Report on the Courtmacsherry 36 mile Ultra-Marathon...Sun 27th July

From the race organisers...
Waterfront Ultra Marathon, Courtmacsherry, West Cork – a round up...27th July 2013

A beautiful day greeted the 51 national and international competitors to the pretty seaside village of Courtmacsherry for the inaugural Waterfront Ultra Marathon.  The challenge was a 36.25 mile ultra-marathon over an outstanding coastal route where the sea was never more than a few metres away.  Organised by Bob & Maria Hilliard and ably assisted by many marshals, volunteers and the Red Cross, the Waterfront Marathon crew pulled off a superbly run event that was enjoyed by all of the competitors and spectators.

A delighted Bob Hilliard spoke passionately about the support the people of Courtmacsherry gave to the event, “this year has seen the start of an outstanding annual running event, one that is sure to grow each year, and every competitor was blown away by the warmth of the locals and the natural scenic beauty the area has to offer.  They will be back and will bring friends and family”.

Irish ultra-marathon record holder, Keith Whyte from Ennis, Co Clare won the 36.25 mile event in a scintillating 4 hours and 3 seconds.  Keith, who is about to represent Ireland next month in the world championships in Durham South Africa, spoke highly of the organisation and postcard pretty route.  In honour of Keith’s contribution to Irish Athletics and for his superb finishing time the Hilliard’s have decided that race will be titled “The Keith Whyte Waterfront Ultra Marathon” from now on.

Another interesting story in the strong field of marathoners was the entry of Shane McCarville from Monaghan who is attempting an Irish record this year.  It is to run in excess of 52 marathons in one year to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation.  Shane completed his 44th marathon in Courtmacsherry last Saturday even though he was heavily injured following on from his 10 marathons in 10 days earlier in July.

Many of the entrants were members of the renowned 100 Marathon Club and the field also included four runners from England and even one New Zealander.   

Welcome packs were given to each entrant and the race was professionally chip timed.  Every finisher received a specially designed technical t shirt, a scroll from the people of Courtmacsherry and the highlight was a high quality commemorative medal in honour of Courtmacsherry hero, Patrick Keohane, Antarctic explorer.  The organisers were delighted to present the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat a contribution of €5 out of every entry.

One spectator summed it up by saying “It’s amazing to see every finishing competitor waiting around to cheer on the following runners, what a positive event”.  The after party was also great fun and went on until late in the night.

The results can be seen in this earlier post.

Results of the Grenagh 5 km fun run...Sun 21st July 2013

This 5 km fun run organised by Grenagh GAA club was held on Sunday, the 21st of July 2013.

1 17.03 Tim Twomey
2 18.30 Joe Walsh
3 18.32 Martin Curtin
1 22.35 Sandra Walsh
2 25.08 Fiona O' Toole
3 25.24 Yvonne Russell

The full results can be seen HERE

Clonmel Half-Marathon...Closing date for cheap entries is Wed 31st July

Please note that the closing date for the cheapest entries for this year's Clonmel Half-Marathon is Wednesday, the 31st of July.

More info from the race organiers...Clonmel AC....
Boston Scientific Half Marathon – 18th August

This is the only Half Marathon in the Premier County, so come along and achieve your PB over this classic distance in Clonmel on Sunday 18th August. This race is ideal preparation for anyone aiming for the Dublin City Marathon as there are ten weeks between both events and as such offers everyone an ideal opportunity to test their fitness and pace over the Half.

The early entry fee of 25 Euros ends on the 31st July, after that date it will rise to 35 Euros, so get your entry in early and avoid disappointment. postal entries at 25 Euros will be accepted up to the 31st July as well. This is the best value Half Marathon in Munster at 25 Euros. All entrants will receive a special designed performance T-Shirt as well as plenty of refreshments in their goody bags. 

This year the prize list is as follows: 1st 5 Men, 1st 2 0/40, 0/45, 0/50 and 0/55, 1st 5 Women, 1st 2 0/35, 0/40, 0/45, and 0/50. There will also be spot prizes to be won as well as post race refreshments. 

To down load the postal entries or to register online, go to http://www.clonmelathleticclub.com/ where there is also a load of information on the course and past results etc. For further information on the Boston Scientific Half Marathon please contact Niall at 086 1660888.

Usain Bolt gets ready for the World Championships in Moscow...

Results of the Carrigtwohill 5 km road race...Mon 29th July 2013

A total of 499 people took part in this years Carrigtwohill 5 km road race in East Cork. The winner of the mens race James McCarthy of East Cork AC with a gap of 10 seconds over fellow club member Sean McGrath. Just two days earlier, James had won a bronze medal in the 5,000m race at the National Senior Track & Field Championships in Dublin.

1   15:14    MCCARTHY, James    East Cork AC    M    04:54.1
2   15:24    MCGRATH, Sean    East Cork AC    M    04:57.3
3   16:28    MORGAN, Michael    St. Finbarrs AC    M    05:17.9
17  19:01    KENNY, Michelle    Midleton AC    F    06:07.1
22  19:14    LEONARD, Helen    Leevale AC    F40    06:11.3
25  19:21    GRANT, Karen    Midleton AC    F    06:13.6  

The full results can be found HERE

Race notice...Conna 5 km road race - Thurs 1st Aug 2013

Organised by St.Catherines AC, this brand new 5 km road race is coming up in the village of Conna on Thursday, the 1st of August.

