Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: Preview of the Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile Road Race - Sun 1st May (2pm)

Friday, April 29, 2011

Preview of the Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile Road Race - Sun 1st May (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. The last time this race was held was in December 2009 when they got 131 entries which was well down on the figure of almost 200 for their previous race. It was supposed to be on again in  December 2010 but was cancelled due to the icy conditions.

It's hard to say how many will turn out this time. With the Marathon and Half Marathon in Limerick, the Half in Bantry and the sheer number of races at the moment, the numbers may be down around 130 again?



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. Just follow the main road and it's on your right
Details....Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile Classic...Sunday May 1st. at 2pm....Entry fee ....... 15 euro...High-Vis Vest to all entrants...Reistration at Hourigans Bar, Newmarket...Prizes: First 10 Men....First 10 Women...Usual category prizes....Further details from Donie Shine 086-8149970
Bus back to Newmarket after race

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 profile, 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.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

15 euro is nuts for a 5 mile race,not to mention petrol if your coming from Cork,I'm staying away from this one,BHAA 6 mile race is coming up soon for a handy entry fee of a fiver.

Unknown said...

i agree about the price. I live in Kanturk and me and 3 other members of my family were going to do the race but then we heard about the price. It would cost us 60 euro - forget it.

Anonymous said...

€15 for a 5 miler? You're havin' a laugh! Would be surprised if there's many there tomorrow...

Tim said...

I'm from Newmarket myself (but living in East Cork) and wanted to do this one, but petrol and the silly race fee put me off. Last week the Kiskeam to Boher race was the same cost and they only had 60ish runners. You would think that they would have copped that €15 was too much when there's plenty of races in Cork for €8/5.

I know there was a bus to be paid for and the free hi-vis vest, but if they did away with the "free" vest and did a loop some where in Newmarket/Kanturk(which there is plenty of) this could bring down their costs and may be more runners would go.

Anonymous said...

Even if some of the funds are going to Irish Motor Neuron Disease association...I dont think that 15 euros can be justified for a 5Mile Race...where the runners get a high-ves vest for taking part.....these come free in a lot of places nowdays !!!!

John said...

15 Euro is expensive for a race but in mitigation this race is flagged as a fund-raiser for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Other than the BHAA, there are few races now below €10, and most running were probably happy to "donate" the extra €5. There are also lots of more expensive races without such a good cause. I enjoyed the race - and the jog back!