Preview of the Touraneena 5km road race - Mon 2nd June (7:30pm)

For anyone not taking part in the Cork City Marathon or Relay, there is a 5 km road race in Touraneena in West Waterford later on Monday evening at 7:30pm. This small village is located roughly halfway between Dungarvan and the town of Clonmel.

Directions...

From Cork, take the Youghal bypass and the bridge over the Blackwater. A few miles after that, look for the turn off left for Clashmore (R671). Just stay on this road, accross the main N72 road and carry on towards Clonmel. Look for signs for Touraneena. An alternative route would be to go as far as Dungarvan and take the road for Clonmel.

James Veale of West Waterford AC supplied the following information...

"There's a 100 meter hill to the finish line as you come back into the village, but it would be considered a flat course. Coming from Cork, going through Clashmore, keep on the road for Clonmel, two miles of the race are on the Clonmel-Dungarvan road and the village Touraneena is off the Clonmel road which will be well signposted.

GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES RACE NUMBER 4. HALLAHAN COACHES TOURANEENA 5K ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY. The 13th Annual Hallahan Coaches sponsored Touraneena Racquetball club organised 5k race and walk takes place this Bank Holiday Monday June 2nd. The race gets under way at 7.30 PM.The race is number 4 of this years Ger Wyley/Nike Summer Road Racing Series. As per usual in Touraneena all will be catered for on the night, and all are welcome to come along and participate in either the walk which gets under way at 6.30 pm and if you’re over 16 the 5k run at 7.30 pm. The walk begins from outside the Community Centre while the run will begins one hour later from the back road at Dunford pub. A full array of the usual Senior and Masters prizes will be on offer for both Men and Women on the night, The first three Senior Ladies and Men will be awarded cash prizes.1st Male finishers over Junior-40-45-50-60 and Ladies over Junior-35-40-45-50.Entries will be taken at the Community centre where changing and shower facilities are also available by kind permission, The entry fee is 8 euro for the run and 5 euro for the walk. The presentation of prizes will take place after the race at the community centre where we will be treated to “and that’s despite the recent inclement weather”, with the traditional ice cream and strawberries. Not to be missed!."

Cork City Marathon 2008 - Final Post - Tips & Thoughts...
Well that it, the last and final post on what was a busy week of blogging ;o)
Some final thoughts and tips...
1) What to wear...
Basically, as little as possible!! It's amazing when you look around at the start line and you see some people wearing sweatshirts, hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and so on. I saw one guy running the Marathon last year with a rain jacket! So lose the layers.
2) What to drink...
It looks likely that it will be a warm day. Use those water stations in the 2nd half of the Marathon. You are likely to be losing a huge amount of liquids through sweat. Remember, if you wait until you are thirsty before you drink, it is probably too late. Drinks small amounts often.
3) Where to run...
When they measure the course, they use the shortest possible route. i.e. from corner to corner. It's so easy just to follow everyone one and stay on the one side of the road and go around corners on the wrong side (A above). Keep thinking corner to corner (B above), keep thinking the most direct route. All of the metres added up over 26.2 miles can make the difference between getting inside your target or not.
4) Relay runners...
If you are a team of 2, consider letting the slower person go first. Otherwise, once they start, everyone around them will be going faster than them and overtaking. It's an awful lot easier to run when you are passing people rather than to have everyone passing you.
If you are a beginner, start slow. It will take about 2 miles before you get warmed up properly. It's so easy just to start too fast, for oxygen debt to kick in around the 1 mile mark and then you spend the rest of the time trying to recover. Start slow, find your pace and give it everything in the last mile.
5) Some links...
There is plenty of info up on the Cork City Marathon website.
Their Frequently Asked Questions section on the Marathon
Their FAQ section on the Relay
Their PDF document on how the Relay works

So, whether you are doing the full Marathon of 26.2 miles or part of the Relay event, good luck and enjoy your day........John Desmond

Cork City Marathon - Comments & Questions...
Now that the Cork City Marathon and Relay is just around the corner, would anyone like to know more? Any questions? Not sure about something? Like to comment on any of the present arrangements? Click on that Comment link below and leave a message...

(Updated Sun 1st June 11am)
"Hi John and thanks for all the updates during the week. It has been great reading. On the water comments, I totally agree with you in relation to drinking from cups compared to drinking from bottles. Looking at the water stations on the map, I think the bottles are not distributed correctly. 2 bottle stops in the first 6 miles and the next one at 22 miles. Drinking from cups is a mess and considering how I do feel myself after the half way mark, the last thing they want is to be messing with cups. Stopping to get in a lot of water is a worry as the muscles in the legs sometimes play up once stopped. Anyway that my 2 pence worth. Best of luck to everybody. Enjoy .........Paudie"
"Hi John. Brilliant info all week. Thanks for that. Water situation not ideal but I doubt it will be changed. Just wondering if you have any idea of numbers for the day. i.e. similar, less or more than last year. I'm trying to decide what time to go in to the start. Regards and good luck to all!! .........AJ "
"AJ........Last year there were 1356 Marathon finishers. I hear that there will be a slight increase on the numbers this year so say, 1400. Then there are 848 relay teams entered (Last year was about 600). Let's say some don't make it so let's say 800. So 1400 + 800 = 2,200. So, I'm guessing that there will be a crowd of 2,200 or so at the start line on Monday morning.
Since Patricks Street is narrower than it was last year, I'd say that the field will be a lot longer at the start. However, there will be plenty of space on the Grand Parade, South Mall, Parnell Place and Merchants Quay for people to pass and get up to their proper speed. I'd say if you were there by 8:40, you should be fine........John Desmond"
"Hi John, excellent website....thanks for keeping us informed. I echo the comments on the water stations...even if the 2 mile bottled water station was at the 14 mile mark, it would give runners peace of mind! All the best to everyone participating & volunteering their time on Monday..........Irene"
"Hi John, I was wondering if you had any info on the transport arrangments to & from the relay changeover points. Last year, I was on the first leg of the relay, this year I am doing the 4th. Last year I was able to get the shuttle bus from the park & ride at the Kinsale roundabout to the city hall. I am having trouble obtaining this kind of info for this year. Keep up the excellent work with the site........Brendan"
"Brendan....here is some info from the e-mail that they sent out to all entrants.....Getting to your Relay Changeover. A fleet of Bus Éireann buses will operate through the day to bring you to and from the outlying relay changeover points. The buses will shuttle to and from the front of the City Hall........Cork City Marathon will provide a free Park and Ride service from the Kinsale Road (N27) Black Ash Park and Ride into the city centre from 7.30am. Participants and spectators are urged to use this facility and leave your car outside the city centre for the day. City and suburban bus services will be restricted because of the race. ........John Desmond"

Weather Forecast for the Cork City Marathon & Relay - Mon 2nd June...

As we get closer to the event, I'll update this post here with the lastest weather forecast.

Updated...Sun 1st June - 6pm

Looks like on Monday, Ireland will be squeezed between 2 low pressure systems with a narrow ridge of high pressure over the country. The weak fronts either side of us will be closer tomorrow so that might introduce some cloud. It's likely to be dry and fine for the Cork City Marathon tomorrow. There may be some fog in the valleys but it will soon burn off. The skies will either be blue and clear or it will be slightly overcast. There should be no rain in the morning.

Winds are forecast to be very light, possibly from a South Westerly direction.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the high teens, possibly hitting the low 20's after midday.

It's going to be very warm for the Marathon, possibly the same as last year.

Cork City Marathon - A quick review of the route and the water stations...

If you have been following the reviews of each stage over the last 5 days, you should have a good idea of the route by now. For anyone doing the full Marathon, it might be useful to take an overall look at the route and where the water stations are located.

If you click on the map above, you should be able to see it in more detail. Each of the water stations are shown with their approximate location.

Here is why it matters...

Water stations with just cups of water. It is very difficult to drink while you are running. If you are trying to break a certain time for the Marathon, you really don't want to stop just to drink water. At best, you'll get a mouthful.

