UK runner who collapsed at Dublin Marathon passes away...

On a sadder note, Ricki Savage from England who took part in the Dublin City Marathon last Monday has passed away. The 27 year old had just finished the race in 3 hours and 10 minutes and was taking part to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. He unfortunately suffered a heart attack at the finish line and was rushed to hospital.

The president of Thanet Roadrunners Athletic Club said..."We were told earlier this afternoon that he hasn’t pulled through and we’re all devastated at the club. It was his first marathon but he was a very competent runner and he had done long distances before that. The paramedics worked on him for over 40 minutes before getting him to hospital. We’d like to express our gratitude for their work and for doing all they could.”

RIP

(Ricki Savage's charity page...http://www.justgiving.com/RickiSavage )

The Mysterious H.O'Neill and how he nearly won the 2013 Dublin City Marathon

Due to the fact that there was no live TV coverage of this year's Dublin City Marathon, many people chose to follow the proceedings online and tracked the various runners as they passed over various timing mats along the route.

In the build up to the race, there was plenty of speculation as to who the winner of the mens race might be, especially as there was no elite field from abroad this year. The media seemed to have it down as a contest between two rival camps....Sean Hehir who is coached by the 1980 winner Dick Hooper and Joe Sweeney who is coached by the 1982 winner Jerry Kiernan.

On the day, that's the way it turned out but for those following online, a certain unknown 'H.O'Neill' seemed to be giving the two boys a run for their money and was ahead for much of the race.

John Meade tells the full story below...

Dublin Marathon 2013 and The Mysterious Case of H.O’Neill?.....

Finally there’s an explanation for the mysterious case of the pace-defying tactics from one H. O’Neill during last Monday’s Dublin Marathon.

Many people watched the astounding progress of elite no. 32, H. O’Neill, on the online tracker, as he ghosted just ahead of Hehir and Sweeney through 10 km then half marathon, in what appeared online like a brave solo effort. Who is this fella? How can someone we haven’t heard of before be leading for so long? Is a huge upset on the cards here?

At the 20 Mile mark, the next point for online tracking, race no. 32, H. O’Neill had mysteriously vanished. Blown up? Pacing work completed? Enough done for the day?

In post race reports and race photos, there was not a sight nor mention of the astounding early efforts of H. O’Neill. Was history being written selectively by the running establishment, no space for the unknown dark horse!

Too many questions, something odd is happening here!

Race no. 32 is Henry O’Neill, from Tyrone, who was not running at all on the day. An injury a few weeks back put an end to his marathon prospects but he remained hopeful until the end. When he didn’t show at registration by Sunday evening, race organisers held onto his number, thinking he might arrive on Monday morning. Monday morning and still no sign. The bag with Henry’s number & timing chip ended up in the press bus and from there, merrily made its way around the course, a little bit ahead of the lead runners. No one on the bus realising the furore the little bag on the floor was unknowingly causing around the country, around the world. Not that the bag would ever have known!

So there ends the mysterious case of the fleet footed Phantom Runner of Dublin Marathon 2013. Mind where you leave your chips!

Date for 2014 Ballycotton 10 announced...

The 37th annual Ballycotton 10 mile road race will take place on Sunday March 9th, 2014. The full entry details will be available in a few days time.

Results & Photos of the 2013 Dublin City Marathon...Mon 28th Oct 2013

Conditions for this year's Dublin City Marathon were almost ideal....blue skies, sunshine, cool with no showers. There was a strong breeze but at street level with all of the buildings and the large crowds, it wasn't really an issue.

What made this year a lot more interesting as well was all of the Irish runners competing for the top prizes. 