The Race HQ is the local community centre which is on the main road through the village. This is one of the few 5 km races in this part of NE Cork and is a welcome addition to the calendar.

A full preview with maps, directions and photos can be seen HERE

New trail series in Cork..July & Aug 2013

The Munster branch of the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) are organising a new trail series during the months of July and August 2013. The three events are organised near the towns of Fermoy, Mallow and Midleton.

The usual type of IMRA event tends to be running up to a summit of a mountain and back down again. This new trail series is on tracks and the gradients and surface is a lot easier. They should appeal to those who like running off-road and those who want to try something different than the usual road race. Ordinary training shoes are fine for these type of event, no specialist shoes are required.

The first event is on Wednesday evening, the 31st of July in Corrin Hill woods near Fermoy . Directions and maps HERE

Reminder...Carrigtwohill 5k this evening, Mon 29th July at 8pm

Just a quick reminder that the Carrigtwohill 5 km road race will take place this evening at 8pm. This is a re-scheduled event having been cancelled from earlier in the month. All info and details available in this earlier post.

Results of the Shannonvale 10 km road race...Fri 26th July 2013

The Shannonvale 10 km road race was held on Friday, the 26th of July and attracted a field of 136 runners. While this event was held in previous years as a fun run, this is the first year that it has been held as a proper road race. The organisers in conjunction with Clonakilty Road Runners AC had the course properly measured by Jones Counter so that runners would know it was the correct distance and obtained an Athletics Ireland licence.

1    33.32    Michael    Morgan    M       
2    33.51    Kevin    Wilmot    M    BANDON AC   
3    34.13    Alexander    O'Shea    M           
8    38.13    Carmel    Crowley    F    BANDON AC       
21    42.02    Ronnie    Barry    F    BARRYROE   
38    44.38    Eleanor    Griffin    F       

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Macroom Castle 5k Park Run...Sat 27th July 2013

A total of 78 people took part in this 5k run. The results can be seen HERE

Results of the Courtmacsherry 36 mile Ultra-Marathon - Sat 27th July 2013

The inaugural Courtmacsherry Ultra-Marathon was held on Saturday, the 27th of July 2013. A field of 49 runners tacked the relatively flat 36 mile course which followed the waterfront.

The mens race was won by Keith White who set a new Irish 100 km record back in June. The womens race was won by Col Conroy.

The full results can be seen HERE

Orla Barry from Ladysbridge sets new world record in the F57 class at Paralympic World Championships

Orla Barry from Ladysbridge in East Cork won the silver medal in the F57/58 discus at the IPC World Athletics Championships at Lyon’s Rhone Stadium on Saturday, the 27th of July 2013. On her final throw, 22 year old Orla threw 31.08 metres which was a new world record in the F57 class.

In an interview after the event, Orla said.......“I did what I came to do. I broke the world record and I’m delighted to be going home with a silver medal.”

James Nolan, head of Irish Paralympic Athletics said...."Orla’s performances all year have been very consistent and regularly over 30m. She has now produced a 31m plus throw and the world record at the major championships, which is three metres further than her throw last year to win bronze at the Paralympic Games. The Algerian had to throw a world record to beat her. Silver is excellent and another step forward for Orla.”

In the World Championships in Christchurch in New Zealand in 2010, Olrla had finished 4th in the same event. Her new silver medal adds to her tally having won bronze at the bronze at the London Paralympics in 2012.

Usain Bolt runs a seasons best time of 9.85s in the 100m in London

At the Anniversary Games in London this evening, the World record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt ran a seasons best time of 9.85 seconds in the 100m.

With the World Championships in Moscow coming up in the next few weeks, Bolt is back in form again.

Rose-Anne Galligan sets new Irish 800m record at London Anniversary Games...

At the London Anniversary Games in London on Friday the 26th of July, Rose-Anne Galligan set a new Irish national record when she finished the womens 800m race in 6th place in a time of 2:00.58. The previous record of 2:00.69 was set by Sonia O'Sullivan in Russia 19 years ago in July 1994.

* DNF for Laura Crowe as she was the pacemaker for this prestigious event.

Rose-Anne's previous best time was 2:01.07 which she set in Spain in June of this year. That time had her ranked 3rd fastest woman ever for the distance.

How long will it be before an Irish woman breaks the elusive 2 minute barrier?

Rose-Anne and Laura start in the outside lane. At 400m, Laura is at the front doing the pace making while Rose-Anne is at the back of the pack..


Mens 800m...In the mens 800m race, Mark English from Donegal set a new personal best time of 1:44.84 seconds to finish 6th.

 That time is also faster then the A-Standard time of 1:45.3 required to qualify for the World Championships in Moscow in a few weeks time.

Mark is wearing yellow and is at the back of the pack on the first lap. What a great finish though!



