Preview of the Cork City Marathon route

Preview... Now with the Cork City Marathon coming up next Sunday, have a look at these previews below to see what the various parts of the course are like.

This post is from 2022 when there were five relay stages. The course is the same so you should give you a good idea of what the full and half-marathon courses are like.

Previews.....
1) Marathon...HERE

2) Marathon Relay...
a) Part 1 of 5 can be seen HERE
b) Part 2 of 5 can be seen HERE
c) Part 3 of 5 can be seen HERE
d) Part 4 of 5 can be seen HERE
e) Part 5 of 5 can be seen HERE

If you are doing the half-marathon, then most of that route is covered in relay legs 4 and 5 above.

Results & Photos of the CUH Charity Triathlon in Farran Woods - Sat 27th May 2023

First 3-men in the short event in the CUH Charity Triathlon (L-R) David O'Donovan 3rd, Denis Hegarty 1st & Liam Aherne 2nd

It was a lovely sunny day for the CUH Charity Triathlon in Farran Woods on Saturday 27th May 2023. Between the long and short courses and the two relay event, there were about 120 participants.

Full results HERE

Photos HERE

Training programme for the 2023 Dublin Marathon

The 2023 Dublin Marathon is coming up on Sunday the 29th of October 2023. If anyone would like to optimise their training then I will be starting individualised training programmes soon. 

The longest programme is 26-weeks and it starts on the 24th of April. The cost is €195.

The middle programme is 22-weeks and it starts on the 29th of May. The cost is €165.

The shortest marathon programme is 18-weeks and it starts on the 26th of June. The cost is €135.

The length of programme really depends on where you are as a runner and what your initial endurance fitness is like.

After an initial consultation and we agree on what days you can train, a programme is sent out every week by email and weekly feedback is required. That will determine what the programme is like for the following week.

If interested, send an email to johndesmondrunning AT gmail DOT com

If you have another event in mind then send an e-mail to the above address.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 27th May 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 27th May 2023. Approximately 757  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 250 this week, 257 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 

1 Sean TWOHIG Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:18

2 Ben O'BRIEN Male JM15-17 Leevale AC 18:40

3 Pablo HERRERA Male SM30-34 19:17

6 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:33

15 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:26

20 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:52

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/278/

Tramore Valley Park: 150 runners took part in this event. 136 last week. The long term average is 167.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Magnolia RR 17:14

2 Toby BENHAM Male SM30-34 Crusaders A C Dublin 18:56

3 Lance DOHERTY Male VM45-49 Somerville Road Runners 19:08

11 Fiona RIORDAN Female SW30-34 20:32

12 Irene EIGHAN Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:07

15 Jane OCONNOR Female SW20-24 21:27

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/59/

Glen River: 73 this week, 66 last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Donal COAKLEY Male VM35-39 Leevale AC 17:41

2 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 19:07

3 Hayden KING Male SM25-29 19:18

11 Julia LE MAUX Female SW20-24 23:26

12 Deborah O Female VW40-44 24:00

14 Mona EL KAFSI Female VW35-39 24:50

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/158/

Mallow Castle: 55 finishers this week, 59 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Kevin BYRNE Male SM25-29 21:28

3 Nick DARMODY Male VM50-54 Mallow AC 21:51

4 Carl HOWARD Male VM45-49 22:00

2 Gillian MURPHY Female VW35-39 Mt. Hillary AC 21:38

12 Deirdre BYRNE Female SW20-24 23:43

15 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 24:36

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/85/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 45 this week, 53 last week. The long term average is 61.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Neil MOYNIHAN Male VM40-44 20:35

2 Shane GREENE Male VM40-44 21:52

3 Paul MCFARLAND Male VM35-39 24:18

6 Marie KELLY Female SW30-34 St Finbarrs AC 25:06

9 Kate MCFARLAND Female VW35-39 25:13

10 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 25:14

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/64/

Macroom Desmense: 37 this week, 41 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:20

2 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 20:55

3 Rafal SZULHAN Male VM45-49 21:33 

17 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:29

18 Danielle MCCARTHY Female VW35-39 25:42

21 Aoife LUCEY Female SW18-19 West Muskerry A.C. 26:33

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/427/

Clonakilty: 31 finishers this week, 27 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...

