The event itself is coming up on Thursday 14th of May 2026.
There is also a 1-mile race for 11-14 year olds.
There is no need to take any action for now other to be ready for the entries when they open.
Welcome to the Running in Cork blog, home of the Cork running community. This is the largest website in Cork & Munster for news on road races and general running news. Included are a current race calendar, race previews, photos, results as well as some local, national and international news items.
The event itself is coming up on Thursday 14th of May 2026.
There is also a 1-mile race for 11-14 year olds.
There is no need to take any action for now other to be ready for the entries when they open.
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/
* 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
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?
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.
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.
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/
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...
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 ...
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| First woman... Andrea Aza Villamor of Glanmire AC |
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| First 5 men (L-R)... Brian Murphy 5th, Sean Davin 2nd, Paul Moloney 1st, Evan Fitzgerald 3rd & Tadhg O'Sullivan 4th |
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
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.
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| Paul Cashman was the first man in the overall series |
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| Rebecca McEvoy was the first woman in the overall series |
From John Cashman... "Representatives of a number of local clubs joined members of Cork Athletics, sponsors and the local organisers for the launch of this year's Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race, which once again will double up as the County Road Championships on Thursday 23rd April...7.45pm.
Its year 15 of the 4 Mile race at the picturesque venue and it's the third consecutive year that the Championships are being held in Ballintotis.
Enda Kiernan, Vice Chair of Cork Athletics Board, encouraged all clubs in the county to participate, whilst organisers in Ballintotis ensured everyone of a very warm welcome.
Whilst the race is on Thursday 23rd of April, there is a trial run on Tuesday 14th at 7pm, where people are welcome to enjoy a pre race run and a cuppa.
In the meantime, entries for race night continue to flow in....just click on link below to take your first steps to the start line.
Entry link... https://eventmaster.ie/event/LdBbtp3H76 "
More info on the race here... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2026/01/notice-ballintotis-4-mile-road-race.html