Mark's new PB of 1:44.84 is just two one-hundredths of a second slower than David Matthews 19 year record of 1:44.82 which was set in Italy in September 1995. Considering Mark is only 20 years old, it's probably only a matter of time before that particular record goes.

Race notice...GR8KM road race, Mitchelstown - Fri 9th Aug 2013

The 5th race of 7 in the Ballyhoura Cork Series is coming up on Friday, the 9th of August with the GR8KM. As the name suggests, it is an 8 km road race on the roads around Mitchelstown in North-East Cork. Considering it's proximity to the several major roads, it is likely to attract runners from North Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. 

With the M8 motorway, Mitchelstown is now only 50 kms or a 35-40 minute drive from Cork City so it's an option for city based runners as well.


The race is organised by Galtee Runners AC.

Prizes........1st 6 in ladies and men, ranging from €100 for 1st to €40 for 6th, 1st 2 in each of the usual categories and 1st wheelchair. There is also a bonus of €100 for setting a new course record. The current record is 25:06 for men while the current womens record is 29:29.

Entries....The entry fee is €10 at St.Fanahans College.

Parking.......From the organisers......Parking can  got at the school car park, church car park  or a few minutes away at the square in the centre of town and at the local Tesco store.

A full preview of the course with maps, directions, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Results of the Churchtown South 5 mile road race...Thurs 25th July 2013

A total of 546 runners turned out for this year's Churchtown South 5 mile road race, just five short of the record of 551 set last year. This was the 3rd race of 4 in the ongoing Ballycotton Summer Series and the last race will be the Ballycotton 5 on the 22nd of August.

The graph below shows the growth in numbers since the very first race in 1980.

Some points to take from it...
1) You can see the running boom back in the early 80's and early 90's as well as the huge surge in numbers currently.
2) There was a higher percentage of faster runners up until around the year 2000.
3) Notice how the number of those running under 40 minutes has been steady since 2009. The growth since then has been those running 40 mins plus. This might well be accounted for by more women now taking part in road races and making up a higher percentage of the field.

As for the race itself, there was a closely contested finish to the mens event with only one second between the top two.

Place    Time    Name    Team    Race Age Category    min/mile       
1    25:50    MCGRATH, Sean    East Cork AC    M    05:09.9
2    25:51    HARTY, Michael    East Cork AC    M    05:10.1
3    26:13    BERKELEY, Noel    Dundrum South Dublin AC    M45    05:14.5
34    29:30    MURPHY, Emma    St. Finbarrs AC    F    05:53.9
49    30:20    MCCANN, Angela    Clonmel AC    F40    06:03.9
61    31:09    HOLLAND, Ann-Marie    St. Finbarrs AC    F35    06:13.7

The full results can be found HERE

Overall positions after 3 races...These have been compiled by John Robinson of Mallow AC and can be seen HERE

Race notice...Churchtown South 5 mile road race - Thurs 25th July 2013

The 3rd race of 4 in the Ballycotton Summer Series is coming up this evening with the Churchtown South 5 mile road race at 8pm. As always for these races, a large crowd is expected so try to arrive early if you are going....say between 7 and 7:20pm.

Some info from the organisers.......People who have ran the first two races in the Summer Series (Ballyandreen and Shanagarry) are automatically entered for tonight’s race. The numbers are in alphabetical order and can be seen at THIS LINK  - It would help if people could find their number in advance and ask for it at one of the entry desks. 

Again, it would be appreciated if people had the correct fee of €5 ready to speed up the process. Entries will open from 6pm onwards with the race starting at 8pm. For new people on the night (who haven’t run the two races), there will be a separate entry desk as normal – entry fee again €5.

With the huge increase in participants, the start of races now poses its own problems. For safety reasons, we urge people to line up in accordance with their ability. Unless you are running under 30 minutes you have no business at the front – the race is over five miles and there will be plenty of opportunity to move up after the initial rush, so pace yourself accordingly. It goes without saying that headphones should not be worn at any stage.....Ballycotton Running Promotions

A preview of the course with maps, directions and photos can be seen HERE

Race notice...Cloyne 5 km road race - Wed 7th Aug 2013

The Cloyne 5k takes place in East Cork on Wednesday, the 7th of August at 7:30pm. As races go, this is a reasonably flat and fast course. There are no real hills as such, just a few short sections where the road rises by a few metres at most. Outside of the Marina course in Cork City, it doesn't get much flatter. If you want to try for a fast 5k time, then this is the one to do.

If you are coming from the Cork city, then Cloyne is just a 22-25 minute drive from the Jack Lynch tunnel. Considering the number of runners within say a 30 minute drive of it, the race is likely to attract a large crowd.

Preview...A full preview of the course with maps, directions, photos and description can be seen HERE

Race notice...Shannonvale 10k road race - Fri 26th July 2013

This new 10k road race is coming up on Friday evening at 7:30pm near Clonakilty in West Cork. In previous years, it was a fun run but now under the auspices of Clonakilty Road Runners AC, it has been measured properly and has an Athletics Ireland licence.

Shannonvale is located just a few kms to the north of Clonakilty and just 1km to the west of the N71 Bandon to Clonakilty road...