B = Bottled water. The huge advantage with these is that they are a lot easier to drink out of while you are running. You can carry the bottle with you and sip away from it which is the best thing you can do. By drinking small amounts at a time, it's less likely you will have to stop for a 'pit stop' later. Think of it like using a hose in a garden. Turn it on full blast and half of the water runs off. Turn it down to low and the water has time to soak in. Your body behaves in exactly the same way.

G = Gatorade. This should give give you an extra energy boost just when you need it. Alas, it's in cups. Unless you stop, all you are going to get is a mouthful and that's assuming you don't spill it all over your hands and singlet. Last year, they had Lucozade Sports sachets which were great, you could just hold them up to your mouth and squeeze. Believe me, if you stop at 22 miles to drink a cup of Gatorade, your legs are likely to seize up and it will be hell to start running again. Honestly, don't depend on these Gatorade stations. Consider bringing some Power Gels with you or get someone out along the course to have a bottle ready for you.

If you want to look at the overall Marathon course, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website.

Cork City Marathon 2008 - 5th Leg of Relay Stage (6.4 Miles)...
Just to put this leg into perspective, there are 5 stages in the Cork City Marathon Relay event...
Leg 1 = 5.2 miles, Leg 2 = 5.5 miles, Leg 3 = 3.2 miles, Leg 4 = 5.9 miles, Leg 5 = 6.4 Miles
This is the 5th stage of 5 and is 6.4 miles in lenght. Of the 5, it is probably the 2nd hardest leg even though it is the longest. It just does not have as many hills as the 4th stage.
For Marathon runners, this stage starts around the 20 mile mark on the Model Farm Road.
For Relay runners, the mile markers for this stage will be for the Marathon. Since you are starting so close to the 20 mile mark, you could consider the 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 mile marks as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 miles.

Course...Leg 5
Mile 21
It starts on the Model Farm Road near the 4th and final Relay changeover point. For Marathon runners, it's often said that a Marathon is a 10 km race with a 20 mile warm-up! This is the start of that 10 kms. It's a good time to check your watch and see how long you have to do it.
The mile starts on a flat section and heads towards the junction with Rossa Avenue. There should be a water station near here. Carry on past the County Council Library on the left and then soon, you will begin the steep descent by where the old Tennis Village used to be. Around the left bend, along the flat and then a nasty short little hill. After about 50 metres, it eases off but a hill like this at 21 miles in a Marathon can really take it out of you. From here, there is a gentle incline upwards all the ways to the 21 mile mark. At this stage in the Marathon, a really tough mile.
Mile 22
From the 21 mile mark, the road continues to climb gradually past the turn off left and past Nangles Nurseries and then right onto a quiet road. When you reach this point, take comfort in the fact that there are no more uphill sections. From here on, it's either downhill or flat.
Last year, the route went out past the Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre and out by the Poulavone Roundabout in Ballincollig. This however is a major road junction and the new route will cause less traffic disruption. Last year, they had a water station near the Guide Dog centre. This year, perhaps near the turn-off??
So, back to the course. Along the quiet road, nice and flat with new houses on the left. At the end, you pass a small church and then a steep downhill section, not easy with tired legs after doing 21+ miles. Out onto the main road and a sharp right. Now you pass underneath the castle high overhead and onto the Carrigrohane Straight or 'Straight Road'. Just around here, you should see the 22 mile mark. A mile with a tough start for tired legs.
Mile 23.
Somewhere around here, there should be a water station with cups of water and Gatorade available.
This mile is dead straight and dead flat. You'll see the County Hall way off in the distance but it will hardly seem any bigger by the time you finish the mile. It is a very open area, fine if the wind is behind you from the West but not so nice if it is Easterly. A flat easy mile.
Mile 24.
A carbon copy of the previous mile. Flat and easy except this time round, the County Hall will be towering above you at the end.

Mile 25.
Just over 2 miles to go now. The mile starts near a water station and then continues on towards Victoria Cross as you leave the County Hall behind. Then the slightest of inclines as you cross left over the bridge and onto the Western Road. From here, there is a flat straight run of about 800 metres until the road veers away to the left. Around the bend and you now leave the public road as you head for the 25 mile mark. Somewhere around here, there will be another water station. A flat and easy mile.

Mile 26.
Now you are onto a public walkway Accross the new Mardyke bridge and then a sharp right onto the riverside walkway. Here things can get a bit congested. Runners running 3 or 4 abreast can completely block your path. The whole area is wooded so if it's a sunny day, it makes a welcome change from the heat coming up off the roads. After a few hundred metres, you're back out on the North Mall and the wide public road again. Along the North Mall until you get to the junction with Shandon Bridge. Be careful here. The should be a Garda and /or stewards here stopping traffic to let the runners cross. I heard that last year, some cars would not stop or the garda on duty was letting the cars through with runners having to stop! Just be warned.
Now, onto Popes Quay with the Marathon runners re-tracing their steps of their 2nd mile. On past St.Mary's church to the 26 mile mark. A flat easy mile although a bit narrow in places.

Grand Finale...
Starting on the 26 mile mark, you now have 352 metres to go to the finish. At the end of Popes Quay, right accross the 4 lane wide 'Christy Ring' bridge and left onto the quays. It's about here that you begin to hear the noise coming from the finish. Then it's right, around the last corner to be welcomed by a huge volume of spectators, colour and a crescendo of noise as you enter Patricks Street. Now it's a short distance to the finish. Keep an eye out for the stewards as you approach as they may seperate the Marathon and Relay runners into different finishing areas.

That's it, all done.
For Marathon runners, you've just completed 26.22 miles and a full marathon. Well done!! If you want to have a closer look at this final leg, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. Just click on the +/- to zoom in and out.

That's it. All 5 stages. All 26.2 miles of the Cork City Marathon. If you've read through all 5 reviews, you'll probably feel tired already ;o)

Now, it's time to run it.

Pace bands for the Marathon from Lucozade Sports...

If you have a target time in mind for the Marathon, you should work out beforehand what your various splits will so you can see if you are on target or not. There's a very useful utility on the Lucozade Sports website where you can enter your estimated finish time and it will generate a page for you that you can print. Just cut out the selected section, wrap it around and make a bracelet out of it. Simple!

I know that many of you may be looking at this website from work (...during your coffee break of course ;o). So, I'm putting it up now so that you can print it out on Friday.

The link is http://www.lucozade.com/sport/sports-and-exercise/running/training-and-race-tools/pace-bands/default.aspx

Tip...staple the ends together and then cover the whole lot in sellatape. Otherwise, the sweat from your arm will cause the paper to fall apart.

Hydration & Carbohydrate Advice from McMillan Running - 3 days to go...

McMillan Running provide the following advice on what you should eat and drink over the last 3 days before the Marathon. For the Cork Marathon, this is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
"Hydration

In the three days prior to your race, you'll need to consume 0.5-0.7 ounces of fluid per day per pound of body weight. Shoot for 75-100 ounces daily, consuming an 8 ounce glass at regular intervals. The way I do it is to set the timer function on my sports watch for 1:00:00; and, every time the alarm sounds, I drink 8 ounces.This strategy: 1) ensures that you drink enough without having to really think about it and 2) provides constant intake instead of realizing you are behind and chugging to catch up. What the latter means is that you will not have to jump up and take a leak every 20 minutes. If you drink more water less frequently (i.e., chug a 16 ounce glass every two hours), you'll be forcing the body to "pass" on the available fluid because it cannot absorb it. If you need an analogy, it's like what a farmer wants when his crops are dry: six hours of light, steady rain that provides a gallon per square meter rather than a 15 minute downpour of the same volume that ends up washing into the lake. Stop drinking water about two (2) hours before you hit the sack to reduce the need to whiz during the night.