1 Donnacha WALSH Male JM11-14 20:53

3 Allan RONAN Male VM50-54 24:31

4 Colin COLLIGAN Male VM60-64 25:27

2 Saoirse KNOX Female SW25-29 24:20

7 Ann HIGGINS Female VW55-59 Sportsworld 25:54

10 Katie HARTE Female SW30-34 26:20

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/382/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 68 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 71 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Micheal COPPINGER Male JM11-14 21:12

2 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 21:24

3 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:27

7 Aoife CLINCH Female JW11-14 23:03

8 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:13

9 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:51

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/298/

Bere Island: 24 this week, 32 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Ciarán O'SULLIVAN Male VM60-64 23:45

2 Ian SLOYAN Male VM40-44 26:21

5 Tadhg HOBBS Male JM15-17 31:34

3 Angela HARRINGTON Female VW60-64 Beara AC 26:56

4 Ewa OLINKIEWICZ Female VW45-49 30:39

6 Emma FENTON Female JW11-14 31:50

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/388/

Castlehaven: 24 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 26 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...

1 James WHITE Male VM35-39 23:50

2 Unknown     

3 John CASEY Male VM55-59 Togher AC 24:43

7 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 28:21

8 Camilla MIGNOT Female VW35-39 28:21

9 Siobhan RYAN Female VW40-44 2018 Operation Transformation 28:59

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/309/

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

Guest Post: Running in the Heat ...by Pat Walsh

 * Running in the Heat *

Few questions recently about running when it is hot?.

What type of session suits best? Is it Tempo, Interval, Long, Short and fast?

Answer..

None of the above.

We live in a Country that on average has over 1200mm of rain per year. Our average daily sunshine levels are low. Heat is something we experience when the fire is lighting and we have our bum stuck in it.

So relax and enjoy it. Run by all means but slowly enough not to come under pressure or overheat. It will pass, it will be cold again, of that there is no doubt. 

Get out the shorts, vest and maybe cap and sunglasses and cruise the roads with optimal take up of sun, nature, colours and all that can be seen and enjoyed. Drinks loads of water and don’t forget to carry some with you if you are out for a long time. Smile at fellow runners and spread the joy.

As sure as night follows day… and you must pay tax, then we will be running again in cold inclement weather.  So have the cuppa afterwards al-fresco, maybe go for a dip if close to the sea. 

There is usually 9.47 days in the year (Met Eireann verified) when we think we are Mediterranean. So embrace the felling, chill the guilt, lose the watch and just move slowly enough to enjoy life and be glad of the fact we can move.

Enjoy the weekend and don’t forget the sunscreen and water.

#pwr 

Notice: Ardmore 5-mile - Fri 26th May 2023

For anyone looking for a race, West Waterford AC are holding their Ardmore 5-mile on Friday 26th May 2023 at 7:30pm. €15 entry on the night.

Details... 26th ANNUAL ROUND TOWER HOTEL ARDMORE 5.

Race number 2 in our series this year takes us to the fast course in the beautiful village of Ardmore. Join us in Ardmore for a great evening's running and thanks to our  sponsor, The Round Tower Hotel we will have prizegiving and refreshments after the race. 

The entry fee on the night will be €15

Number collection is at Ardmore GAA club grounds (by kind permission).

Prizes are as follows:
First 3 Male and Female
1 Junior Male and Female
1st Over 40,50,60 Male
1st Over 35, 40, 50 Female
1st Male - Veronica Ryan Cup
1st Female - Noel Faherty Cup

CASH BONUS ANNOUNCED FOR FRIDAYS RACE.
100 EURO !!!!
FIRST MAN TO BREAK 24.30
FIRST LADY TO BREAK 28.30

Friday Jigsaw: John Buckley Sports 5k - May 2023

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from this weeks Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race.

You can find the 96-piece jigsaw HERE

Someone requested a bigger jigsaw so we might introduce a few of those into the mix soon.

Notice: Tracton 4-mile road race - Fri 14th July 2023

Tracton AC are holding their Tracton 4-mile road race on Friday the 14th of July 2023 at 8pm.

You can pre-enter online HERE

Info from Tracton AC... "This July will see the return of Tracton AC's 4-mile road race in beautiful Minane Bridge (near Carrigaline, and 20km south of Cork city). Join us on Friday 14 July at 8pm for a mid-summer’s evening race, along scenic country roads and skirting the stunning south Cork coastline. Delicious home-made refreshments and prize giving will follow at Tracton Art and Community Centre. For those seeking further activity, the option of a post-race dip is only a stone’s throw away at Robert’s Cove or Rocky Bay.