If you are traveling from the direction of Bandon then turn right at the West Cork Business and Technology Park.

From the organisers...Register online at Active Global for €10 or on night at Phairs Pub from 6PM for €12.  Race starts at 7:30pm. Mostly flat with a few minor climbs, down hill finish.  Course measured and Athletics Ireland permitted. 

More details HERE

Results of the Bere Island Midsummer 5k & 10k road race...Sat 13th July 2013

There was a small bit of a delay in the results for this race. A total of 65 people took part in what must be one of the most scenic areas of the county.

A total of 37 people took part in the 5k race...
1 Benjacar Arnaud 17:18
2 McGrath Eddie 17:27
3 Balee Paul 17:43
4 O’Reilly Leona 18:54 1st lady
10 Murphy Mairead 21:37 2nd lady
22 McCarthy Julia 25:01 3rd lady

A total of 28 people took part in the 10k race...
1 Dullea Michael 35:42
2 Harrington Shane 40:44
3 Sullivan James 43:20
7 Crosbie Orla 46:29 1st lady
10 Crowley Sorcha 47:53 2nd lady
11 O’Sullivan Geraldine 49:02 W0/40

The full results for both races can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Sean Moriarty has a gallery on Facebook HERE
2) Proinnsias O'Keeffe has a gallery on Facebook HERE

Louise Shanahan from Cork wins Gold at the European Youth Olympic Festival

Last week, a 16 strong Irish team travelled to compete at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Utrecht, Netherlands between the 14th and 19th of July.

In the girls 3,000m race, Síobhra O'Flaherty took 25 seconds off her previous personal best time to win the Silver medal in 9:42.47, less than a second away from the Gold. In the boys 1,500m final, William Crowe won Silver in a time of 3:39.08, just two seconds behind the Gold. In the girls 200m final, Roseanna McGuckian won the bronze medal in a time of 24.42 seconds, taking one tenth of a second off her previous best set in the semi-finals. Roseanna who has just turned 16 years old was already the 37th fastest on the Irish Womens Alltime list after running 24.54 back in June. Her new PB now makes her 27th fastest and will no doubt be moving up the rankings over the next few years.

In the girls 4 x 100m relay, the Irish team of Phoebe Murphy (Clonmel AC), Niamh McNicol, Laura-Ann Costello and Roseanna McGuckian finished first in a time of 46.55 seconds.

The star individual performance was from Louise Shanahan (Leevale AC) from Cork who won gold in the girls 800m final. Starting in lane 7, Louise took the inside track from early on and went through 400m in joint third. While most of the field kicked from about 200m out for the finish, Louise then in 5th position waited until about 120 metres and powered down the home straight to take Gold while the rest of the field were fading badly.



A well executed race and no doubt we'll see Louise making great strides in the years ahead.

Carrigtwohill 5 km road race rescheduled for the 29th of July 2013

The Carrigtwohill 5 km road race which was cancelled has now been rescheduled for Monday the 29th of July 2013. The venue for the race is Barryscourt Castle just to the south of the town of Carrigtwohill in East Cork. This race always attracts a large crowd every year and is bound to attract a large turnout this year again.

The race which starts at 8pm costs €8 to enter and all proceeds are going to charity. There is also a walk starting at 6:30pm and that costs €5 to enter.

Registration will be available the evening before (Sunday) from 7pm to 9pm and on the day of the race (Monday) from 1pm

A full preview with directions, map and photos can be seen HERE

Results of the FIT Magazine 10k race...Sun 21st July 2013

A total of 387 runner took part in this new 10k race in Cork City last Sunday, the 21st of July 2013. Conditions were cloudy and overcast bringing an end to the two weeks of almost solid sunshine.

1   Sergiu Ciobanu             M   30:46
2   Alan O'Shea        Bantry     M  31:06
3   Michael Shannon             M  31:08
9   Claire McCarthy             F   35:08
13  Orla DRUMM        Crusaders AC     F   36:58
15  Aisling JORDAN             F    37:36

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) FIT Magazine has a gallery of photos HERE

Results of the Macroom Castle 5k Park Run...Sat 20th July 2013

A total of 49 people took part in this 5k run. The results can be seen HERE

Results of the Cork Cty Masters Track & Field Championships...Sat 13th July 2013

The Cork County Masters Track & Field Championships were held at the CIT track in Bishopstown on Saturday, the 13th of July 2013.

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Donoughmore 7 mile road race...Fri 19th July 2013

A total of 212 runners turned out for this year's 7 mile road race in Donoughmore.

1    MCGRATH    SEAN  38:33  5:30/M    SM    EAST CORK AC 
2    COFFEY    DONAL   39:13    39:13    5:36/M    M35    LEEVALE AC 
3    SIMCOX    SHANE   39:22    39:22    5:37/M    M35    MALLOW AC
30    COTTER    GILLIAN  47:56    47:56    6:51/M    F35    St Finbarrs  
42    CROSBIE    ORLA  49:46   7:07/M    F45    ST FINBARRS AC 
46    WOLFE    ANNE  50:02     7:09/M    F40    ST FINBARRS AC 

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated 22nd July)
1) Some photos from Mick Dooley HERE
2) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a slideshow of photos HERE

Video...