Carbohydrate Intake

In the two days prior to your race, you'll want to focus on carbohydrate consumption: it will be 70% of your diet. Even 5K racers need to focus on this, as training can leave the body in a carbohydrate-depleted state that may take a few days to fully re-stock. Research shows that the optimal intake is four to five grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight per day. For me, at 150 pounds, that’s 600 or so grams of carbohydrates.NOTICE: That’s almost 2500 calories in carbohydrates alone! So, you have to be careful to not just eat more. You are changing the composition of your diet, not the quantity. You’ll need to pay attention to keeping your “bad” fat intake moderate to prevent unwanted weight gain. I recommend you keep a food diary of some sort to make sure you a) eat enough carbohydrates and b) don't over-eat. I typically eat at 7:00 AM, (9:30 AM snack), NOON, (2:30PM snack), 5:00PM, and (7:30PM snack) the days preceding a marathon. That way, I can evenly distribute the intake over the course of the day. If you try to consume the volume of carbohydrates you need at only three meals, you'll barf (or at least feel like it). Your in-between meal snacks (times in parentheses) are a good time for a shake, smoothie or some other liquid carbohydrate source. Also, stock up on healthy nutrition bars and fruits that you know will not cause you gastrointestinal problems. Bananas are usually a safe bet; plus, they have lots of good potassium.Our rule is that in the last three days prior to a marathon, you should never get hungry. This would indicate low blood sugar and your carbohydrate stores would be used to replace this blood sugar. This is not what we want when we’re trying to store--not immediately use--carbohydrates. In the last three days, keep food with you at all times. You may get stuck in traffic or have delays in your travel to the race. This will make sure that you don’t get stuck without food. And, the same goes for fluids!"

Weather Forecast for the Cork City Marathon - Looking ahead to Monday from Thursday 29th May.

We are still a bit far away to be any way accurate but the long term forecast is that it might be reasonable and dry. Sunny? Cloudy?..too early to say. Persisent rain looks unlikely. Winds look modest as well. It should get a good deal more accurate over the next few days.

Cork City Marathon 2008 - 4th Leg of Relay Stage (5.9 Miles)...
Just to put this leg into perspective, there are 5 stages in the Cork City Marathon Relay event...
Leg 1 = 5.2 miles, Leg 2 = 5.5 miles, Leg 3 = 3.2 miles, Leg 4 = 5.9 miles, Leg 5 = 6.4 Miles
This is the 4th stage of 5 and is 5.9 miles in lenght. Of the 5, it is probably the hardest leg even though it isn't the longest.
For Marathon runners, this stage starts just before the 14 mile mark at 13.9 on Victoria Road.
For Relay runners, the mile markers for this stage will be for the Marathon. Since you are starting so close to the 14 mile mark, you could consider the 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 mile mark as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 miles.
Course...Leg 4
Mile 15.
Just after the Relay changeover point on Victoria Road, you pass the 14 mile mark and the start of the 15th mile. Then left onto the quays, past Carey's Tools and left again onto Albert Street. Now the road really opens out as you go past the next 2 bends, past Brownlows and onto the South Link Road. From here, there is a slight climb up to the next junction. Then it flattens out and it's a straight run out to the 15 mile mark. An easy mile with a slight pull in the middle.
Mile 16.
Just as you pass the 15 mile mark, you'll see the overhead bridge that you must get up to. So, it's under the bridge and then take a left for a very steep short climb. Easily the steepest part of the course but it's only 50 metres or so long. Then left, over the bridge, through the next junction and a short steep downhill section to Turners Cross. Left at the junction here and onto the Curragh Road. Now, the road is pretty flat as you head for the Kinsale Road and pass the turn off for Ballyphehane.
Just after this is another water station. As well as offering plain water in cups, they will have Gatorade in cups. On to the junction by Woodies, right onto the Tramore Road and past the back of the Musgrave Park rugby ground to the 16 mile mark. A reasonably easy mile with just one nasty short climb.



Mile 17.

It starts with a slight downhill and then a long flat secton. Right at the next turn off and a slight pull uphill. Right at the next crossroads and through a housing estate. Left at the traffic lights and onto the main road which goes through the heart of Ballyphehane. A slight pull up to the next road junction with the Red bricked church on the right and then around a slight bend and the 17 mile mark comes into view. An easy enough mile with no real hills.
Mile 18.
After the 17 mile mark, past the next set of traffic lights and the road goes slightly downhill towards the Lough. Now, this is where things change from last year. If you did this stage in 2007, you would have carried on straight past the Lough and up Hartlands Avenue. There was a water station here last year and there will be one again this year but where exactly, I don't know. There will be cups of water and Gatorade available here.

So, back to the junction....you'll need to take a right and the new route will take you in a big loop around the Lough. At the end, you come back onto Hartlands Avenue and then turn right by the pub. Now, there is a slight uphill section from here until the next set of traffic lights and the 18 mile mark. A mile that is mostly flat with a modest pull towards the end. By the way, watch out for the swans!!



Mile 19.

From the 18 mile mark, the next half mile or so is downhill. It starts pretty gradual until the is a steep section at the end near the junction near Clashduv road. Almost immediately, the road climbs again past St.Finbarr's Cemetary. It's a fair climb and will certainly slow you down. Then it's right into Liam Lynch park and there is a short steep climb as you exit by Bishopstown Credit Union onto the Wilton Road. Right here and a gradual downhill section to the 19 mile mark. Not an easy mile, plenty of extra effort required.

Mile 20.

From the 19 mile mark, slightly downhill to Dennehy's Cross and left by the church onto Model Farm Road. Now, there is a gradual uphill section for about 600 metres. Nothing steep but enough to make you work that bit harder. After the 2nd set of traffic lights, the road fall rapidly and then flattens out as you approach the final Relay changeover point. The 20 mile mark is about 300 metres beyond it.

So, that's the 4th leg. It was 5.9 miles in lenght and it probably is the hardest leg. If you would like to examine this leg in more detail, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. Just use the MAP view and the +/- buttons to zoon in and out.

Tomorrow, I'll lokk at the last section, the 5th leg.

Cork City Marathon 2008 - 3rd Leg of Relay Stage (3.2 Miles)...
Just to put this leg into perspective, there are 5 stages in the Cork City Marathon Relay event...
Leg 1 = 5.2 miles, Leg 2 = 5.5 miles, Leg 3 = 3.2 miles, Leg 4 = 5.9 miles, Leg 5 = 6.4 Miles
This is the 3rd stage of 5 and is 3.2 miles in lenght. Of the 5, it is by far the easiest leg.
For Marathon runners, this stage starts just before the 11 mile mark at 10.7 miles on Ringmahon Road.
For Relay runners, the mile markers for this stage will be for the Marathon. Since you are starting at 10.7 miles, the 11, 12 & 13 mile markers will be 0.3, 1.3, 2.3 miles.

Course...Leg 3
Mile 12.
Just after the Relay changeover point on Ringmahon Road, you turn right and you'll see the 11 mile mark. You continue on a flat road for about 600 metres until you approach Blackrock Castle which has recently been converted into an observatory. Just before the castle, there is a short steep section just as you round the corner. Then past the castle and then a slight downhill section for about 100 metres. Now the real hill starts, steep enough at first but it soon becomes more gradual. Total lenght of the uphill section.....about 300 metres. Soon the road begins to drop away again as you run downhill to the road juction by the Pier Head pub, right accross the open square and on towards the start of the Marina and the 12 mile mark. Overall, a hilly mile with 2 climbs.

Mile 13.
This mile runs the whole lenght of the Marina right alongside the River Lee and must be one of the nicest miles in the whole race. Dead flat, a view of the river with a canopy of trees overhead. If the day is sunny, the shade makes a welcome relief. Towards the end, as you pass the 'Pairc Ui Chaoimh' GAA stadium on the left, you can look accross the river and see where the 5 mile mark was. As you approach the 13 mile mark, there should be another water station here. A flat and easy mile.
Mile 14.
Round the corner and soon you should see the Half Marathon point. For anyone doing the Marathon, this is an important point as it should tell you if you are on target for your Marathon time. Carry on through the tunnel of trees, around the next bend and then a long straight section along Centre Park Road. At the end of this road, it's right at the roundabout to be greeted by the mass of runners eagerly waiting at the 3rd Relay changeover point. For Marathon runners, the 14 mile mark is just ahead. Another flat and easy mile.

