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.

A quick look at the Ballincollig Junior parkrun numbers - March 2026

Aideen Coleman sent on a quick message to say that the numbers for the Ballincollig Junior 2k event last weekend exceeded the number of finishers for the 5k event. 

As can be seen from the stats above, there were 330 finishers in the Junior event on Sunday while there were 317 finishers in the 5k event on Saturday. (Junior parkrun is for 4-14 year olds while the 5k parkrun is for aged 15 and above)

That prompted me to have a look at the Junior numbers for Ballincollig... just how big is it?

The chart above shows the numbers for all 222 editions of the Junior 2k parkrun since it first started in June of 2019. Last Sunday was the third highest in terms of the number of finishers but it was an exceptional turnout.

To get rid of some of the variability in the stats, I had a look at the average number of finishers for 2023, 2024 & 2025 to see what the trend was like.

In 2023, the average number of finishers was just about 76. In 2024, that had increased by 18% to about 90. In 2025, that increased by 30% to 117.

Last Sunday, there were 30 volunteers for the Junior parkrun which is a lot of people giving up their time on a Sunday morning so this event can take place. That level of commitment obviously helps the growing popularity of this event.

More information about this free event can be found at.. https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincolligregional-juniors/

Results of the Mallow 10-mile road race - Sun 22nd Mar 2026

The Mallow 10-mile road race was held this year on Sunday 22nd of March 2026 on what was an overcast but dry morning.

Mallow is the largest 10-miler in Co Cork and this year, there were 1160 finishers which is a drop of 6% on last year. This is most likely a reflection of the fact there are loads of 10-mile races on the calendar to choose from.

Top 5 men & women...

1 Paul MOLONEY #1355 Mallow A.C. M M45 51:37 
2 Sean DAVIN #950 St. Finbarrs A.C. M MS 51:55 
3 Evan WHITTY FITZGERALD #6 M MS 51:57 
4 Tadhg O'SULLIVAN #957 Glanmire A.C. M MS 52:37 
5 Brian MURPHY #1361 Iveragh A.C. M M40 53:25 

1 Andrea AZA VILLAMOR #666 Glanmire A.C. F FS 1:00:12 

2     April QUINN #1262 Togher A.C. F F35 1:01:43

3 Jean LUCEY #1333 F F40 1:03:07 

4 Siobhan HORGAN #266 F F45 1:04:20 

5 Linda KELLY #136 Watergrasshill A.C. F F50 1:04:29 

Full results HERE

Photos... (Updated 23rd Mar 2:43pm)

1) Mick Dooley has some pre-race photos HERE ... start of the race HERE ... and top finishers HERE

 ... finish line HERE

2) Churchtown Road Runners have some photos up on their race pace... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3 ... Album 4 ... 

3) Joe Murphy has several galleries... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3 ... Album 4 ... Album 5 ... Album 6 ... Album 7 ... Album 8 ... Album 9 ...

First woman... Andrea Aza Villamor of Glanmire AC

First 5 men (L-R)... Brian Murphy 5th, Sean Davin 2nd, Paul Moloney 1st, Evan Fitzgerald 3rd & Tadhg O'Sullivan 4th

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 21st Mar 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 21st March 2026. Approximately 1218 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... Blue skies and sunshine were the order of business for this weeks 5k parkruns in Co Cork. It was also the equinox with equal day and night and the clocks will be changing next weekend.

Ballincollig... Well done to Helen O'Donoghue who completed her 250th 5k parkrun this weekend!

Mallow... Well done to Liam Kiely who reached the 100 mark.

Clonakilty... John Freyne reached his double century 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:  317 this week, CANCELLED last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Diarmaid NOLAN Male VM35-39 18:08

2 Jj JORDAAN Male SM30-34 Togher AC 18:08

3 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:21

13 Rebecca KELLEHER Female SW20-24 Carraig na bhFear AC 20:27

28 Helen CRONIN Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 22:24

34 Julieanne MARTIN Female SW30-34 22:39

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/416/

Tramore Valley Park: 312 this week, 393 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Unknown

2 Unknown

3 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 18:23

17 Jill HODGINS Female VW45-49 20:20

21 Sinead O'CONNELL Female SW25-29 21:07

23 Jenny COTTER Female VW40-44 21:18

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/194/

Glen River: 67 this week, 77 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Gerard MOORE Male VM45-49 20:00

2 Aaron HORNIBROOK Male VM35-39 20:02

3 Cian MCPARLAND Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:12

7 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 21:26

9 Sonia PASCALI Female VW60-64 TRE CASALI SAN CESARIO 22:44

11 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 23:13

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/303/

Midleton Greenway: 139 this week, 159 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Noel EARLY Male VM45-49 18:38