Results of Round 7 of the Graded Track & Field League...Thurs 18th July 2013

The 7th round of the John Buckley Sports Graded Track & Field League was held at the CIT track on Thursday, the 18th of July. The list of events were...100m, 200m, 800m, 5000m, High Jump and Shot Putt.

(Updated results...Sat 20th...The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a slideshow of photos HERE
2) John Quigley of Eagle AC has a gallery HERE

Reminder...FIT Magazine 10k road race, Cork City - Sun 21st July 2013

The FIT Magazine City Series 10K race is coming up in Cork next Sunday, the 21st of July at 1pm. The race starts and finishes on the Centre Park Road near Pairc Ui Chaoimh and takes in a 10 km loop by Blackrock Castle and the walkway in Mahon...

 

You can see a preview of the course HERE

If you haven't entered already then you can still enter online before 5pm on Saturday and on the day itself subject to availability. If you are entering online then you should be able to use to use the discount code RunningInCork to avail of a €5 discount. You can enter HERE

Some info from the race website...
Q. What is the date and start time of the race?...The event starts on Sunday, July 21 at 1pm sharp. We will be ready for you to pick up your race T-Shirt and for late entries from 10.30am
Just a reminder that this 10k race in Cork City is coming up next Sunday, the 21st of July.

Q. What does my entry fee include?...Each entrant will receive a goodie bag jam packed with a City Series technical T-shirt, bottles of RiverRock and PowerAde, a Quaker Oat Cereal Bar, some fruit and a copy of both FIT Magazine and the Sunday Independent.

Q. Is it possible to register for the race later, like closer to the event weekend?...We will be accepting online entries until 5pm on Saturday July 20. It will be possible to register on the morning of the run from 10.30am-12.30pm subject to availability. There will be a registration area clearly visible at the Start area.

Reminder...Donoughmore 7 mile road race on Friday evening, the 19th of July 2013

The Donoughmore 7 mile road race is coming up on Friday, the 19th of July 2013. This is the 4th race of 7 in the ongoing Ballyhoura Cork Road Race Series.

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

Full details about the race including maps, directions, photos and a preview of the course can be seen HERE

Some excellent Irish performances at the 2013 Morton Games in Dublin...Wed 17th July 2013

The Morton Games were held on Wednesday evening (17th July 2013) in Santry, Dublin. Amongst a whole host of international athletes, there were a number of notable Irish performances.

Men's 100 m...Wind : -1.0
 1  Rae Edwards             USA                               10.51
 2  Steve Colvert (PB 10.35)      IRL/Crusaders                     10.52
 3  David Hynes (PB 10.49)            IRL/Menapians                     10.62
 4  Andre Wright            GBR                               10.75
 5  Lee Mc Laughlin         GBR                               10.93

Men's 400 m
 1  Renny Quow              Trinidad & Tobago                 45.77
 2  Manteo Mitchell         USA                               45.82
 3  Steve Soloman           Australia                         46.18
 4  Mark Ujakpor            Spain                             46.98
 5  Brian Murphy (PB 46.41)           IRL/Crusaders                     47.13
 6  Rory Evans              GBR                               47.56

In the mens 800m, Mark English from Donegal ran a new personal best time of 1m 45.32s beating his old time of 1m 45.77s and won the race as well! In the same race, Paul Robinson took over a full second off his old personal best time when he ran 1m 45.86s. Paul was just outside the medals when he finished 4th last weekend in the 1500m at the European U23 Athletic Championships in Finland. In terms of all time Irish performances, Mark jumps from 5th to joint 2nd fastest Irish man over the distance. Paul jumps from 13th to 6th.

 

Men's International 800 m
 1  Mark English  (Old PB 1.45.77)          IRL/UCD                           1.45.32...New PB!
 2  Casimir Loxsom          USA                               1.45.75
 3  Mark Wieczorek          USA                               1.45.86
 4  Paul Robinson (Old PB 1.47.02)          IRL/St. Cocas                     1.45.86...New PB!
 5  Anthony Romaniew        Canada                            1.46.08
 6  Alejandro Rodriguez     Spain                             1.46.63
 7  James Eicherberg        Mexico                            1.46.93
 8  Declan Murray           USA                               1.47.27

In the mens mile, David  McCarthy broke the 4 minute barrier again with Eoin Everard breaking it for the first time!



