Preview of the Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile Road Race - Sun 21st Dec (1:30pm)

The last time this race was held was back in July 2007 so it has now moved back this year to it's more traditional spot around Christmas. It has a reputation of being one of the fastest 5 mile courses that there is with a slight fall of ground most of the way.

Getting there........The hardest part of the race is probably trying to find Newmarket!! The easiest route if you are coming from Cork City is probably to head towards Mallow and go left at the roundabout on the main road and head towards Killarney. Just look for signposts for the turn off right for Kanturk.

Once you get to Kanturk, you come to a main junction and the signpost for Newmarket is about as clear as mud! Don't take the left here! You need to go straight ahead. You pass a garage and you should pass the finish point of the race on your right. 5 miles later, you come to Newmarket.

Entries........Entries will be taken at Hourigans Bar , New Street. This is in the middle of the town. As you come into the town, go straight up a slight hill and take the next right. It's there on the left. Entries for the race cost €10.

Duhallow Athletic Club are holding their 5 mile Road Race on Sun. Dec. 21st , starting at 1.30 pm .This is a very fast course, possible the 2nd fastest 5 Mile route in Co.Cork after Kinsale. Prizes for 1st 10 Men and Women , 1st,2nd and 3rd, in all age categories . Fun Walk and juvenile events also. €5,000 in prizes . Official Starter : Connor Counihan, Cork Senior Football Manager. Contact Donie Shine 086 8149970 or Ger Murphy 029 60719 for more details. All Proceeds to St. Josephs Foundation, Charleville

The course record ( men ) is 22.57 Noel Berkley 2002 and the women's record is held by Michelle Scott 25.54 . Race starts at 1.30 and Walk will start at 1.00...Official starter will be Mr. Conor Counihan, manager of Cork Senior Football team.

Course.......You basically start in Newmarket, run the 5 miles to Kanturk and then the organisers provide a bus to take all runners back to Newmarket. Alternatively, you can go for a 5 mile warm down ;o)

As you can see from the map, there is a gentle downhill incline for most of the race. Should be a fast one.

For a closer look, the route is up on the MapMyRun website.