So, that's the 3rd leg. It was 3.2 miles in lenght and it was the easiest leg by far. If you would like to examine this leg in more detail, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. Just use the MAP view and the +/- buttons to zoon in and out.

Tomorrow, it's time to start looking at one of the more serious sections, the 4th leg.

Comments...
"As usual, a fantastic post. John your blog has become a reference for a lot of runners in Cork. Thanks for all the efforts..........Yannick"

Volunteers & Helpers still required for the Cork City Marathon & Relay...

I hear they are a bit short handed with regard to volunteers and helpers for the many water stations out along the course. Perhaps even for a few hours at one of the earlier stations? Maybe you live near one? Can you help out?

If so, please........contact

Eucharia Savage 086-8159009 / 021-4924741 (Volunteers)

and Tina Neylon 086-6035552 / 021-4924527 (Water Stations)

Cork City Marathon 2008 - 2nd Leg of Relay Stage (5.5 Miles)...
Just to put this leg into perspective, there are 5 stages in the Cork City Marathon Relay event...
Leg 1 = 5.2 miles, Leg 2 = 5.5 miles, Leg 3 = 3.2 miles, Leg 4 = 5.9 miles, Leg 5 = 6.4 Miles
So. this is the 2nd stage of 5 and is 5.5 miles in lenght. Of the 5, it is probably the 3rd easiest leg or 3rd hardest whichever way you want to look at it!

For Marathon runners, this stage starts just after the 5 mile mark at 5.2 miles between the skew bridge and Silversprings hotel on the Lower Glanmire road.
For Relay runners, the mile markers for this stage will be for the Marathon. Since you are starting at 5.2 miles, the 6, 7 & 8 mile markers will be 0.8, 1.8, 2.8 miles and so on.
Course...Leg 2
Mile 6.
It starts just before the skew bridge with a slight pull over the bridge, down the other side and then join the new Relay runners. Past the Silversprings Hotel and you head East towards the tunnel on the right hand side of the road. About half way along the road between the Hotel and the Dunketle roundabout, you'll come to the 6 mile mark. Another pretty easy and flat mile.
Near the 6 mile mark, there should be a water station with bottles of water. If you are doing the Marathon, you need to be thinking about taking on water at this stage. If you are a Relay runner and you need water at this stage, you must be in a bad state!
Mile 7.
Carry on to the roundabout, through it and now there is a gradual climb up the slip road before it flattens out and then falls towards the tunnel entrance. The 7 mile mark is here. A reasonable mile although you will have encountered your first real pull and effort.
Overall, the first 7 miles of the Marathon are pretty flat and easy. Things get 'interesting' from here on.
Mile 8.
Round the corner and down into the Jack Lynch tunnel under the River Lee. Now is not a good time to start thinking about the few hundred metric tons of water above your head and start looking for leaks ;o) .

Down you go into the bowels of the Earth for about half a mile with runners shouting and screaming and listening to the echo as they go. It's a really strange experience! However, soon after about half a mile, you hit the low point and then you have to start the long pull back out again. As you emerge back into the daylight, the road continues upwards and slowly the incline becomes more gradual until you reach the 8 mile mark. A tough enough mile, half a mile of downhill running, half a mile of uphill runnning and a mile you won't forget.
Mile 9.
The first half mile along the South Ring Road is flat and easy. Then you take the right up the steep slip road for Mahon Point. This is the steepest section so far in the race. Then it flattens out and falls slowly towards the entrance to Mahon Point and the 9 mile mark. So, a reasonable mile with a steep climb in the middle.
Mile 10.
Starts with a long half a mile climb all the ways to the CSO office. Nothing serious but uphill all the same. Then right around the corner by the CSO office and on to the Skehard Road. Along this section, you come to the next water station which is supposed to be cups of water only. Then the road falls slowly downhill and take the next right into a housing estate and the 10 mile mark. A reasonable mile with a moderate pull initially.
Mile 11.
Out of the estate, then left, a flat section and then left again on to Ringmahon Road. This section is dead flat and soon you'll see the mass of runners eagerly waiting at the 2nd Relay changeover point at about 10.7 miles (..or 5.5 miles for Relay runners doing only the 2nd leg). For Marathon runners and Relay runners just starting, it's right at the next junction and head towards Blackrock Castle. The 11 mile mark is about 500 metres after the Relay changeover point. A flat and easy mile.

So, that's the 2nd leg. It was 5.5 miles in lenght and there were plenty of sections where you had to put in a bit of extra effort.

If you would like to examine this leg in more detail, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. Just use the MAP view and the +/- buttons to zoon in and out.

Tomorrow, I'll look at the 3rd leg.

Cork City Marathon 2008 - 1st Leg of Relay Stage (5.2 Miles)...

Just to put this leg into perspective, there are 5 stages in the Cork City Marathon Relay event...

Leg 1 = 5.2 miles, Leg 2 = 5.5 miles, Leg 3 = 3.2 miles, Leg 4 = 5.9 miles, Leg 5 = 6.4 Miles

So. this is the 1st stage of 5 and is 5.2 miles in lenght. Of the 5, it is probably the 2nd easiest leg. The Relay runners will start at 9AM on Patricks Street along with all of the Marathon runners.

Course...Leg 1

Mile 1.

It starts on Patricks Street, turns into the Grand Parade, then the South Mall, into Parnell Place and then left along the Quay's. Just as you pass Patricks Bridge, you see the 1 mile mark, a very flat and easy first mile.

Mile 2.

You stay on the quays until Shandon Bridge, cross the river and turn right onto Popes Quay. Past the church, John Buckley Sports and then left onto Leitrim Street and Murphys Brewery. The road should have barricades in the middle here as you'll be returning back down on the other side shortly. If perhaps you're not running so fast, you might even see some of the faster runners returning. Soon, just where you turn off for the Watercourse road, you'll see the 2 mile mark, another flat and easy mile.

Near the 2 mile mark, there will be a water station. The question is should you drink this early in a Marathon? If you are doing the 1st leg of the relay, you are going to be finished after 3 more miles anyway so what's the point. If you are doing the Marathon, drink too much now and you'll only end up having to take a 'pit stop' later on. Personally, I'd be inclined to give it a skip.

Mile 3.

So, on to the Watercourse Road, left at the next junction followed by an immediate right onto Great William O'Brien Street. Carry on until you need to do a sharp turn just after the church. There was a great band here last year playing African drum music which really added to the occasion. So, past the church again, onto the Watercourse Road and head back towards the City Centre. Left at the next junction, onto Leitrim Street and soon, you'll see the 3 mile mark, very close to the 2 mile mark on the other side of the road. Overall, a pretty flat mile.

Mile 4.

Back down to the quays as you see some of the slower runners on the other side head towards the 2 mile mark. Then left onto Patricks Quay and then onto Horgans Quay as you follow the River Lee through the City. Where the quay is open on the right for ships, you'll soon come to the 4 mile mark. A very flat and easy mile.

Somewhere around the 4 mile mark, you should see another water station. At this stage, it's still a bit early to be taking on too much water but you should have been running long enough at this stage that you will be starting to sweat and losing liquids. Drink or not drink...your call. Personally, I'd be inclined to hold off until the 6 mile mark and get a bottle there.

Mile 5.

Back to the 5th mile. Continue along Horgans Quay until the end. Then left and then right onto the Lower Glanmire Road. Here as you run alongside the river, you'll see the Marina and Pairc Ui Chaoimh on the other side. Just before the skew bridge, you'll see the 5 mile mark. Another flat and easy mile.

