The big one locally is of course the Cork City Marathon. In running terms, it's the biggest event in Cork and there are a number of ways to take part.
Marathon.......Full 26.2 miles....If you are used to doing long runs of 10 or more miles then there is still time to get ready for this one. If you live in Cork then of course the one huge advantage is that you don't have the additional expense of travel and accommodation. You just turn up on the morning and take part. For anyone doing a Marathon for the first time, it's ideal. It's reasonably flat and there is good support out along the course. For those going for a fast time then Cork has the same issues as any of the other Summer Marathons...the weather! If it's hot then it can be very difficult to get a fast time. Last year, it was reasonably cool so it wasn't an issue.
Half-Marathon...13.1 miles......Plenty of time to get ready for this one. If you took part in the Ballycotton 10 or any of the other 10 mile races then this one is ideal. The race starts in Mahon and finishes on Patrick's St in the city centre.
Marathon Relay....teams of 2 to 5 people completing the 26.2 mile course. Suitable for people who prefer to race shorter distances or for beginners who want to be part of the big day. This would be especially true for say a group of who have completed a 'Couch to 5k' programme and have plenty of time to get ready for the relay legs of 5-6 miles each.
Note that the cheaper entry fees increase after the 31st of March! If you are going to take part then you should enter asap. Note that the prices below are the actual prices. Cork City Council process the credit card transactions and there is no extra commission going to an online entry company which can often be €2 to €5 extra.
The concession price is for postal entries only and is available for those who are unwaged and in receipt of benefits.
You can enter online at http://www.corkcitymarathon.ie/entry/
In the meantime, we can have a quick look at the course. This video clip which is 13 minutes long was put together by Rob O'Farrell and it's really excellent. If you have never done the Cork City Marathon before and you are wondering what the course is like then this is well worth watching.
The Cork City Marathon course at 120 mph ;o)
Previous posts...
a) Launch of the 2013 Cork City Marathon by Olympians Rob and Marian Heffernan...HERE
b) Cork Youth Challenge...HERE
I feel a bit carsick after watching that. Great video though!
ReplyDeleteGood video.. Gives a good overall perspective of the route.
ReplyDeleteBTW, from 5:30 to 7:19 is also the route of the BHAA/Bord Gais 5k on Sunday!
When we had a poll last year about what day to hold this event and I voted for a sunday as did many others.
ReplyDeleteWondering how entries are at this stage with so many asking for a Sunday and an increase on the number of marathons available in Munster?