Upcoming race...Donoughmore 7 Mile Road Race - Fri 20th of July (8pm)

The 30th Donoughmore 7 Mile road race will be held next Friday evening, the 20th of July at 8pm. As road races go, this one is really unique as it's the only 7 mile road race on the calendar. At first, it might seem like a bit of an odd distance but don''t let that put you off. It's really is a well organised race on country roads to the north-west of Cork City....even if it is a little bit hilly ;o)

Directions...Donoughmore is located about 15 miles north-west of Cork City. If you are coming out the Ballincollig bypass or the Carrigrohane straight, look for directions for the R579 road to Nad / Banteer / Kanturk. Stay on this road for about 10 miles and keep a lookout for the turn off right to Donoughmore. Then follow the signs for Stuake. The village is about 2 miles off the R579 road. See map above.

Entries......Entries are taken at the local community hall in the village. The race entry fee €10 and that includes a T-shirt which is good value. For a complete list of prizes on offer, see the race flyer above.

Course....First of all, it is a tough enough course. Plenty of hills but nothing too serious. Some people may find 7 miles to be a bit long but it is only three quarters of a mile beyond the 10 km distance so it's not so bad. The race is on quiet country roads and if you get a nice sunny Summers evening, there are nice views of the Boggeragh Mountains nearby.

The start line for the race is 400 metres south-east of the village.....

As you'll notice going out to the start line, the start of the race is slightly uphill. It's not an issue now so early in the race but it does make for a tough finish later on.

As you run through the village, you pass the finish line.....(note that the entrance on the left takes you to the GAA grounds and the Community Hall)...

....and the on right past the new church and the road levels out again....

In fact, a lot of the first two miles are like this...up and down small hills on small roads with fuschia hedgerows on either side.

After the two mile mark, you run downhill and join the R579 road.

There is likely to be traffic here but it's not too bad as all of the runners will be running on the left on a wide and straight road. This is the fastest part of the course as it's slightly downhill up until the 5 mile mark and the crossroads just beyond it...

The last 2 miles of the race are the real test with a largely uphill drag to the finish. There are no serious hills but you are climbing for most of it. If you have gone out too fast, this is where you'll get caught. Keep it in mind and keep something in reserve when you are doing those first 5 miles.

Overall.........a challenging race over a nice countryside circuit. Well organised and certainly one of the better races.