 The race is a chip timed, professionally measured course, with permit from Athletics Ireland (licence no: 23/100). All age 16+ are eligible to run. There will be cash prizes for all main categories, as well as course records, very kindly sponsored by Pet Essentials in Carrigaline.

 Entry fee is €15 online at: Tracton AC 4 mile road race - Buy Tickets (eventmaster.ie)

https://eventmaster.ie/event/dZ25TnGSwV"

As can be seen from the map above, the race takes place just to the south of Minane Bridge which in turn is just over 7kms to the south of Carrigaline. It's very easy to get to... just go through the centre of Carrigaline and keep going straight. Follow the signposts for Minane Bridge and Robert's Cove.

Over the years, I've done a lot of training runs on the roads near here and it's a nice quiet spot for a run with the occasional sea view.

The map of the course is shown above which is loop to the south of Minane Bridge. The 4-mile course is undulating on quiet country roads with the start and finish points near this crossroads.

The race HQ is at the Tracton Arts & Community Centre which is about 200m to the south of Minane Bridge.

Race HQ

There is a 1km walk from the Community Centre up to the crossroads and the start / finish line.

A video about the 2022 race can be seen below...

Trivia... Just after the 2-mile mark, there is a lovely view of the East Cork coastline and if you look carefully, you can spot Ballycotton Island with the lighthouse in the distance.

Overall... A nice 4-mile race on quiet country roads near the south coast and a 35 minute drive from Cork City.

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race - Tues 23rd May 2023

As expected, there was a big turnout for the annual Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race with 897 crossing the finish line. That's a massive 50% increase on the figure for 2022.

 Top 3 men & women...
1 Sean Doyle 00:14:55 Temp Reg
2 Paul Hartnett 00:15:04 Temp Reg
3 Mark Walsh M1 00:15:14 Dept of Ed
47 Lizzie Lee 0/40F F1 00:16:41 Apple
55 Hannah Steeds F2 00:16:57 Eli Lilly
60 Martina Kiely 0/40F F3 00:17:01 Dept of Ed F-A-1

Full results from the BHAA HERE

Full results from Sports Timing with the chip times HERE

Photos....

1) There are about 500 photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page.
a) Album 1 b) Album 2 c) Album 3 d) Album 4 e) Album 5 f) Album 6 g) Album 7 

2) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE

3) Niall Moran Photography has a nice big gallery HERE

***

Don't forget to hold onto your race number as it entitles you to a 20% discount when presented in John Buckley Sports.

Website... https://johnbuckleysports.com/

2023 Cork City Sports cancelled

The organisers of the Cork City Sports have announced that the 2023 edition has been cancelled due to ongoing works of the athletics track at MTU. Over the last few year, things haven't been going well for this athletics event. First of all, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. It went ahead in 2022 but now it's cancelled again.

The organisers released this statement... " It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the highly anticipated Cork City Sports World Athletics Continental Tour 2023. This decision was made due to significant delays in the resurfacing of the athletics track at the Munster Technological University (MTU).

The decision to cancel the Cork City Sports Continental Tour was not taken lightly. The organising committee, in collaboration with the MTU, has been closely monitoring the progress of the resurfacing project. Unfortunately, technical challenges encountered by the specialist contractor in achieving World Athletics International Standard Certification requirements have led to significant delays, making it impossible to complete the athletics track in time for the event.

The organisers understand the impact that this cancellation has on the athletes who were eagerly preparing to compete in Cork. We recognise the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by athletes from around the world. Rest assured, we share in their disappointment and regret any inconvenience caused.

The organising committee, together with the MTU, will focus on completing the resurfacing works as soon as possible track to ensure that the Cork City Sports Continental Tour will return stronger than ever in July 2024."

Cork runner Lizzie Lee wins national 5k title - 20th May 2023

The Irish Runner 5K was held in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on Saturday 20th May 2023 with 1174 crossing the finish line. It also doubled up as the National 5k Championships.

The first woman was Lizzie Lee from Leevale AC in Cork in a time of 16m 47s.

1 Lizzie LEE 00:16:46 00:16:47 189 F Nat F40 Leevale A.C. 
2 Ellen MORAN 00:16:50 00:16:53 377 F Nat FS Galway City Harriers A.C.
3 Clíona MURPHY 00:16:57 00:16:58 385 F Nat FS Dublin City Harriers A.C.