So, if you are doing the 1st leg of the relay, you only have about 300 metres to go at this stage. First of all, there is a slight climb up to the skew bridge and a slight fall after it and very soon, you see the mass of Relay runners eagerly looking for the approach of their running partners. If you are doing the full Marathon, this will be the first of 4 Relay changeovers stages that you'll run through and you'll see why the Relay event generates so much excitement!

That's it, all of 5.2 miles and a pretty flat and easy leg. The only hill really was just over the skew bridge after the 5 mile mark. Now, only 21 miles to go....!!

If you would like to examine this leg in more detail, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. Just use the MAP view and the +/- buttons to zoon in and out.

Tomorrow, I'll look at the 2nd leg.

Advice on what to do with 1 week to go to the Marathon...

On UK Runners World, they give the following advice for the last week...
"During the last week of your taper, things can get ugly. Two weeks ago, you ran 20 miles in a single run, but now you shouldn't even be totalling that distance in the whole week before the race. And as your mileage plummets, your worries can skyrocket. But take comfort that thousands of other marathon runners preparing to race this coming weekend are going through exactly the same thing. And take refuge in your final mission: to ensure that your body is sufficiently fuelled, hydrated, refreshed and recovered for the task.

Training Checklist...

Beginning on Monday, do no runs longer than four miles. And when you do head out, remember that these jaunts are more for your head than your body, because training has little effect this week. Almost all running should be at one and a half to two minutes per mile slower than marathon goal pace - except a Tuesday two-miler at marathon goal pace, sandwiched by one-mile jogs. Again, if you want, throw in some quick 100-metre strides after one or two of your easy runs. This helps fight off the sluggish feeling that can occur during your taper.

Three days before the race, run just two to three miles easy.

Two days before the race, don't run at all.

On the day before the race, jog two to four miles to take the edge off your pent-up energy so you'll sleep better that night.

Nutritional Needs...

“Emphasise carbohydrates more than usual in the last three days before the race,” says Tichenal. About 60 to 70 per cent of your calories should come from carbohydrate sources. Pasta, potatoes, rice, cereals and fruit are healthy choices, but even fizzy drinks and sweets do the job. It all turns into muscle glycogen. Wash all those carbs down with fluids so your energy and water levels are high on race morning. Alcoholic beverages don't count towards your fluid totals, however, and you'll need to make up for their diuretic effect by drinking extra fluids. You know you're adequately hydrated if your urine is clear or pale yellow in colour. Don't restrict the salt in your diet. Low salt intake combined with excessive hydration can lead to hyponatraemia, a rare but dangerous condition that can afflict marathon runners. Drinking energy drinks and snacking on salted pretzels will keep your sodium levels up. Don't look at the scales. Because of your fully stocked fluid and fuel stores, you're likely to gain a couple of pounds. But it's worth the weight. Having your body's energy reserves at full capacity will do more for your race than weighing a little less - and you'll lose those pounds by the finish line anyway.

Don't do anything tiring. Let the kids take the bins out. Let the dog walk himself. Don't try anything new. No new foods, drinks or sports. Don't cross-train, hike or bike.

Remember: during this final week, you can't under-do. You can only overdo.

Final countdown to the Cork City Marathon & Relay begins...

With just 1 week to go, it's time to kick off with the Marathon week special on this website. Over the next few days, I'll look at each of the relay stages in detail. We'll see where the hills are, where the water staions are (very important for those doing the full Marathon) and which stages are the easiest and hardest. Plus, I'll look at some of the advice regarding nutrition, loading, hydration, etc. As regards the weather forecast, I'll start looking at that from Thursday onwards. It's pretty pointless looking any sooner because it won't be any way accurate.

Hope you find it useful...

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2008....Part 12 of 12 by Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA

(Mick Dooley of the Cork Business Houses Athletic Association is writing a 12 part series of articles for the Evening Echo. He has very kindly sent them on to me so that I can put them up here on this blog. They are written with the beginner in mind. Part 12 is based on 1 week to go, about the 25th of May)

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon

Pre Race
• Get your kit ready and pin on your race number to the front of your running vest (if you are in the relay ensure you have a number on your back also). Be careful with your race number, your disposable chip will be attached and do not swap with anyone else.
• If you are part of a relay team, make sure you issue team relay numbers x 2 to all your team members.
• Pin your chip and pin number on to your vest securely.
• Make arrangements to meet family and friends after the race.
• Tell plenty of friends that you are doing the race and invite them along on race day.

Race Day 2nd June
• Get up early and have a good breakfast about 3 hours before the start and then back to bed. Do not be hungry on the start line.
• Get to the start line in plenty of time and relax.
• Know where you are going to meet your family and friends out along the course and give them your drink and food.
• At the start, be careful not to get caught up in the fast start. Go at your own pace and relax into the start. Give yourself an idea of what you want to achieve and treat the marathon with respect.
• Avail of all the water stations. Take a little at each one whether you need it or not. It is too late to start drinking when you fell thirsty.
• If you are running the marathon, it would be important that you do not stop. Keep the feet going, no matter how slowly. If you stop at all, it is very hard to get going again as your body tends to switch off and the lactic acid kicks in.
• Be careful not to join in with a group of runners that come at you from behind. They may seem to be running at your pace but they might be running at 10 to 15 seconds per mile faster than you.
• Be careful of relay runners, they may be all over the place.
• Do not panic if you loose time, you have 26 miles to make it up.

Please note...
With on line entries now closed postal entries may be accepted for another few days but you may not be included in the souvenir race booklet.
Please note that final volunteer training night will be held in the Montenotte hotel on Tuesday 27th from 7-30 to 9pm. All are welcome to attend.

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon Training Guide
Week 12 of a 12 week training plan

Beginners
Week 12
Mon Rest, Tue Rest, Wed 30mins at marathon pace, Thurs Rest, Fri 30mins brisk, Sat Rest, Sun 20 min jog or walk, Monday 2nd June Cork City Marathon

Improvers
Week 12
Mon 30mins easy, Tues 45mins steady, Wed rest, Thurs 30mins easy, Fri Rest, Sat Rest, Sun 20min jog or walk, Monday 2nd June Cork City Marathon

Serious Runners
Week 12
Mon 30mins easy, Tues Rest, Wed 10x1min, Thurs Rest, Fri 30mins easy, Sat Rest or jog, Sun 20 min jog or walk, Monday 2nd June Cork City Marathon

Comments...

I would just like to thank Mick Dooley of the Cork BHAA for his excellent 12 part series on preparing for the Cork City Marathon. He obviously put a lot of effort and time into researching and writing each article. I'm sure it has been of great interest to a lot of new and seasoned runners alike........John Desmond"

Results of the Youghal 'Emer Casey' 10km road race - Sun 25th May 2008
Looks like there was a strong North-Easterly breeze for this race. They seem to have got a big turn out for this charity event with at least 250 or so running with plenty more walking. The following race report was provided by John Dunphy of Rising Sun AC.

A very good attendance of 254 runners turned out for this event considering that the Cork City Marathon is more or less just 1 week away now. On what I can only describe as a very fast 10k course, Alan O'Shea of Bantry AC cruised to victory in a time of 30.49 in a very strong Easterly wind. First lady home in 14th place was Rhona Lynch of Eagle AC in a time of 37.30 which is a new course record for this event. It was previously held by Mary Sweeney of St.Finbarr's AC. So, well done to Rhona and Alan on their fine wins today. Also would just like to mention the many walkers that took part today, well done to all. And finally thanks to all the stewards, gardai and race organizers for their contribution today in what was a very well organized and a very worthy cause for the Emer Casey foundation....John Dunphy, Rising Sun AC.

Results...
The first 254 finishers are shown below...