1 Sean Hehir    Rathfarnham Wsaf    MS 2:18:19
2 Joe Sweeney    Dsd Ac    MS 2:19:26
3 Sergiu Ciobanu    Clonliffe Harriers A.c.    MS 2:22:02
4 Thomas Frazer    Crusaders Ac    MS 2:22:34
5 Paddy Hamilton    Annadale Striders    MS 2:23:37
6 Gary O' Hanlon    Clonliffe Harriers A.c.    M35 2:23:54
7 Alun Vaughan        MS 2:24:32
8 Eddie Mc Ginley    Annadale Striders    MS 2:24:52
9 Michael Mac Diarmada    Clonliffe Harriers A.c.    MS 2:25:53
10 Stephen Trainer        MS 2:26:36
11 Alan O' Shea    Bantry AC    MS 2:26:46
12 Mark Hoey    Star Of The Sea A.c    MS 2:28:47
13 Eoin Callaghan    Star Of The Sea A.c    MS 2:29:29
14 Brian James Murphy    Carrick-on-suir A.c.    M35 2:30:24
15 Conor Shelley        MS 2:31:28
16 Sandis Bralitis    West Waterford A.c.    MS 2:31:34
17 Bernard Roe    Raheny Shamrock A.c.    MS 2:32:02
18 Ismael Pereira Da Silva        M45 2:32:04
19 John Frazer    Crusaders Ac    MS 2:32:30
20 Pauric Mc Kinney    Inishowen A.c.    M45 2:33:03
21 Garreth Coughlan        MS 2:33:14
22 Paul Duffy    Sportsworld A.c.    MS 2:33:18
23 Peter Mooney        M35 2:34:08
24 Fergal Whitty    Donore Harriers    M35 2:34:51
25 Cedric Schramm        M35 2:34:51

1 Maria    Mc Cambridge F35     DSD AC 2:38:51
2 Claire    Mc Carthy F35     Leevale A.C. 2:39:27
3 Pauline    Curley F40     Tullamore Harriers 2:42:57
4 Fiona    Stack FS     Raheny Shamrock A.C. 2:49:04
5 Annette    Kealy F45     Raheny Shamrock A.C. 2:50:08
6 Emma    Murphy FS     St. Finbarrs A.C. 2:50:32
7 Angela    Mc Cann F40     Clonmel A.C 2:53:53
8 Ann Marie    Holland F35     St. Finbarrs A.C. 2:56:34
9 Orna    Dilworth FS     Sportsworld A.C. 2:57:31
10 Catherine    O' Dwyer F35 2:58:01
11 Lucy    Brennan F50     Sligo AC.     2:58:46
12 Anne    Curley F40     Donore Harriers 2:58:43

I'm not sure what it was like in previous years but there were substantial prizes on offer as can be seen above. Any Irish man breaking 2:35 or Irish woman breaking 3:00 got time bonuses.

The full results with splits can be seen HERE (..much faster than the official Dublin Marathon website)

National Championships results can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated Thurs @1pm)
1) Peter & Rory Mooney have a large gallery of photos HERE 
2) 'Wendy' has a gallery of 362 photos HERE 
3) William Murphy has a gallery HERE 
4) Rory Williams has a gallery HERE 
5) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos HERE 
6) Markus Schroeder has a gallery HERE 
7) Lindie Naughton has a gallery of 170 photos HERE 
8) Maurice Frazer has 47 photos HERE 
9) Tatyana Turchina has a number of the 5 hour plus finishers HERE
10) Alan Bannon has a gallery of over 1,000 photos HERE

Video...

1) 12 minute video...Fenian Street (near the Macken Street junction), near the finish line at the corner of Merrion Square and Lincoln Place, and finally on Grand Canal Street. Most of those filmed on Fenian Street and at the finishing line were running between a 3 hour and 3.30 hour pace. Those filmed on Grand Canal Street were running between a 4.30 and 5 hour pace.


2) Start of the 2013 Dublin City Marathon....and this is only the first wave!


3) This 55 minute video was taken near the earlier part of the race...

Ongoing...

The Science of Running on RTE

A recent RTE programme called The Science Squad had a look at some of the science behind the sport of running.

You can see it on the RTE Player Service until the 13th of November. The relevant clip is 8 minutes long.

Event notice...The Great Railway Run - Sun 10th Nov 2013

Following last year's inaugural event, this year's Great Railway Run will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2013. There are a choice of three distances.......a 25 km race starting at 9:30am from Cork City to Carrigaline, a 10 km race from Monkstown to Carrigaline starting at 10:15am or a 5 km fun run from Shanbally to Carrigaline starting at 11:15am.

