Place Time Name Team Race Age Category
1 24:40 MCCARTHY, James East Cork AC M 04:55.9
2 24:48 GRUFFERTY, James Leevale AC M 04:57.5
3 25:02 O'DONOGHUE, Tim East Cork AC M 05:00.3
30 29:31 MURPHY, Emma St. Finbarrs AC F 05:54.1
35 29:48 MCSWEENEY, Clare Leevale AC F 05:57.5
56 30:46 HOLLAND, Ann-Marie St. Finbarrs AC F 06:09.1
The full results can be found HERE
The graph below shows the number of people taking taking each year in the Midleton 5 race...
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| Info supplied by John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions |
The 2013 race was the 30th year of this event yet for of that, the numbers were below 150. As recently as 2005, it was at 146. Since then, it has really taken off resulting in a peak last Thursday of 571 runners.
By the way, you might be wondering about that blip back in 1985! Apparently there was a special plaque that year commemorating the 'Cork 800' celebrations which probably accounted for the huge jump. At the time, the Ballycotton races were getting around 220-230 runners which just goes to show how unusual the 'blip' was.
So why the huge jump since 2005? I've seen people mention that running is supposed to boom in a recession although I don't really think that is a major factor. For me, there are are two main reasons.....
1) The second most important reason is the shift in the gender balance. Twenty years ago, the number of women taking part in a race like this might be down around 20%. Today, it might be closer to 40%. This results in more people running overall.
2) The biggest reason is the revolution in information. It's something we have all grown used to without realising what a profound impact it has. Back in the 90's, the only way to hear about an upcoming race might be to pick up a flyer at a previous race, maybe see something in the Evening Echo, maybe see it in the Irish Runner magazine or hear it by word of mouth. It's probably likely that someone who was just a casual runner would not hear of races from any of these sources.
Today, there's almost too much information. We have websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and smartphones with everything on hand. Go looking for information on races in Cork on Google and you'll most likely end up coming to this site. I can see from a tracker that the blog currently gets about 40,000 hits per month. The associated Running in Cork Facebook page has over 2,600 people following it. That's a lot of people getting informed about what's happening locally.
Where from here? Last year, I would have thought the Midleton race was at it's maximum yet it's up another 12% this year. When will it end? The pessimists will say that the whole thing is going to crash with only the big races remaining. As things stand, there are no obvious reason as to why it should. We'll just have to wait and see...
A superb race from start to finish, very well organised and a fantastic spread afterwards, well done midleton ac, I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteGreat race as always, from stewards, to commentary at finish, to the food afterwards. To all involved from Midleton AC, well done and thanks!
ReplyDeleteWould echo all of above positive comments. Fabulous race - no issues whatsoever and the food afterwards was beautiful. Well done to all involved.
ReplyDeleteFirst time running it and can easily understand how it got best race of 2012.Will definately be back.
ReplyDeleteNot a headphone in sight. An example to all other races.
ReplyDeleteWell done to all concerned. Very well run event, on time, well marshalled, good start and finish area. The smile and crack with the Ladies serving tea made it all the more memorable.
ReplyDeleteA very well organised race on a very good course and great spread afterwards. Well done to all involved in Midleton AC.
ReplyDeleteRealy very thoughtful to have a special food section for coeliacs so often I go to races and have tp deny myself the food but last night I could indulge Well done Midleton AC and other races please copy
ReplyDeleteGreat race, nice wide roads, scenic course. Thanks to the stewards calling out times at the mile markers, really kept you focused. Done this two years in a row and will be back for a third.
ReplyDeletePerfect race organisation from midleton AC again. Fair play. Mountains of food afterwards aswell. Well done to all involved.
ReplyDeleteGreat field, organisation and spread. A running pleasure . More competitive races like this needed more regularly in Cork as it raises the bar for everyone.
ReplyDelete43 runners under 6 minute mile pace. What a strong field.
ReplyDeleteThis is my 4th year in a row doing the Midleton 5. Why do I keep doing it? Easy to get to from the city on a fast road, well organised, well placed time of year - early May and close to the marathon season and 5 mile series. The weather on the whole is good and it's a great course for doing a 5 mile PB. Full marks to Midleton AC for getting access to the GAA hall as well
ReplyDelete"The pessimists will say that the whole thing is going to crash with only the big races remaining."
ReplyDeleteAs long as Clubs like Midleton provide quality races, including good value for money, good organisation, good spread of prizes, etc, and plough any proceeds back into the sport, they will thrive.
The 'For Profit' races and other sports piggybacking on the running community will probably crash & burn, as runners recognise the overall race quality and value provide by races such as Midleton.
Well done ...Yet Again!!!...to Midleton AC on another great event.
Are there any pictures?
ReplyDeleteGreat race, super organisation, fabulous spread after with great atmosphere. Well done Midleton AC!
ReplyDeleteBeing able to register the day before and get your race number is brilliant. Ballintotis did this too.
ReplyDeleteGreat race,really enjoyed it. Was there many stayed for the prize giving ? I left around 9.45 when there was no sign of anything happening.
ReplyDeletethink there was some pics taken
ReplyDeletewhere can I find the photos??
ReplyDelete