 
Men's Morton Mile
 1  Cory Leslie             USA                               3.55.85
 2  Duncan Philips          USA                               3.56.27
 3  Juan Luis Barrios       Mexico                            3.57.34
 4  Craig Miller            USA                               3.57.35
 5  Loan Zaizan             Romania                           3.57.73
 6  Liam Boylan-Pett        USA                               3.57.75
 7  David McCarthy (PB 3.55.75)         IRL/West Waterford                3.57.93
 8  Alberto Sanchez         Spain                             3.57.97
 9  Eoin Everard (Old PB 4.00.66)           IRL/Kilkenny                      3.58.93 ....New PB!
10  Riley Masters           USA                               4.00.05
11  Jeff See                USA                               4.00.37
12  Alastair Hay            Scotland                          4.01.67
13  Conor Bradley           IRL/City of Derry                 4.01.83
14  James Kaan              Australia                         4.03.87
15  John Coghlan            IRL/Metro St. Brigids             4.07.30

Men's 400 m Hurdles
 1  Thomas Barr             IRL/Ferrybank                     50.04
 2  Jason Harvey (PB 50.27)           IRL/Crusaders                     52.00 
 3  Matt Summer             GBR                               52.32
 4  Paul Byrne  (PB 51.41)            IRL/St. Abbans                    52.85
 5  Martin Lipton           GBR                               52.94
 6  Barry Upton  (old PB 53.44)           IRL/Menapians                     53.35 ...New PB!

In the womens 100m, Kelly Proper was the clear winner with the Irish record holder Ailis McSweeney finishing in 3rd. 

Women's 100 m...Wind : -0.2
 1  Kelly Proper (PB 11.60)           Ferrybank A.C.                    11.75
 2  Carina Horn             RSA                               11.86
 3  Ailis Mc Sweeney  (PB 11.40)      Leevale A.C.                      11.92

In the womens 800m, Laura Crowe from An Riocht AC in Kerry ran a new personal best time of 2m 02.63s, taking a sliver off her previous best which she set in the Oslo Diamond League meeting back in June.

Women's 800 m
 1  Kate Mackey             USA                               2.02.21
 2  Laura Crowe   (Old PB 2.02.69)          IRL/Riocht                        2.02.63 ....New PB!
 3  Diane Cummins           Canada                            2.02.80
 4  Elian Periz             Spain                             2.02.87
 5  Ciara Everard  (PB 2.02.54)         IRL/UCD                           2.02.96

 

The full results can be seen HERE

Cork athletes head for the Paralympics World Championships in Lyon, France...

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships will be held in Lyon in the south-east of France between the 19th and 28th of July. Three athletes from Cork will be on the Irish team of eight for the athletics events.

Amanda Crotty, Orla Barry and John McCarthy...the Cork athletes heading for the IPC World Championships

AMANDA CROTTY
Event...1500m    PB...5:15.00    Class...T12
In August 2011, Amanda ran a Paralympic “A” standard for 1500m at the National Championships with her guide runner James Cosgrave. Having narrowly missed out on selection for London 2012, July’s IPC World Athletics Championships in Lyon will be Amanda’s first major championship. Her guide on this occasion will be Kevin Nolan from Athlone. Amanda will be hoping to continue her impressive form as she builds towards the ultimate goal of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

ORLA BARRY
Event...Discus    PB...30.48m    Class...F57
Orla is a full-time athlete and broke onto the international scene aged just sixteen in 2006, earning a creditable fifth in her F57 discus final at Beijing 2008. She went two places higher when claiming a superb bronze in the same event at London 2012. Finishing just outside the medals at 2011′s IPC Athletics World Championships in New Zealand, Orla will be aiming for podium glory at this year’s championships in Lyon. With a world-best throw in Lyon’s test event in May, her form shows she is capable of further medal success.

JOHN MCCARTHY
Event...100m   PB...24.81   Class...T51 / Event...Club   PB...22.95m   Class...F51
John McCarthy took up Paralympic athletics in 1995 and represented Ireland at Athens 2004 (winning discus silver) and Beijing 2008. John competed creditably at London 2012, reaching the final of 100m wheelchair sprint. Outside of the Paralympic Games, John has competed in numerous international competitions with bronze in the club in 2006’s World Athletics Championships in Holland a particular highlight. He has also played wheelchair rugby to a high-level, representing Ireland at European Championship level.

The remaining five Irish athletes are...
Jason Smyth (Co Derry) – T13 100m & 200m
Michael McKillop (Co Antrim) – T37 800m &1500m
Catherine O’Neill (Co Wexford) – F51 Discus & Club Throw
Heather Jameson (Co Dublin) – T37 100m, 200m & Long Jump
Deirdre Mongan (Co Galway) – F52/53 Shot Put

Carrigtwohill 5k race cancelled...

Please note that due to the a sudden passing of a community member, the Carrigtwohill 5k road race which was due to take place on Wednesday evening, the 17th of July has been cancelled.

Reminder...Carrigtwohill 5k race coming up on Wednesday evening, the 17th of July

Please note that this race has now been cancelled.

Just a reminder that the Carrigtwohill 5 km road race is coming up on Wednesday, the 17th of July 2013. The venue for the race is Barryscourt Castle just to the south of the town of Carrigtwohill in East Cork.

The race which starts at 8pm costs €8 to enter and all proceeds are going to charity. There is also a walk starting at 6:30pm and that costs €5 to enter.

Registration will be available this evening, Tuesday the 16th from 7pm to 9pm and on the day of the race (17th) from 1pm.

A full preview with directions, map and photos can be seen HERE

Top US sprinter Tyson Gay fails drugs test

The shock news of the day in the world of athletics is the the top US sprinter Tyson Gay has tested positive for a banned substance and will now pull out of the World Championships in Moscow in August.