The Emer Casey Foundation 2nd EMER CASEY MEMORIAL '10K'
Sunday 25 May 2008. 3:00pm
Place Time Name Team Age Cat. min/mile
1 0:30:49 O'SHEA, Alan Bantry AC M 04:57.5
2 0:31:28 TUREA, Sergiu Clonliffe Harriers M 05:03.7
3 0:32:24 BRALITIS, Sandis West Waterford AC M 05:12.7
4 0:34:19 GIBBONS, Paul Sliabh Buidhe Rovers AC M 05:31.2
5 0:34:43 DORAN, James Riocht AC M 05:35.1
6 0:34:55 STILWELL, Sean West Waterford AC M 05:37.0
7 0:35:17 HARTY, Philip West Waterford AC M 05:40.6
8 0:35:26 CURTIN, Noel Youghal AC M40 05:42.0
9 0:35:34 MCCARTHY, Denis East Cork AC M45 05:43.3
10 0:36:17 O'CONNOR, Brian Grange-Fermoy AC M 05:50.2
11 0:36:48 DELANEY, Brendan Coolquill AC M40 05:55.2
12 0:37:09 O'KEEFFE, Marty Youghal AC M 05:58.6
13 0:37:25 MEADE, Eric East Cork AC M40 06:01.2
14 0:37:30 LYNCH, Rhona Eagle AC F 06:02.0
15 0:37:41 MCCARTHY, Charles Grange-Fermoy AC M 06:03.7
16 0:37:42 KELLY, Joe West Waterford AC M 06:03.9
17 0:37:46 DUNFORD, Michael West Waterford AC M40 06:04.6
18 0:37:57 HALLEY, Frank Waterford M 06:06.3
19 0:38:23 COAKLEY, Donal Togher AC M 06:10.5
20 0:38:39 MURPHY, Sean Bandon AC M 06:13.1
21 0:38:44 SMITH, Kevin Ballinacurra M 06:13.9
22 0:38:48 CARROLL, Denis Eagle AC M45 06:14.5
23 0:38:51 RIORDAN, Patrick West Waterford AC M 06:15.0
24 0:39:33 HICKEY, Alan West Waterford AC M 06:21.8
25 0:39:35 SWEENEY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 06:22.1
26 0:39:45 LEAHY, John Dungarvan M 06:23.7
27 0:40:07 PHELAN, Eamonn West Waterford AC M45 06:27.2
28 0:40:14 FITZGERALD, Tom West Limerick AC M45 06:28.4
29 0:40:39 HOGAN, David Kilkenny City Harriers M 06:32.4
30 0:40:43 BULMAN, Mark Donoughmore AC M40 06:33.0
31 0:40:44 DUNPHY, John Rising Sun AC M 06:33.2
32 0:40:46 NEILSEN, David Cork M 06:33.5
33 0:40:58 GEARY, Linda Midleton AC F 06:35.4
34 0:41:40 GUINEY, Lyall Galway M 06:42.2
35 0:41:43 BOLAND, Mark Clonmel AC M 06:42.7
36 0:41:44 O'DONNELL, Kenneth West Waterford AC M 06:42.8
37 0:42:14 MCGRATH, Donal Bantry M 06:47.7
38 0:42:17 RELIHAN, Gary Eagle AC M 06:48.2
39 0:42:18 BRUNNOCK, Paul West Waterford AC M40 06:48.3
40 0:42:32 KEARNEY, Batt Leevale AC M50 06:50.6
41 0:42:40 HENNESSY, Shane Youghal M 06:51.9
42 0:42:47 DONNELLY, Noel Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine M 06:53.0
43 0:42:49 MURPHY, Michael Kilkenny M 06:53.3
44 0:42:50 DRENNAN, Sally Midleton AC F40 06:53.5
45 0:42:56 HALLEY, Richard Waterford M 06:54.4
46 0:43:04 NUGENT, Daniel Youghal MJ 06:55.7
47 0:43:07 CURLEY, Kieran Youghal AC M45 06:56.2
48 0:43:12 COLEMAN, Tomas West Waterford AC M40 06:57.0
49 0:43:13 WALSH, Niamh Youghal AC F 06:57.2
50 0:43:14 MURPHY, Esther St. Finbarrs AC F 06:57.3
51 0:43:18 GYVES, Paddy Mallow AC M60 06:58.0
52 0:43:20 TAGNEY, Nick Ladysbridge M 06:58.3
53 0:43:26 MORRIS, Colm Dublin M 06:59.3
54 0:44:01 O'SHEA, Patrick Youghal M 07:04.9
55 0:44:02 LEAHY, Tom Dungarvan M 07:05.1
56 0:44:04 FITZGERALD, Mark Youghal M 07:05.4
57 0:44:22 O'REILLY, Kevin Youghal AC M 07:08.3
58 0:44:29 KELLY, Richard West Waterford AC M40 07:09.4
59 0:44:34 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 07:10.2
60 0:44:36 SMITH, Tony Youghal M 07:10.5
61 0:44:37 BOLAND, Maurice Clonmel AC M50 07:10.7
62 0:44:43 O'REGAN, Morgan Carrigtwohill M 07:11.6
63 0:44:54 COOKE, Katie Cork F 07:13.4
64 0:44:56 O'MAHONY, Pat Cork M 07:13.7
65 0:45:00 MURPHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 07:14.4
66 0:45:06 KIELY, Victor Blarney M40 07:15.4
67 0:45:07 FISHER, Jonathan Bray M 07:15.5
68 0:45:12 BULMAN, George Youghal AC M45 07:16.3
69 0:45:23 O'REGAN, Eamonn Youghal AC MJ 07:18.1
70 0:45:43 MELNE, Inese West Waterford AC F 07:21.3
71 0:45:45 COFFEY, Bridget West Waterford AC F35 07:21.6
72 0:45:47 MCCARTHY, Danny Midleton AC M55 07:21.9
73 0:45:53 MURPHY, Mick Carrigtwohill M 07:22.9
74 0:46:10 JACKSON, Niall Faithlegg M 07:25.6
75 0:46:12 KELLY, Brendan Cork M 07:26.0
76 0:46:22 DODD, Barry Rochestown M 07:27.6
77 0:46:42 DOWNING, Alan Youghal M 07:30.8
78 0:46:44 CLIFFE, Lorraine Youghal F 07:31.1
79 0:46:44 O'CONNELL, Donie Midleton AC M55 07:31.1
80 0:46:51 HENNESSY, Michael West Waterford AC M60 07:32.2
81 0:47:14 O'BRIEN, Martin Youghal M 07:35.9
82 0:47:22 DORRIAN, Hugh Pilmore M 07:37.2
83 0:47:27 KEATING, James Youghal M 07:38.0
84 0:47:31 CASHMAN, Evelyn Youghal F35 07:38.7
85 0:47:33 FLAVIN, Eamonn West Waterford AC M 07:39.0
86 0:47:38 O'MAHONY, James Youghal M 07:39.8
87 0:47:46 DENNEHY, Alison Millstreet F 07:41.1
88 0:47:55 RIORDAN, Chris Cork M 07:42.5
89 0:47:57 MCGRATH, Michael Waterford AC M40 07:42.9
90 0:47:58 O'CALLAGHAN, Donal Cork M 07:43.0
91 0:48:01 RYAN, Karen Cork F 07:43.5
92 0:48:04 POWER, Kevin Youghal M40 07:44.0
93 0:48:06 HEHIR, Brian Ballysimon M 07:44.3
94 0:48:10 HAMILL, Robert Youghal AC M 07:45.0
95 0:48:11 O'MAHONY, Sylvie Midleton M50 07:45.1
96 0:48:19 MCLOUGHLIN, Mark Dublin M 07:46.4
97 0:48:30 ALLEN, Garrett Cork M 07:48.2
98 0:48:33 RUSSELL, Dominic Youghal M40 07:48.7
99 0:48:42 COLEMAN, Eadaoin Youghal F 07:50.1
100 0:48:56 POWER, Stephen Dungarvan M 07:52.4
101 0:48:59 MULCAHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 07:52.8
102 0:49:05 MCSWEENEY, Angela Cork F 07:53.8
103 0:49:06 BOYD, Lina St. Finbarrs AC F40 07:54.0
104 0:49:20 COOPER, Nuala Youghal F 07:56.2
105 0:49:23 NICHOLSON, Gordon Youghal AC M45 07:56.7
106 0:49:33 COLEMAN, Donagh Youghal M 07:58.3
107 0:49:37 CASEY, Annelee Youghal AC F35 07:59.0
108 0:49:42 NAGLE, Dan Mallow AC M60 07:59.8
109 0:49:44 STAVROU, Amanda St. Finbarrs AC F45 08:00.1
110 0:49:46 MCDONNELL, Rosemary Tallow F35 08:00.4
111 0:49:57 COOPER, Tony Youghal M 08:02.2
112 0:49:58 PRUNTY-HYNES, Eileen Clonmel AC F45 08:02.3
113 0:50:08 GILLESPIE, Grainne Belfast F 08:03.9
114 0:50:11 LALOR, Joseph Dublin M 08:04.4
115 0:50:46 O'REGAN, Padraig Ladysbridge M 08:10.1
116 0:50:57 O'CALLAGHAN, Brian Blarney M 08:11.8
117 0:51:03 GOLDEN, Des Cork M 08:12.8
118 0:51:12 O'CONNELL, Enda Glanmire M 08:14.2
119 0:51:14 O'LEARY, Kevin Youghal MJ 08:14.6
120 0:51:24 MURPHY, Marie Youghal F 08:16.2
121 0:51:28 HAMILTON, James Skibberen M 08:16.8
122 0:51:31 BROWNE, Norma Mallow F 08:17.3
123 0:51:33 MCCARTHY, Damian Ardmore MJ 08:17.6
124 0:51:38 FITZGERALD, Maurice Youghal M 08:18.4
125 0:51:39 TREACY, Conor Youghal MJ 08:18.6
126 0:51:41 KIRWAN, Kenneth Youghal M 08:18.9
127 0:51:53 WHYTE, Eoin Youghal M 08:20.8
128 0:51:54 O'MAHONY, Willie Youghal AC M60 08:21.0
129 0:51:55 GLAVIN, Jerome Youghal MJ 08:21.2
130 0:51:58 O'MAHONY, Mary Midleton F 08:21.6
131 0:52:15 WARRINGTON, Giles Ballynahinch M40 08:24.4
132 0:52:36 MACDOLAND, Alison Cork F35 08:27.8
133 0:52:46 MURRAY, Ray West Waterford AC M55 08:29.4
134 0:53:13 COPITHORNE, Joe St. Finbarrs AC M50 08:33.7
135 0:53:29 LEONARD, Karl Youghal M 08:36.3
136 0:53:30 O'CONNOR, David Glanmire M55 08:36.4
137 0:53:31 STACK, Colm Youghal M 08:36.6
138 0:53:31 GRAHAME, Sean-Paul Youghal M 08:36.6
139 0:53:50 KILGANNON, David Youghal M 08:39.7
140 0:53:51 LEAHY, Sean Mogeely M 08:39.8
141 0:54:02 BARRON, Declan Youghal M 08:41.6
142 0:54:08 O'MEARA, Catherine Dublin F 08:42.6
143 0:54:09 MORRISSEY, Breeda Eagle AC F50 08:42.7
144 0:54:13 CASEY, Ann-Marie Clashmore F 08:43.4
145 0:54:13 SEWARD, Maura Grange F 08:43.4
146 0:54:14 CASEY, Catriona Kinsalebeg F 08:43.5
147 0:54:16 MOLONEY, Ann Youghal AC F40 08:43.8
148 0:54:21 FOLEY, Rose Cork F50 08:44.6
149 0:54:24 MULCAHY, Denis Cork M 08:45.1
150 0:54:25 HOWARD, Alastair Bartlemy M45 08:45.3
151 0:54:26 GRIFFIN, Daryl Ballymore-Cobh AC MJ 08:45.5
152 0:54:31 COLEMAN, Niamh Youghal F 08:46.3
153 0:54:45 NEILAND, Karen Watergrasshill F35 08:48.5
154 0:55:13 PARKER, Noel Youghal M 08:53.0
155 0:55:16 MOREY, Nicola Youghal F 08:53.5
156 0:55:17 MCFADDEN, Sean Dublin M 08:53.7
157 0:55:23 BUCKLEY, Martina Carrigtwohill F 08:54.6
158 0:55:23 MURPHY, Edel Glanmire F 08:54.6
159 0:55:27 TERRY, John Youghal M 08:55.3
160 0:55:27 HOGAN, Paul Youghal M 08:55.3
161 0:55:28 BUCKLEY, Ann Cork F 08:55.4
162 0:55:42 CHASE, Michelle Cork F 08:57.7
163 0:56:00 GOLDEN, Liz Cork F 09:00.6
164 0:56:04 HEGARTY, Margaret Inniscarra F 09:01.2
165 0:56:06 HEGARTY, Joanne Inniscarra F 09:01.5
166 0:56:22 O'DONOVAN, Kevin Tower M 09:04.1
167 0:56:26 BANBURY, Padraig Cork M 09:04.8
168 0:56:30 MCCARTHY, Aidan Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine M 09:05.4
169 0:56:36 HAND, Catherine West Limerick AC F45 09:06.4
170 0:56:36 HAND, David West Limerick AC M45 09:06.4
171 0:56:38 FISHER, Sarah Bray F 09:06.7
172 0:56:41 COLLINS, Vivienne Malahide F 09:07.2
173 0:56:52 STEELE, Ken Kildinan M40 09:08.9
174 0:56:53 HARRINGTON, Karen Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 09:09.1
175 0:56:54 MOTHERWAY, Marie Killeagh F 09:09.3
176 0:56:55 CASHMAN, Conor Killeagh M 09:09.4
177 0:57:23 MURPHY, Noelle Knockraha F35 09:13.9
178 0:57:24 DENNEHY-LANDERS, Martina Killeagh F 09:14.1
179 0:57:27 NI NEILL, Sinead Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine F35 09:14.6
180 0:57:33 HAYES, Ann Carrigaline F50 09:15.5
181 0:57:35 O'BRIEN, Aileen Shanagarry F 09:15.9
182 0:57:43 POWER, Sinead Youghal AC FJ 09:17.2
183 0:57:46 EGAN, Michael Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine MJ 09:17.6
184 0:57:46 BRODERICK, Rosey Dublin F35 09:17.6
185 0:58:00 NOONAN, Anne Youghal F 09:19.9
186 0:58:26 KELLY, John Six-Mile-Bridge M 09:24.1
187 0:58:36 MURPHY, Jennifer Cork F 09:25.7
188 0:59:16 GRIFFIN, Tom Cobh M 09:32.1
189 0:59:16 CASEY, Julie Youghal F35 09:32.1
190 0:59:21 MORAN, Brenda Fermoy F 09:32.9
191 0:59:24 KENNEDY, Claire Dublin F 09:33.4
192 0:59:58 MCCARTHY, Joan Midleton AC F50 09:38.9
193 1:00:03 KELLY, Mark Ballymacoda M40 09:39.7
194 1:00:06 O'REGAN, Niamh Youghal AC FJ 09:40.2
195 1:00:06 FLAVIN, Emma Youghal AC FJ 09:40.2
196 1:00:21 COLLINS, Dave Mallow M 09:42.6
197 1:00:23 KEARNS, Frieda Youghal F 09:42.9
198 1:00:28 DORNEY, Stuart Monkstown M 09:43.7
199 1:00:29 COUGHLAN, Emer Youghal F 09:43.9
200 1:00:31 BRODEICK-FLAVIN, Ciara Youghal AC FJ 09:44.2
201 1:00:34 MANNING, Imelda Carrigtwohill F40 09:44.7
202 1:00:35 LEAHY, Nell Midleton F 09:44.8
203 1:00:58 GERAGHTY, Eleanor Dublin F 09:48.5
204 1:01:04 TWOMEY, Louise Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 09:49.5
205 1:01:07 IRWIN, Laura Youghal FJ 09:50.0
206 1:01:09 HUGHES, Claire Galway F 09:50.3
207 1:01:29 KILGANNON, Claire Youghal F 09:53.5
208 1:01:54 WALSH, Catriona Youghal AC F 09:57.5
209 1:02:06 BYRNE, Carolyn Dungarvan F 09:59.5
210 1:02:10 BUCKLEY, Ali Youghal F 10:00.1
211 1:02:28 MULLINS, Paula Limerick F 10:03.0
212 1:02:29 DESMOND, Elaine Mallow F35 10:03.2
213 1:02:32 QUILL, Lisa Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 10:03.7
214 1:02:32 D'ARCY, Morgan Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine MJ 10:03.7
215 1:02:38 FARRELL, Conor Youghal MJ 10:04.6
216 1:03:00 MATHEWS, Declan Youghal AC M50 10:08.2
217 1:03:00 MCAULIFFE, Clare Youghal F 10:08.2
218 1:03:01 CURTIN, Patricia Youghal AC FJ 10:08.3
219 1:03:02 FITZGERALD, Brian Youghal AC M55 10:08.5
220 1:03:02 HAYES, Siobhan Youghal F 10:08.5
221 1:03:03 CROTTY, Greg Youghal AC M 10:08.6
222 1:03:04 METZGER, Daniel Youghal M 10:08.8
223 1:03:08 O'ROURKE, Sinead Ring F 10:09.4
224 1:03:11 CANNON, Loraine Dublin F 10:09.9
225 1:03:25 RYAN, Norma Mallow F 10:12.2
226 1:03:26 HERLIHY, Diarmuid Mallow M 10:12.3
227 1:03:47 GILLEN, Sinead Waterford F 10:15.7
228 1:03:55 DOWNING, Siobhan Youghal F 10:17.0
229 1:04:13 LENIHAN, Tommy Cork M 10:19.9
230 1:04:28 RYAN, Sandra Youghal AC F45 10:22.3
231 1:04:37 WHELAN-CURTIN, Mary Limerick F50 10:23.8
232 1:05:53 KENNEFICK, Mary Ballymacoda F 10:36.0
233 1:05:54 O'CONNOR, Maeve Kilworth F 10:36.2
234 1:06:00 HAMILL, Roisaine Belfast F 10:37.1
235 1:06:02 DRINAN, Eoin Dublin M 10:37.4
236 1:06:15 FOLEY, Ashling Cobh F 10:39.5
237 1:07:17 POWER, Sally Dungarvan F 10:49.5
238 1:07:32 HAMILL, Breda Belfast F 10:51.9
239 1:08:12 MORRISSEY, Sarah Youghal F 10:58.4
240 1:08:19 CORCORAN, Ashleigh Youghal F 10:59.5
241 1:09:50 O'SULLIVAN, Ciara Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 11:14.1
242 1:10:15 NASH, Frances Kilworth F 11:18.1
243 1:11:37 FISHER, Tanya Lisburn F 11:31.3
244 1:11:50 O'SHEA, Siobhan Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 11:33.4
245 1:12:21 POWER, Anita Dungarvan F 11:38.4
246 1:12:53 CRAWFORD, Barbara Youghal F 11:43.6
247 1:13:28 O'SULLIVAN, Denise Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 11:49.2
248 1:13:38 RYAN, Lesley Youghal AC F 11:50.8
249 1:13:49 HICKEY, Linda Youghal F 11:52.6
250 1:16:24 HARRINGTON, Aisling Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 12:17.5
251 1:17:59 O'CONAILL, Irial Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine MJ 12:32.8
252 1:18:00 HARRINGTON, Amanda Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 12:33.0
253 1:18:00 TOPHAM, Helen Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine FJ 12:33.0
254 1:21:27 TOHER, Mary Midleton AC F50 13:06.3

