The mens race was won by James McCarthy of East Cork AC in a time of 19:56, well ahead of Chris Harrington (20:43) and John Shine (20:52) of Leevale AC. The womens race was a much closer affair with the first three women finishing within ten seconds of each other. Sinead Ní Chonchuir of Eagle AC won in a time of 23:41, seven seconds ahead of Martina Kiely of St.Finbarr's AC in 23:48. Just three seconds behind in third place was Annmarie Holland of Eagle AC in 23:51.
The full results can be seen HERE
Photos.....
1) Photos by Denis Barry HERE2) A slideshow of photos by Joe Murphy HERE
Race Video...
Produced by Denis Barry with commentary by John Cashman...
Many congratulations to the organisers of Ballintotis 4 mile last night. It was a credit to them. One of the best organised races I was ever at.
ReplyDeleteTo echo the comment of the previous commentator, a very well run race, congrats to the organizers as well as the local community who, while benefitting from the event, supported it to a wonderful level. That said, starting 750 runners on such a narrow boreen wasnt the best. I ignored stewards requests to back up and was able to start near the line and so not loose much time, but a wider start or capping race numbers will be required next year. I spoke to several runners who ended up well back in the starting line up crowd and lost significant amounts of time.
ReplyDeleteFantastic race which was very well run and organised. Lost a lot of time though up to mile 1 run due to congestion and slower runners starting up the front. However great night and will go again.
ReplyDeleteI understand points about the narrow road, but am inclined to say that is one of the features of the race, some routes are very hilly, this one has narrow roads. It would be unfair to the club to talk about capping numbers.I have been in marathons where the first four miles have been jammed solid.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a suggestion, it would to to allow runners arriving early to park in nearest car park and not to direct them to the distant B car park. However the organisers coped very well with what is a dfficult venue, so all congratulations to them. It is wonderful to see small villages such as this organise such a wonderful event.
i enjoyed it i have to say. yes the road was cramped and I lost 20 secs but as ger said every race his it's features. the falt course meant by mile 2 it had opened up. perhaps a staggered start for the club and elite runners? great race and lovely spot
ReplyDeletecathal
great race pity about congestion at the start line some slow runners at front should have been at the back lost alot of time to this.
ReplyDeleteIt really annoys me people complaining about small things,this was a well run event.One of the biggest 4 mile races this year.The hard working commitee should indeed be very proud.They must be doing something right to get such a big number of runners.Looking foward to 2013.Well done EAST CORK AC and associates.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very good start to the evening racing season, but as others have pointed out, the start area was very congested.
ReplyDeleteIt a bit like Churchtown South, where runners coming from registration are approaching the Start line from the front, rather than the rear.
For at least a mile, it was hard to get up to speed. From the second left turn, it was much better - better road surface and overtaking was much easier.
When we reached the N25 for the last mile, there was the biggest line of Stewards you'd ever see at an evening race, to make sure people stayed on the hard shoulder.
other race organizers take note...
Prize-giving outdoors was interesting, and the PA system and John Cashman were very good, however it was getting rather chilly, and the car thermometer said 5C as we were leaving at 10pm!
Could this mean there will be 1000+ at the BHAA John Buckley 5k at the Marina ?
really enjoyed the race. very slow start but great support from the friendly locals all the way round. credit to be given to organisers.
ReplyDeleteI suppose an idea for the start might be to put up a few posters showing suggested position points for runners hoping to do different times.Some might ignore them but I am sure many would be glad to see them.
ReplyDeleteDonal's comments about the number of stewards lining the main Cork Road were well worth making and great credit to organisers for organising so many volunteers. Even the B car park had several temporary spotlights, so clearly a lot of thought, time and effort went into the organising - maybe we should send the organisers up to the dail to organise that !
Well done to all involved. This has to have been one of the best organised evening races that I have been at. Even the weather was great.
ReplyDeleteGreat, great, great...
ReplyDeleteReally well organised, credit due to all involved.
Very impressed that issues with the finish line/ tunnel finish last year were addressed, and coped really well at finish, even with over 200 extra finishers, very smooth finish. Excellent stwearding also.
Will definately pencil into next year. Thanks again.
Great race last night, well done to the organisers, a lovely route and great atmosphere not to mind the tea & coffee. Well done and a great start to the season
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the race last night, same old story with some of ye winging about this and that it was voted the best 4 miler last year and i can see why. Well organized and plenty of food afterwards. 750 entries is tough going for any organization i will deffo be back Well done all involved!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI echo all the comments about the organisation, the attention to detail was incredible from car parking to lighting to stewards, to toilets, and registration. You felt guided all the way by friendly volunteers , the atmosphere was lovely. The tea, sandwiches and cakes were also well organised and very welcome, again served with a smile and a bit of craic.
ReplyDeleteThe route itself was very enjoyable and I appreciated the lack of hills ! The weather was perfect and I will definitely return.
Fantasitic turn out and I am not surprised, one for the calendar !
Well done to the organisers.
fab night.still on a high.well done to john and sean.
ReplyDeleteCongrads on a brill night. very well ran and stewards all way round fantastic. early reg opening great idea. no wonder voted best 4mile in 2011 looking forward to next year allready. well done again
ReplyDeletethrogJohn, Sean and your hard working committee, what a great night,really enjoyed the race.Lovely route,refreshments a credit to all and stewarding was excellent.Like the others i am not surprised it was voted best 4miler of the year last year. take a bow lads. Mags.
ReplyDeleteThe race was really well organised and the stewards etc were very friendly and helpful. I have to agree that something needs to be done to encourage/instruct slower runners to go to the back for all races in Cork.The idea with posters on the poles is a good idea. They could also stagger the start where everyone running 8 min miles or greater start 2 mins later than the faster runners. This could also avoid congestion at the finish lines.
ReplyDeleteFantastic race, great night, stewarding the best I have ever seen - any one complaining should be shot!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super race and great start to the season. Very little can be done about the start it is a country road after all with 700 plus runners. Well done to all organisers especially sean and john.
ReplyDeleteVery good race and enjoyable. But the point of too narrow to overtake is very valid. What about if the race was started on the N25..it would give space for some overtaking. as it was it was lucky no one did injure themselves running practically on the ditch to overtake some of the slower ones! I myself caused a briar to swing back and hit the next person behind me!
ReplyDeleteGreat race well done to the organisers and the help from the community is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWell done to Sean and John and all involved, great community spirit, fantastic night.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Great night. Well done to all the organisers. Stewards were the nicest I have ever come across. This is my third year coming to this race and it gets better and better each year. Came down early to register which was a great idea.Facilities were fantastic and was delighted to see the new centre which was being used for the registry. Can't wait for next year already!! WELL DONE TO ALL.
ReplyDelete