Gay was informed by the US Anti-Doping agency last Friday that he had a positve result on a sample taken on the 16th of May.

In a statement, Gay said...."I don't have a sabotage story. I don't have any lies. I don't have anything to say to make this seem like it was a mistake or it was on Usada's hands, someone playing games. I don't have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down. Sometimes a human being naturally, generally trusts somebody. That's what people do."On his friends and family....."They already know it is some type of accident or some type of I don't want to use certain words, to make it seem like an accident, because I know exactly what went on, but I can't discuss it right now. My career and my name have always been better than medals or records or anything like that. I've always wanted a clean name with anything. Unfortunately I have to break this news, that I have a positive A sample."As for going into specifics, he said he wouldn't discuss it..."I have to go over everything with Usada first. I will take whatever punishment I get like a man. I do realise and respect what I put in my body and it is my responsibility. I'm going to be honest with Usada, about everything, everybody I've been with, every supplement I've ever taken, every company I've ever dealt with, everything."

Gay's best time for the 100m is 9.69 seconds making him the joint second fastest man ever over the distance. Only Usain Bolt has run faster. At the start of this month, he ran 9.79 seconds at a Diamond League race in Lausanne, Switzerland.


More developments.........According to sources in Jamaica, at least four Jamaicans have been tested positive for banned substances. The four...two throwers and two sprinters...returned the adverse findings following the tests conducted at the National Trials that were held from June 20-23 at the National Stadium. Two of the sprinters are Olympic medalists.

Dr Herb Elliott, the chairman of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, said he has not yet received any information on any adverse finding.

According to unofficial sources, a new supplement at a local based camp is being blamed for the results.

Unofficial Update...5 Jamaicans test positive...
Asafa Powell (4th fastest man over 100m of all time. Numerous World Championship titles),
Nesta Carter (5th fastest man over 100m of all time. Part of the Olympic Gold member 4 x 100m team)
Sherone Simpson (Gold medalist 2004 Olympics...4 x 100m team)
...plus two more ..

Email response to from Bolt's manager, Ricky Simms: ``I can confirm that none of my clients are part of this.''

The management company for former 100m world record holder Powell confirmed the 30-year-old had also failed a drug test.

Statement from Asafa Powell...

Justin Gatlin confirms to US journalist that he has NOT failed a test.

Mon 15th July...
Italian police raid hotel where Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson are staying and
have confiscated drugs. The substances are now being analysed to determine whether they're legal.

Sportswear company, Adidas suspended their contract with Gay and said that they are "shocked by these recent allegations".

Paul Robinson just misses out on a podium finish at the European U23 Athletic Championships...

In the final of the 1500m at the European U23 Athletic Championships in Tampere, Finland, Ireland's Paul Robinson just finished outside of the medals in 4th place. In what was a very physical race, the St.Coca's AC athlete was passed in the last 50 metres to finish in 3:45.12.

Paul had run 3:44.73 in the qualifying race for the final and his PB over the distance is 3:37.91.

David Cussen of Old Abbey AC finishes 9th in the High Jump at the World Youth Championships

The IAAF World Youth Championships are currently taking place in Donetsk, Ukraine with the events spread out over five days. The high jump final concluded on Saturday the 13th of July and David Cussen from Old Abbey AC in Cork finished a very credible 9th out of 12 competitors.

David who is just 17 years old cleared 2.07 metres, just 3 cms short of his personal best of 2:10 which he set at the recent Cork City Sports. David's previous PB had been 2.06.

Results of the Macroom Castle 5k Park Run...Sat 13th July 2013

A total of 64 took part in this 5k run. The results can be seen HERE

Irish hurdler Thomas Barr breaks 50 seconds for the first time...

At the qualifying rounds of the 400m hurdles at the European U23 Track and Field Championships in Tampere, Finland, Thomas Barr finished in a time of 49.78 seconds, breaking the 50 second barrier for the first time ever. This probably shouldn't come as any great suprise as the 21 year old Ferrybank AC athlete ran 50.00 recently at the Cork City Sports despite making a heavy contact with the last hurdle.

While Thomas remains the second fastest Irish 400m hurdler of all time, it surely is only a matter of time before he sets a new national senior record especially as he is only five one hundredths of a second off the record of 49.73 seconds.

All time Irish 400m Hurdles
1 49.73 Tom McGuirk 03.02.71 5 San Jose USA 01.06.96
2 49.78 Thomas Barr 24.07.92 3 Tampere FIN 12.07.13
3 50.27 Jason Harvey 09.08.91 3 Oordegem BEL 01.06.13
4 50.76 Brian Liddy 16.06.77 7 Gothenburg SWE 30.07.99
5 51.11 Ciaran Dunphy 15.11.64 1 Dublin IRL 30.06.85
6 51.23 Antoine Burke 20.07.75 4 Leiria POR 18.06.05
7 51.24 Tim Crowe 10.12.91 2 Ostrava CZE 14.07.11
8 51.33 David Keoghan 09.10.78 2 Dublin IRL 25.07.99
9 51.41 Paul Byrne 18.04.90 4 Dublin IRL 07.08.11
10 51.45 Stephen McDonnell 24.07.80 1 Dublin IRL 14.07.02

As you can see from the stats above, Thomas Barr was just 3 years old when the Irish record was set by Tom McGuirk back in 1996.

