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