Eagle AC commemorate the Cork to Crosshaven 'Marathon' of 1908

Back at the start of May 2013, I had a guest article on the site by local historian Richard Forrest about the Cork to Crosshaven 'Marathon' of 1908. The 14 mile race which was organised by The Cork Sportsman newspaper was held in September of that year and attracted a field of 22 athletes.

Members of Eagle AC starting the 18 mile run near Bridge Street in Cork City. The author of the original article Richard Forrest is pictured centre.

To commemorate this event, members of Eagle Athletic Club took part in an 18 mile run from Cork to Crosshaven on Saturday the 28th of September, some 105 years after the original event.

While the original route most likely followed what was then the main road road from Cork to Carrigaline, this would be way too busy to use in 2013. Keeping with the historical theme however, the Eagle AC run instead followed the old route of the Cork to Crosshaven railway as closely as possible.

The original race of 1908 started at the Cork Sportsman offices in Bridge Street in the heart of Cork City. Keeping true to the original race, the Eagle AC run did likewise as can be seen from the photo above with Bridge Street, Patrick's Bridge and Patrick's St in the background.

The run then proceeded to the old railway terminus building on Albert Road which is now part of Carey Tool Hire. From there, the run was mostly on what are now public walkways with only one busy section of road near Raffeen to negotiate.

18 miles later in Crosshaven

As it was a unique event, there was a small cover charge for everyone taking part with the proceeds raised going to the Irish Cancer Society.

Photos courtesy of John Quigley of Eagle AC