2 Shane MEYLER Male VM50-54 Ballymore Cobh AC 18:46

3 James 0 MAHONY Male VM35-39 18:50

23 Monica SHALLY Female VW35-39 23:20

25 Cheryl CARMODY Female VW40-44 Gneeveguilla Athletic Club 23:31

27 Charlotte EDWARDS Female SW18-19 23:46

Midleton Greenway...  https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/58/

Mallow Castle: 67 this week, 111 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ruairi MANNING Male SM20-24 17:31

2 Matthew COOKE Male JM15-17 18:10

3 Anthony MAHER Male JM11-14 18:20

11 Elaine O'CALLAGHAN Female VW40-44 22:56

14 Kate MCSWEENEY Female SW30-34 23:50

16 Doireann FRAWLEY Female JW11-14 24:14

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/221/

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

First 3 men & women...

1 Daithi FERGUSON Male JM11-14 21:08

2 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM45-49 21:13

4 Paul MCFARLAND Male VM40-44 23:45

3 Laura BEAUSANG Female JW11-14 23:42

10 Alyssa FERGUSON Female JW11-14 25:51

14 Èabha BERESFORD Female JW11-14 27:26

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/202/

Macroom Castle Demense: 75 this week, 78 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David BRADLEY Male JM15-17 19:50

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 20:07

3 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:12

8 Caitlin BROWN Female SW30-34 23:02

9 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 23:05

16 Teresa SEXTON Female VW45-49 25:11

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/569/

Clonakilty:  86 this week, CANCELLED last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Owen FETHERSTONHAUGH Male SM30-34 19:06

2 Donnacha RYAN Male JM11-14 19:16

4 Tom O RIORDAN Male VM50-54 Watergrasshill AC 22:07

3 Katie KILCOYNE Female SW30-34 20:34

12 Iosla BREATHNACH Female VW45-49 24:28

15 Ursula HEDDERMAN Female VW60-64 24:36

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/524/

Glengarriff Woods: 92 this week, 92 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Finn CONNER Male JM15-17 20:58

3 Jacobo ESCURÍS Male SM20-24 23:51

4 Tony MCELHINNEY Male VM55-59 Bantry Athletic Club 23:54

2 Genevieve COLLINS Female SW30-34 21:11

11 Sophia QUISH Female JW11-14 27:00

14 Kate O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 27:13

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/446/

Bere Island: 43 this week, 66 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 20:48

3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:04

5 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 25:04

2 Edward STEL Male VM55-59 23:50

4 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 24:53

6 Michael O'DRISCOLL Male VM70-74 26:44

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/537/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 41 finishers this week, 16 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Helena HAYES Female SW30-34 21:42

4 Clodaghcl MCPEAKE Female SW30-34 23:18

14 Imelda LYONS Female VW45-49 31:41

2 Jack HAMBLETON Male VM35-39 21:42

3 William HAYES Male SM25-29 West Norfolk AC 22:06 

10 Ronan BRADY Male VM50-54 30:13

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/457/

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

Friday Jigsaw: Glen River parkrun - 14th Mar 2026

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from the Glen River 5k parkrun which had a St Patrick's Day theme.

You can find this 84-piece online jigsaw HERE

A look at the Cloyne Commons 4k Series - 2014 to 2026

The Cloyne Commons 4k Winter Series in east Cork is somewhat unique in that it's one of the very few races outside of the BHAA where people can enter on the day for just €5. This is in marked contrast to other events which have online entry and fees of something like €15 to €25.

It is in a sense the last vestige of what typical road races used to be like in the past.

Each year, there are 5 events and they run from November to March. Now that the most recent series has finished, I had a look at the numbers. I went back over the results which I have up on the blog and calculated the average number per event for each of the series.

Some points..

1. First Race... The first race was back in November of 2014 so it has been going for over 10-years. Even though I post the results, I had no idea it went back that far. I was kind of expecting something like 2018/2019.

2. Average per series... The chart above shows the average number of finishers for each of the series. The most recent 2025/2026 series was a record one and passed the previous best which was 2019/2020.

3. Biggest race... The highest number of finishers in any one race was back in November of 2019 when 478 runners crossed the finish line. I have no idea why there were so many that day.

4. March 2020... There was no race that month due to the pandemic so there were only 4 races for the 2019/2020 series. The fact that so many people turned out in Nov 2019 and there wasn't a 5th race to bring down the average meant that the 2019/2020 numbers are a lot higher than before.

5. 49 races... I've updated some of the older results posts and if you want to see the results of any of the 49 races so far than you can use this link to scroll back to find the results.