The run will roughly follow the route of the old Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway which ran from 1850 until 1932.

For a large part of the run, the route will follow the old railway line that skirts the shores of Cork Harbour. Each event will finish at Carrigaline GAA Club. Shower facilities will be available in the GAA Club after the race and there will be bus transport to take runners back to the start areas after the race.

The pre-entry fee is €30 for the 25K and €20 for the 10K until the 7th of November. All proceeds from the event will go towards Carrigaline Lions Club

More details on the event website.

A full preview of the course can be seen HERE

Athletics Ireland announce selection standard for 2014 European Championships

Athletics Ireland have just announced the standards required to qualify for the European Athletics Championships in Zurich, Switzerland in August 2014.

For most events, the qualifying period runs from the 1st of January to the 21st of July 2014. The athlete in most cases either has obtain one 'A' standard or if they are a named 'Development Athlete' then they need two 'B' performances.

The full info can be seen HERE

Quinn Brothers Run Dublin City Marathon For MS Ireland

Back in 1980, the four Quinn brothers became a media sensation in the USA when they lined up to take part in the 1980 New York City Marathon. At the time, they were the first set of four brothers in the world to run in a marathon together. Reflecting on those times, Mick Quinn said......“We were four fairly unfit lads but we had youth on our side. We were about 22/23 years old and played GAA so we weren’t too worried. Once the media picked it up there was no turning back – we had to get fitter and fitter.”

Fast forward 33 years later to 2013 and the same four brothers have gone back into training for this year's Dublin City Marathon. On Monday, they will be running to raise funds for MS Ireland......“33 years later we’re doing again. While we’re a bit more rotund now, let’s say, and we may not do it in the same time as before, our intention is the same – to raise funds for a very worthy cause like MS Ireland.”

6 year old girl runs 2:47 Half-Marathon in Texas

At a recent Half-Marathon in Texas, 6 year old Keelan Glass ran the 13.1 mile course in 2h 46m. This works out as being 12:42 per mile pace. It is also being claimed as a world record for a six year old.

A short video report from local TV station KTXS can be seen HERE

This of course raises the whole debate about whether young children should be running in distance races anyway. As a one off, it's unlikely to do them any harm whereas if a six year old was doing it on a regular basis then it might be different. The current guidelines from Athletics Ireland is that no-one under 18 should be racing distances longer than 10 kms.

Update....There is a story about 10 and 12 year old sisters running races on a regular basis in the New York Times . These include half-marathons and a full marathon.

Looking ahead to the 2013 Dublin City Marathon

Looking at a national level, the big race this weekend is of course the Dublin City Marathon. As well as being the National Marathon, it is also the largest Marathon in the country with some 14,000 runners taking part.

Weather Forecast........(Updated Sun 8am)...Last weather forecast for the Dublin City Marathon. Monday morning...Bright and cool for most of the event. Strong breeze from the west / north-west making it feel colder than it is. Showers possible but overall, looks reasonable enough.

Course Map......Click on this link to see the map for the 2013 course

Video of the course......

Here is the official race video from 2012 to give you a flavour of whats in store...

Cork Runner looking for sponsorship for Cancer charities

John Quigley, who is the chairman of Eagle AC, a local club in Cork, is running in the Dublin City Marathon next Monday and hopes to raise funds for two cancer charities. You might consider making a donation to these fine causes...

John Quigley.........."As some of you may be aware, I am a Cancer Survivor, having had a Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer. That was in May 2008. I'm running the Dublin City Marathon again next Monday. This will be my fourth Marathon since then and I will again be running Dublinwith my "Cancer Survivor" strip on my singlet.
 
I have opened two charity pages which are in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and Cork ARC. 

My Irish Cancer Society fundraising page

My Cork ARC fundraising page
Cork ARC Cancer Support House is a voluntary organisation and registered charity located at O’Donovan Rossa Road, Cork. ARC standing for Aftercare, Research, Counselling was established to provide a holistic centre in which people with cancer and their families can find emotional support and practical help. Our aim is to provide therapies that complement the medical model, so as to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer. All Services are provided free of charge and supported through fundraising initiatives.

Both of these charities provide wonderful services, help and assistance to those facing Cancer.