Comments...
"John, did you not notice that the mile markers had not been repainted since last year. Surely for 20 euro entry fee they could have got a tin of paint. Also the prizes down the field especially for ladies were very sparse, they would want to remember that the elite dont make up the numbers or else they will lose support despite being such a worthy cause.......Anonymous"
"In fairness to the organisers, this race was primarily a fund raising event. I'm sure that anyone who went to this race and paid the €20 did so in the knowledge that the money was going towards a good cause rather than having a chance of winning some prizes. I doubt very much if the number of prizes will have any impact on the numbers in the future............John Desmond"
"John, read the entry form 2500 Euro in prizes. What did 1ST 2ND 3RD get ? Better money than most of the races around here I assure you. 300 Euro, 200 Euro, 100 Euro.??? Some money for a fun run. I still say the prizes for the higher age group were dismal but the spots were great and could have easily made up prizes. This race was also sponsored by a Solr.Co. and yes it is a very worthy cause and deserves all the support it can get but must also treat runners with respect. What about the mile markers????.........Anonymous"
"Hi, thank you for your comments which are always welcome good or bad, but on this occasion, this 10k race and walk is all about the Emer Casey foundation and raising funds to help detect ovarian cancer at an early stage and to try and save lives. Mile markers, prizes and so on just for this 1 event should be forgotten about. What makes the difference here is that everybody who donated money to this foundation are all winners and have all played apart in helping others that need our help. I hope this message will show you that there is more to life than prize winning. The biggest winner's here are the people who needs it more than us runners.........John Dunphy, Rising Sun AC"
"No one is saying that it is not a worthy cause and stop trying to hide behind that. The Rising Sun Mile is also a worthy cause and that had the road well marked (repainted) every quarter mile and it did not have half the back up of the Youghal race had. Remember it is also organised by Youghal Athletic Club and run under an AAI permit so it is a PROPER Road Race and NOT fun run (as you seem to be trying to imply). Real runners deserve the respect of having a road properly marked at least no matter to what worthy cause the money is going to......Anonymous "
"As someone who has run this race on both occasions and who will continue to run it for as long as I can, it seems to me what is being suggested are ways of improving the race and attracting more entrants which is what everyone wants. Remember it is the race brochure that advertises the prizes in an effort to attract runners or else why bother. So in my opinion, a more even distribution of prizes would help achive that aim. As regards the road markings, every serious runner I know (and are we not all serious when it comes to our own times) likes to have the road clearly marked and it's not such a difficult thing to do and would again improve the race. It is a splendid event, very well organised and deserves all the support it can get but useful suggestions to help improve any race should be welcomed. I know we always welcome constructive criticism and anything that helps improve our race in Midleton.........Danny Mc Carthy, Midleton AC."

