Big turnout for the Operation Transformation 5k run in Cork...

Somewhere between 500 and 1000 people turned out on Saturday morning in Tramore Valley Park in Cork City for the Operation Transformation 5k run. Conditions were actually almost perfect for it...cold and dry. Perhaps the only thing missing was a bit of sunshine.

Roughly 90% of the field was made up of women, many no doubt avid followers of the TV show. There were a few club singlets present but it's probably safe to say that the vast majority were non-club. It's probably a safe guess as well that many of those running would look at the usual 5k race locally as being 'too serious' whereas the truth is that most of them are well capable of taking part in other races as well.

Former Cork GAA players Kevin Hennessey and Thomas Mulcahy

There are also plans to hold another 5k run here on Saturday, the 27th of April. Instead of it being an Operation Transformation event, it will be organised by the Cork City Marathon and it should be a great way for those training for the Marathon Relay event to see how their training is progressing. More details as they become available.

Cork City Lord Mayor John Buttimer and former Irish international racewalker Olive Loughnane got proceedings under way. In the background is former GAA player Teddy McCarthy, only man to win an All Ireland hurling and football winning medal in the one year, 1990

Photos....
1) There is a small gallery of photos by Mick Dooley HERE