I found them both badly needed and wonderful when I required most help, and now, in turn, do what I can to help them.  I am a mentor for Prostate Cancer, through the Irish Cancer Society FREEFONE Helpline  1800 200 700.

One of my main aims is to demonstrate that there can be life after a Cancer diagnosis, and to provide inspiration and hope to those faced with Cancer in their daily life. Cancer diagnosis is a traumatic event for everyone, patient and those who care for them. Some of us get a second chance - this is my way of saying thanks!

Any donation no matter how small is hugely appreciated. Many thanks in advance for your support........John Quigley

PS both pages will remain open for donations until Nov 29th.

Marine Corps Marathon bans halloween masks and hydration packs

The Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest Marathons in the USA and attracts some 30,000 runners. Following on from the bombings at the Boston Marathon back in April, security has been tightened for the race next Sunday with various items like halloween masks and hydration packs being banned.

The report below shows how things have changed for major running events in the US.

Event notice...John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race - Sun 26th Jan 2014

Now as we head towards the end of 2013, it's time to look ahead to the Spring of 2014 and what lies ahead. This is the traditional season for 10 mile road races in Munster and the four big ones are Ballycotton, Dungarvan, Mallow and Cobh.

The first one up is the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race on Sunday the 26th of January 2014. This is for me one of the best road races in Munster and it attracts runners from all over the country. Please note there is an entry limit of 2,000 this year and it will almost certainly close well before race day. The entry fee is €20 and that includes a Nike dry-fit running top. It really is an excellent top and as good as you'd get in any race. The entries are flying in already so enter asap

Here is some details from the organising club West Waterford AC...

At a photo launch recently in the towns Walton Park, John Treacy along with race sponsors and club committee members, details were announced of the 23rd Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 Mile Road Race.

The event now in its 23rd year has established itself as a must run race on the Irish road running calendar with participants from all four corners of the country and beyond participating. The race has grown year on year and is a pre-entry race only with the close date January 13th for the January 26th 2014 race or when 2,000 entries is reached .Please note that race entries closed in a matter weeks last year leaving hundreds disappointed on not being able to participate.( please get your entry in immediately )

To stage such a big event of course requires good sponsors and we are fortunate to have the support of the local authorities, Go Dungarvan, GlaxoSmithKline, Dungarvan Shopping Centre, Glanbia, Optimum Nutrition, Tipperary Water, Flahavan’s, Nike Ireland along with many other local businesses and individuals who are all giving valuable support helping to make the day a great occasion for the town of Dungarvan.

Introduced to the event three years ago the John Treacy Club Challenge Cup for men’s and ladies teams is proving to be highly successful. We will again be calling on all the athletic clubs of Ireland to take on the challenge in the 2014 event.

The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 bring’s together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who compete over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan as we all look forward to an even bigger and better event on January 26th  next.

All race and entry details can be found at www.dungarvan10mile.org

Postal entry forms HERE

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

82 year old Canadian Ed Whitlock runs record 3:41 Marathon

A year ago, I had a post up about Ed Whitlock from Canada who ran a 3:30 Marathon in Toronto aged 81 years old, a new record for that age group. Now one year later, he is rewriting the record books again aged 82.

At the 2013 Toronto Waterfront Marathon last Sunday, Ed Whitlock ran 3:41:58 setting a new record for an 82 year old. The previous record of 3:48:35 was set by Ed Benham in 1989.

Having started the race initially just faster than 8 min/mile pace, his pace began to slow around 15 miles and then more so at 20 miles. For the last 3 miles, his pace had dropped to about 10 min/mile pace before finally getting to the finish line in 3:41.

A short article about how he train can be seen in this earlier post.

US Medical expert says Ireland is following USA on obesity path

Despite the current running and fitness boom, it would seem that a very high percentage of the Irish population are heading in the other direction.

At a launch of a SafeFood programme, Professor John Lewis PhD from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said that with 60% of Irish adults were obese or overweight and that Ireland was following in the footsteps of the USA.

