Preview of the Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile Road Race - Sun 20th Dec (2pm)
This race 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. Last year, they got almost 200 entries which goes to show how popular this race is. Considering where it is in North-West Cork, it is likely to attract plenty of runners from Limerick and Kerry as well.

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. Prizes for first 10 Women and Men . Also the usual vets prizes...further details from Donie Shine 086 8149970. The organisers are also offering a prize of €200 for anyone breaking the course record....(The course record ( men ) is 22.53 Mark Hanrahan 2008 and the women's record is held by Michelle Scott 25.54).

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.