Preview of the Doneraile Park 5k race - Friday 1st June 2012

This 5k race in Doneraile in North Cork is the first race of 11 in the Ballyhoura ACTIVE Summer Series. While it's described as a trail race, it is in reality mostly on narrow roads and paths within Doneraile Park. It would be wrong to think that it's some sort of cross country race and that you need to run through mud or long grass.

Doneraile is located just to the north-east of Mallow so access is very easy from the N20 Cork to Limerick road.

If you are coming from say South Tipperary, then it's just off the N73 Mitchelstown to Mallow road.

Sign-on for the race is at the Nagle Rice School. The race fee is just €5 and all proceeds go to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. The race starts at 8pm just inside the park.

The 5km course is on small roads and trails with the grounds of the park. You should treat this the same as you would an ordinary road race...i.e. wear your normal running shoes. The only thing you may need to watch out for is exposed roots but again, theses are a minor affair. There are a few pulls out along the course but they're small. Expect to set a reasonably fast time.

Please note that the car park within the Park itself closes at 8pm. Make sure you park over near the school. Prizes and refreshments afterwards in the school as well.
 

As for Doneraile Park itself, it really is a lovely spot. It's basically an old country estate and is now a grassland park with some small forested areas. If you have never been here before then you soon see that Doneraile Park is really an outstanding spot, especially if the sun is shining.

Overall...Doneraile is a stunning spot for a race. If you are taking part in the Cork City Marathon or Half-Marathon next Monday then it would be best to use it as an easy slow run. Great race to kick off the series.