Full results HERE

Notice: Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race - Tues 23rd May 2023

The annual John Buckley Sports 5k road race is one of the most popular races in Cork City and always attracts a large crowd. Organised in conjunction with the Cork BHAA, this race is suitable for all types of runner...from the serious to the more casual runner. The entry fee is only €5 for Cork BHAA registered runners or €10 for non-reg runners.

You can pre-enter this race by going to https://johnbuckleysports.com/

You can also enter on the night but it really helps if you pre-enter so that they can have everything ready.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 20th May 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 20th May 2023. Approximately 768  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 257 this week, 244 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 

1 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:41

2 Ben O'BRIEN Male JM15-17 Leevale AC 19:09

3 Jose Antonio NARANJO SANTANA Male SM25-29 19:25

4 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:27

5 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:31

16 Jennifer RING Female VW40-44 21:29

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/277/

Tramore Valley Park: 136 runners took part in this event. 131 last week. The long term average is 168.

First 3 men & women...

1 David MURPHY Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 18:09

2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 18:40

3 Joseph CROWE Male SM25-29 18:47

20 Carmel PARNELL Female VW65-69 Leevale AC 22:32

29 Michelle ROWLEY Female VW45-49 23:43

30 Sinéad LYNCH Female SW30-34 23:56

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/58/

Glen River: 66 this week, 65 last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Frank HAYES unreg 20:14

2 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 20:48

3 Andrew KELLY Male VM35-39 21:28

8 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 23:27

11 Gemma MARTINEZ Female VW45-49 25:17

15 Yan ZHANG Female VW35-39 Sanctuary Runners 26:14

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/157/

Mallow Castle: 59 finishers this week, 47 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Owen KNIGHT Male SM20-24 Brighton Phoenix 17:10

2 Ken DEANE Male VM40-44 20:23

4 Eamonn O'SULLIVAN Male SM30-34 22:11

3 Niamh MC DAID Female SW25-29 Sportsworld 21:54

9 Katelyn HANLON Female SW20-24 23:44

11 Catherine ROHAN Female VW45-49 24:37

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/84/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 53 this week, 46 last week. The long term average is 61.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Jason TRAVERS Male VM45-49 West Waterford AC 19:34

2 Declan CLANCY Male SM30-34 Watergrasshill AC 21:43

3 Ciaran MITCHELL Male SM30-34 22:25

4 Ornaith KEANE Female SW25-29 24:34

9 Patricia DALY Female VW45-49 West Waterford 25:40

10 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 25:40

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/63/

Macroom Desmense: 41 this week, 71 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...

1 Tim CLARKE Male VM40-44 20:02

2 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 20:37

3 Darren CREED Male SM30-34 20:40

9 Marie KELLY Female SW30-34 St Finbarrs AC 25:09

13 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:49

16 Meabh NI CHATHAIN Female VW45-49 26:16

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/426/

Clonakilty: 27 finishers this week, 32 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...

1 Garrett LORDAN Male VM40-44 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 16:55

2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:36 

3 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 20:59

6 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 24:01

7 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:09

8 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 24:43

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/381/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 71 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 52 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Richie LYNCH Male VM40-44 20:43

2 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:46

4 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 22:40

3 Breda LYNCH Female VW35-39 22:14

6 Zara MURPHY Female VW40-44 23:50

13 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 25:48

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/297/

Bere Island: 32 this week, 46 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:59

3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:34

6 Joanne SULLIVAN Female VW50-54 28:41

2 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 24:11

4 Unknown        

5 Cillian CLAIR Male VM35-39 27:54

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/387/

Castlehaven: 26 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 22 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:10

2 Andrew EGAN Male SM30-34 21:12

3 Josh HARRIS Male VM50-54 Lonely Goat RC 22:12

8 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:16

12 Siobhan RYAN Female VW40-44 2018 Operation Transformation 28:38

16 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 30:32

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/308/

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

Results of the Buttevant 4-mile - Fri 19th May 2023

Top 3 men & women...
1 James Doran An Ríocht A.C. M40 0:20:45
2 Damien Madigan North Cork A.C. M 0:21:03
3 Declan Guina West Limerick A.C. M 0:21:09
21 Carol Finn Leevale A.C. F 0:23:22  
24 Michelle Kenny Leevale A.C. F40 0:23:37  
31 Breda Gaffney Mallow A.C. F50 0:24:22

Full results HERE

Friday Jigsaw: Cheetah Run 2023

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo by Joe Murphy of some runners at the 2023 Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park.

You can find the 96-piece jigsaw HERE