Preview of the Ballinascarthy 10 km road race...Fri 1st July 2011

This 10 km road race is coming up on Friday evening, the 1st of July at 8pm. All proceeds are in aid of the COPE Foundation so this is a race well worth attending.

Location......if you are not sure of where Ballinascarthy then it's easy to find. It's on the main Bandon to Clonakilty road in west Cork.........just stay on the N71 and you can't get lost.

As you enter the village, the field on the right hand side alongside the community hall will be used for parking and also on the left hand side of the main road, by the creamery. Marshals will be on standby directing runners.

The one thing thats hard to miss in the village is of course the full size silver coloured model of a car. A certain William Ford emigrated from this area in the mid 19th century to Detroit, Michigan in the USA. His son Henry Ford went on to create the Ford Motor Company and manufactured the famous Model T Ford which revolutionised motoring and transport in the early part of the 20th century.

Entries.........These will be taken in the Community Hall. The fee is €10. Prizes will be awarded on the night for Men 1st, 2nd, 3rd; Women 1st, 2nd, 3rd; 1st over 40, 50, 60; Team Prize for Men’s & Women’s categories.

Course........Probably not the fastest of courses as it has a few nice  pulls in it. However for the two main hills that are in it, there is plenty of downhill running on the other side.

The race starts about 2-300 metres to the west of Ballinascarthy. This is the view from the start line looking back down the road towards the village. You take the left here when you start and when you finish the loop, you will be passing this point again and taking the right as you run down the road to the finish by the community centre.

After an initial pull, the road flattens out as you pass the old ruined mill.....

..........and around the 1 mile mark, you join another road....

These 2 pictures show the type of roads used for the course.....narrow and quiet country roads. While there are a number of small pulls, the 2 hills of note come at around 3 miles and 5 miles. The last mile or so is largely downhill and fast.....you pass the junction where the race started.....

.....and on towards the finish very close to the community hall.

After the race, the refreshments and the prizegiving will be in the community hall. If anyone would like to avail of a shower then these are available at the local GAA grounds which is about a mile away. Drive through the village towards Clonakilty and take the first left. Stay on this road for approx 1 mile and the GAA grounds are on the right hand side.

Also post race, Fiona Collins of Bandon Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic will be available on the night to offer rub downs. She will also be assisted by two local physiotherapists, so in all there will be three physiotherapists available.

Overall..........An undulating 10k course on quiet country roads. With the weather forecast for Friday evening being for fine weather and the fact that all proceeds go to a good cause then it's likely to attract a large field.