Preview of the Bay Run Half-Marathon - Sun 6th May 2012

The next big event locally is the Bay Run Half-Marathon in West Cork next Sunday, the 6th of May. Buses will take the runners from Bantry to Glengariff between 9:30am and 11:00am. The race starts at 12 noon. The walkers start at 11am. Everyone taking part should have got a full list of instructions by e-mail.

Late Entries.....The final closing date is Saturday, the 5th. The Bay Run website is HERE.

Course....

The race starts in the heart of Glengarriff near Eccles Hotel, a stunning spot with views out over the Bay. Before you head towards Bantry, you first need to do a 3 mile loop to the west.

There is a little pull at first and then it's through the town itself. Considering how small Glengarriff is, it doesn't take long and then it's right at the next junction...

Here is road is covered in Rhododendron as it turns and twists slowly uphill. Just after the 1 mile mark, you turn off left into the forest to do a short loop....

At first it's flat but you then climb steadily. At the end of this small loop, you rejoin the main road again around the 1.5 mile mark and then it's a fast mile or so downhill and back into Glengarriff.

After you pass the start line again, you begin the next stage of the race. From the town, the road climbs for about a mile until near the 4 mile mark and the local golf club where is eases off. After a while, the road begins to climb again until around the 5 mile mark where you have extensive views out over Bantry Bay...

Now you begin the downhill section until you approach sea level again around the 8 mile mark...

 The next 1.5 miles are very pleasant as the road twists and turns as it follows the rugged coastline. There are a few minor pulls but nothing serious. At about 9.5 miles, you approach Ballylicky and the Ouvane Falls Hotel...

The third and final part of the course begins now as you head south towards Bantry. There are a few minor climbs but nothing major. You still get the occasional view of Bantry Bay as you move away from the coast...

As you progress towards the town of Bantry itself, the course slowly changes from rural to urban. Once you enter the town proper, the streets narrow and you will have a very fast section all the ways to the finish line in Wolfe Tone Square.

Overall, probably not a course for setting personal best times but once the weather is nice, it's a stunning location for a race.