Preview of the Youghal 'Emer Casey Memorial' 10km road race - Sun 25th May (3pm)
This charity 10km road race and walk takes place next Sunday in the town of Youghal in East Cork at 3pm. The is the 2nd year of this event and it's purpose is to raise funds for cancer research. You can find out more about the Emer Casey Foundation at this link...http://www.emercaseyfoundation.com/index.php


Registration...
If you are coming from Cork and as you approach Youghal, stay on the bypass. At the top of the hill, take the 1st left. You then go left again, cross over the bridge over the bypass and head in towards Youghal. (If you are coming from Waterford, take the bypass and at the highest point, take the slip road left before the bridge. Proceed towards Youghal).
As you head towards Youghal, you'll see the Pobalscoil na Trionoide school where you register for the race. Seeing as how this is a charity event, the entry fee is €20.


Course...
By all accounts, it looks like it should be a fast course. The race starts on a height near the registration point. You then run towards the bypass but you turn off left before you get anywhere near it. Then, its a steady drop down until you join the main road into Youghal. The race then basically goes through the town to the far side and then turns around and returns through the town again. The only hill worth talking about is the slight drag after 5.5 miles when you need to pass the small lighthouse on the left. Then around the corner, stay left and finish near the beachfront.

If you want to have a closer look at the course, I have put the route up on the MapMyRun website.

Overall...
This race is for a good cause and it's worth attending for that reason alone. However, if you are running the full Marathon in Cork, you really must make sure that you do not run too fast. It's just way too close to the Marathon to be doing a fast 10km. Take it easy and jog around. For anyone else, it should be all guns blazing as usual!! ;o) The current forecast is for a bright dry day.