Preview of the Cork BHAA 'Togher PTAA'...Wed 1st Sept 2010

This is the next big race locally and is sure to attract a large turnout. With the evenings rapidly getting shorter, this is one of the few evening road races left on the calendar. Just a quick reminder before you read the preview.....the race starts at 7:30pm! Allow plenty of time to get there, find parking, queue for the entries and then get up to the start line in time.


Location.......the sign on for this race is in St.Finbarr's GAA hall in Togher (See large RED dot on the map below). As far as I know, parking is mainly on the road outside so it's limited. To get there, just remember that while it is alongside the N25 South Link road, you need to take a bit of a detour to get there. Look for signposts for Togher on the South Link road....that should bring you up onto the Tramore Road (see RED dots). Follow this to it's end and the GAA hall is at the end of the cul-de-sac opposite the road junction. See the link for the course map to get a better idea of where to go.

Getting to the start line....Leave the GAA clubhouse, come out the cul-de-sac and turn right. Up over the bridge, past the church and the start is up a slight hill.


Course....
Mile 0-1....very fast. You start with a fast downhill section. Down and right at the road junction, past the church and then a short steep section as you climb up the bridge over the South Ring down. It's pretty short though and then it's rapidly down hill and flat as you head towards the 1 mile mark on the Clashduv road. A fast mile.


Mile 1-2....It starts flat and fast. Once you hit the junction, there is a slight climb as you go through some housing estates. It soon flattens out and then drops downhill again to the 2 mile mark. The slowest section of the course but nothing serious.


Mile 2-3....This is essentially flat. A very fast mile and it continues flat until the finish.


Overall....this is a city 5 km road race which goes along the side of busy roads and through housing estates. It is always well organised and plenty of stewards. Not exactly the most scenic of routes especially of you are more used to the races in the countryside. As it is based in the city, it should attract a big turnout so remember this as well as the early start time of 7:30pm.


The entry fee for registered runners is €5 and €8 for non-registered.


To get an better idea of where the course is, try this LINK and zoom in and out.