Chart and Chip...Ballycotton 10 2009...

1) Chart...

Sub 60...Following on from David O'Dwyer's article in the race programme, this is how the final numbers look after the race. There was a slight increase in the number of runners breaking the 60 minute barrier but still, the overall percentage is low so no great change there as you'd expect.

Overall total...first of all, a quick explaination. The dip in numbers in 2001 was because of the Foot & Mouth scare and the race was postponed until June. The peak in 2006 was when they did not restrict the numbers and just had a closing date instead.

As you can see from the chart, 2009 had the 2nd highest ever number of runners. Considering that the 2,500 initial limit has been there for the last 3 years, the growth in numbers now must be coming from club runners, summer series runners and overseas entrants. Looking at the trend and assuming they keep the same entry conditions, they will probably get somewhere between 2,400 and 2,500 runners next year. What would the numbers be like if there was no restriction? 4,000? 5,000? more??

2) Chip...

Just a reminder for anyone who had entered the 2009 Ballycotton race and didn't make it there on the day to send back their timing chip by post. By doing so, you will be guaranteed entry for next years event. In all likelyhood, you will have a full 2 weeks to get your entry in....as opposed to 24 hours!! ;o)