Update...In the final on Saturday, Thomas ran 50.14 seconds and finished in 8th place.

Results of the Kilworth Camp 5 mile road race...Fri 12th July 2013

The Kilworth Camp 5 mile road race was held on Friday, the 12th of July 2013, the 3rd race of 7 in the ongoing Ballyhoura Cork Series. Organised by Grange-Fermoy AC, the race attracted a field of 156 runners on what has been a very busy week for races in Cork.

# Time  Name    Team    Race Age Category      
1 26:55 LYONS, Michael  Grange-Fermoy AC M 
2 27:34 SMITH, Danny  Ballynonty AC M
3 28:44 SUGRUE, Eoin  unatt/Banteer M40 
8 29:27 DRUMM, Orla  Crusaders AC F 
16 31:55 KIELY, Martina  St. Finbarrs AC  F
18 32:27  WALSH, Corinna W.Waterford AC F35

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) A slideshow of photos by Paudie Birmingham of Mallow AC HERE

(Photo Credit...Paudie Birmingham)

Weather Forecast for Munster...Sat 13th - Sun 14th July 2013

Following a sunny hazy day on Friday, the weekend looks like as if it's going to be warm and dry with the high pressure system over the country dominating the weather.

Saturday 13th July...Cloudier conditions with plenty of sunshine. Temp still in the 20's. Risk of thunderstorms. Best of the weather in the east of the province.

Sunday 14th July...Again, the best of the weather in the east of the province. Warmest inland with temp in the mid 20's. Some clouds with planty of sunshine.

Outlook for the week ahead...Another fine week with the high pressure system over the country keeping things settled. Continuing warm and dry even though there may be some more cloud cover.

Racing & Running conditions...Hot and muggy. Make sure you hydrate properly. Best to run early morning or late evening.

Reminder...Kilworth Camp 5 mile road race this evening at 8pm

Just a reminder that the 3rd race of 7 in the Ballyhoura Cork Series takes place this evening at Kilworth Camp between Fermoy and Mitchelstown in NE Cork.

More info with a full preview in this earlier post.

Results of the Ballinascarthy 10 km road race...Sun 7th July 2013

This 10 km road race was held last Sunday, the 7th of July in Ballinascarthy, West Cork.

In aid of COPE Foundation & Enable Ireland
1 Michael Dullea 35.56 M
2 Kevin Wilmot 36.18 M
3 Tom Laffan 38.25 M
11 Ronnie Barry 45.10 F
17 Liz Barry 46.16 F
30 Jacqui Dunphy 49.22 F

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Youghal 4 mile road race...Thurs 11th July 2013

There was a big turnout of 235 runners for this 4 mile road race around the streets of Youghal town in East Cork. The first man home was Sean McGrath of East Cork AC in a time of 20:06. The first woman was Dymphna Ryan of Dundrum AC in a time of 23:13. Dymphna was also the first woman home in the Cork BHAA race the previous evening in Cork City and is a regular winner of races in the Tipperary area.

1 20:06    MCGRATH, Sean    East Cork AC    M    5:01.4
2 20:27    BERKELEY, Noel   DSD AC M45    5:06.7
3 20:35    SEXTON, Rory    unatt/Fermoy    M    5:08.7
13     23:13    RYAN, Dymphna    Dundrum AC    F    5:48.2
17     23:54    HOLLAND, Ann-Marie    St. Finbarrs AC    F35    5:58.4
27     24:43    LEONARD, Helen    Leevale AC    F40    6:10.6 

The full results can be seen HERE

(Photo credit...Denis Kelleher)

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA IPS/Garda 5k road race...Wed 10th July 2013

The Cork BHAA IPS/Garda 5 km road race was held on the Centre Park Road circuit in Cork City on Wednesday evening, the 10th of July.

Pos    Name    Cat    Time    Company
1    TIM O'DONOGHUE        15:31    EMC
2    Elton Hefferen         15:44   
3    George Waugh         16:05   
21    Dympa Ryan         17:43   
47    RHONA LYNCH    0/35H    19:10    GE HEALTHCARE
52    MICHELLE KENNY        19:24    DEPT OF EDUCATION

The full results will can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated 11th July @11am)

1) Doug Minihane has a gallery HERE
2) John Quigley of Eagle AC has a gallery HERE

(Photo credit...Doug Minihane)

Race notice...Bere Island 5k & 10k road race - Sat 13th July 2013

This is quite probably one of the most spectacular spots for a road race in Cork if not the country. Bere Island on a fine day is an amazing spot with the backdrop of Bantry Bay and the Beara Peninsula.

The races take place in Rerrin village at the eastern end of the island...

There are two car and passenger ferries servicing the island...Bere Island Ferries and Murphy's Ferry.

You can pre-enter online HERE or on the day at the GAA grounds.

A full preview of the course with directions, maps and photos can be seen HERE.