Looking ahead to the first half of 2010...

Before we get too far into 2010, it might be an idea to have a look ahead and see what's coming up in the 1st half of this year.

As always, the big event at this time of year is the Munster Ten-Mile Spring Classics Series. I'll have more info about this series in a day or two but enough to say that the first race next Sunday, the 10th of January is the Mallow '10'.....details on Wed.

In terms of shorter races, the Cork BHAA will be kicking off their 2010 calendar with their race in Little Island towards the end of the month.

In mid-February, there will be a brand new 10 mile road race in the scenic Mealagh Valley near Bantry in West Cork.

In March, we have the Ballycotton 10 for those of you lucky enough to get in while there are plenty of other local races on the calendar for those that didn't.

There is talk of a charity 10 mile race in Cobh sometime in the late Spring / early Summer?

Heading towards the Summer, we have a new Cork BHAA race in Macroom which is a welcome addition to the calendar. There is no shortage of races near Cork City or in the East of the county but runners in West Cork and Kerry don't have so many to choose from.

In June, we have the Cork City Marathon of course with it's increasingly popular Relay event. This year, the numbers are likely to be up again on last year.

If you can't wait until June and are prepared to travel, there is a brand new Marathon in Limerick City in May this year as well.

So that's what the first 6 months looks like and that's without even looking at the regular events on the calendar. Overall, it's going to be a busy 2010!