 22:54

13 Karena MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 24:30

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/570/

Clonakilty:  39 this week, 57 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Alex O SHEA Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 19:20

2 Eoghan MINIHAN Male JM15-17 20:29

3 Noah O'SHEA Male JM15-17 20:40

8 Deirdre HARRINGTON Female VW50-54 Durrus Athletic Club 23:15

13 Cassandra DUNNE Female VW50-54 24:37

19 Zaheera COFFEY Female VW40-44 26:05

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/525/

Glengarriff Woods: 95 this week, 86 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 19:48

2 Micheal COPPINGER Male JM15-17 21:22

3 Unknown

6 Sophia QUISH Female JW11-14 25:17

11 Amelia QUISH Female JW11-14 26:24

13 Anna MCCARTHY Female JW11-14 26:36

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/447/

Bere Island: 39 this week, 43 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Arthur GRAHAM Male SM25-29 20:53

2 Edward STEL Male VM55-59 23:35

3 Ger SHEEHAN Male SM25-29 24:10

4 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 25:09

5 Agnes HUNTBATCH Female JW10 26:01

7 Nina MURPHY Female VW35-39 26:24

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/538/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 24 finishers this week, 20 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jackson COAKLEY Male JM11-14 24:55

2 Unknown

3 Ben PITTON BRADY Male JM11-14 25:59

7 Erin COAKLEY Female JW10 29:59

8 Louise LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 30:23

11 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW55-59 Castlehaven GAA 32:30

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/458/

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

Guest Post: Losing it? ...by Pat Walsh

 * Losing it ? *

Yes, maybe I am losing my marbles when I start quoting from the writings of the psychologist Jung. 

“The greatest potential for growth and self-realisation exists in the second half of life.”

But can it have any meaning for me and with my running? If you are young and still on an upward curve then please ignore this post. If you are a little older and still trying to be on an upward curve then maybe read it twice.

I’m at an age where I know and can accept that some distances and times achieved previously will never be reached again. This is a mental struggle for many, as the body cannot replicate your deeds from years ago. Acceptance

So the challenge is to put some purpose and meaning into your life and your running. The growth is in your own mindset and the self-realisation is the acceptance of the privilege of running as you age. Reality

Run any day you can and be happy but don’t overdo it or overload the body. I will do my best and be happy. Rejoice.

Learn to say NO. This is very difficult for some people. They get drawn into races and runs that are too much for them and all because they didn’t say no. Too long, too fast, not enough time to train, my body wouldn’t be able for it but the gang are doing it and I will sign up. Honesty

Be an example to younger people. When I was young, I never saw anyone of my current age out running. Now I think my age group are role models to aspire to, as running can be a life long sport and hobby with the obvious physical and mental benefits. Take time to talk to younger people, you might be pleasantly surprised. Openness

There are medals and t-shirts from previous exploits that can be admired but the collection is never finished… always room for one more. Challenge

Don’t always run hard, take time to run slowly and see the world around you. The birds are singing if you take time to listen. Life throws enough curveballs, make running your safe place. Embrace. 

Accept that your younger body was flexible and strong naturally, now it takes continuous weekly work to stay that way. Truth

On a personal level, I never really was a good runner so maybe my late life career as a writer/ bluffer of running posts for your entertainment was always where I was headed. Who knows. Delusional

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” Twain (Mark not Shania)

#pwr

London Marathon to be held over two days in 2027???

It looks as if the 2027 London Marathon might be held over two days in 2027!

The London Marathon organisers are currently in talks for the event to be held on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of April 2027 with some 50,000 runners on each day. 

The last edition in 2024 had 56,540 finishers with over 1.1 million people entering the lottery to enter. 

Obviously the demand of the new arrangement will still far outreach the available places but at least the chances of getting in reduce from something like 1 in 20 to 1 in 10.

A Mayor of London spokesperson said... “London is the sporting capital of the world and the Mayor looks forward to working with London Marathon and partners to consider if it might be possible to host an event that will run across two days next year.”

Full story here... https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/25/revealed-secret-plans-for-two-day-london-marathon-with-100000-runners

That raises the obvious question... Should the Dublin Marathon be held over two days? Would the economic boost to the city be worth it? Would the organisers even consider it?

Guest Post: Young athletes shine at Great Island Cross-Cup in Cuskinny - 24th March 2026... by Trevor Cummins

Hosted by Great Island Athletics, the event featured 12 races from 1st to 6th class, with young athletes taking on the course in a day that combined energy, excitement, and strong community support. Schools from across the island were represented, with classmates, teachers, and families creating a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere throughout.

A new addition to this year’s programme, The Great Island Way, provided a participation focused opportunity for children of all abilities to be part of the day in a relaxed and inclusive setting, reflecting the club’s commitment to ensuring that every child feels welcome in sport.

The event was expertly guided by MC and five time Olympian Rob Heffernan, whose presence added to the occasion and helped drive the day’s positive energy from start to finish in the unique woodland setting of Cuskinny Court.

Speaking after the event, club spokesperson Trevor Cummins, said, “Days like this show what can happen when a community comes together. It is about giving every child the chance to take part, to feel included, and to enjoy being active outdoors.”

Organisers paid tribute to their sponsors and supporters, including Caltech Electrical Supplies, Garveys SuperValu Cobh, Eurospar Newtown Cobh, Neodyne, Port of Cork and Cork County Council, as well as the team at Cuskinny Court for hosting the event.

Participating schools included: Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Gaelscoil Cobh, St Mary’s National School, Scoil Ioasef Naofa, and Walterstown National School.

With medals shared across all five schools, the depth of emerging talent on Great Island was clear to see. Both team trophies went the way of Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, who now hold the titles of Kings and Queens of the Cross. It is a pathway that is only beginning, one that will see Great Island Athletics continue to grow and establish itself as a force in the years ahead.