Prof Lewis said......."Ireland is already not far behind America, so I would be very concerned. The overweight/obesity crisis is a global, not just a US, problem. If Ireland is the 7th most obese country in the world, I believe it would be difficult to move out of the top 10 with any strategy in less than 24 months. Getting a large enough percentage of the population to lose weight that rapidly would probably be very challenging."

Results & Photos of the Cork Masters and Novice B Cross Country...Sun 20th Oct 2013

The Cork AAI Masters and Novice 'B' Cross Country Championships were held in Conna in NE Cork on Sunday, the 20th of Oct 2013.

Top 3 women in the masters race...Anna O'Neill 2nd, Maura Regan 1st & Rhona Lynch 3rd...Photo Joe Murphy of Eagle AC

Masters Women 1 Maura O’Regan (Eagle AC), 2 Anna O’Neill (Dohenys), 3 Rhona Lynch (Eagle AC)
Masters Men 1  Alex O’Shea (St Finbarrs), 2 Shane Simcox (Mallow), 3 Donal Cofffey (Leevale)

Novice B Championships - 
Women 1 Fiona Santry (East Cork), 2 Ronnie Barry (Bandon), 3 Amy Wolfe (Leevale),
Club  1 Carrig Na bhFear (J.Forest, M.Whooley, S.Walsh, L.Nudgent) 42, 3 St.Finbars 43, 3 Leevale,

Men 1 Michael Dulea (Skibbereen), 2 Michael Harrington  (West Muskerry) 3 Michael Corbett (St Finbars). 
Club 1 St Finbarrs (Corbett, P.Penny, J’O Reilly, R.O’Mahony) 35, 2 Clonakilty Road Runners  71, 3 Midleton 82. 

Full results when they are available.

Photos...
1) John Quigley has a number of photos below...
a) Masters Women
b) Novice Women
c) Novice 'B' Men

Rob Heffernan's Gold medal stolen from car in Dublin

 

This just out..........Rob Heffernan's World Championship Gold medal was stolen from his car today while attending an awards function in Dublin. The theft was reported to the Gardai straight away and was recovered a short time later in a 'sting' operation.

On his Twitter account, Rob said......“Huge thank you to An Gardai and my manager Derry who performed a sting operation to retrieve my stolen medal,”

Fionnuala Britton wins Gerry Farnan X-Country in Dublin...Sun 20th Oct 2013

European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala Britton was in action in Dublin today in the Gerry Farnan X-Country event and was the clear winner of the womens race with 41 seconds to spare over the second placed finisher.

Results from Gerry Farnan Cross Country 2013
Ladies...81 results
1 Fionnuala Britton Kilcoole Senior 488 15:45
2 Sara Louise Treacy Moynaltey Kilclon Senior 483 16:26
3 Laura Crowe An Riocht Senior 462 16:36
4 Ann-Marie McGlynn(Larkin) Lifford Senior 451 16:44
5 Ciara Durkan Skerries Senior 586 16:44
6 Kerry O Flaherty Newcastle Senior 594 16:47
7 Sarah McCormack Clonliffe Harriers Senior 496 16:50
8 Sarah Mullingan DSD Senior 497 16:54
9 Aoife Talty Raheny Senior 552 17:01
10 Siobhan O'Doherty Borrisokane Senior 453 17:22

Mens...112 results
1 Michael Mulhare Portlaoise Senior 1870 24:30
2 David McCarthy West Waterford Senior 1868 24:51
3 John Coughlan MSB Senior 1973 24:53
4 Mark Hanrahan Leevale Senior 1944 25:10
5 Colm Rooney Clonliffe Harriers Senior 1896 25:18
6 Benjamin Thistlewood Leevale Senior 1939 25:19
7 Conor Bradley City of Derry Senior 1830 25:30
8 Cillian O'Leary Raheny Senior 1895 25:36
9 Mick Clohisey Raheny Senior 1905 25:40
9 Brian MacMahon Clonliffe Harriers Senior 1880 25:40

The full results can be seen HERE

The top four finishers in the Senior and Junior races and the top two U23 finishers today will go onto represent Ireland at the Lotto Cross Cup in Antwerp, Belgium on the 3rd of November.

Results of Buttevant 5k fun...Sun 20th Oct 2013

There was a 5k fun run in Buttevant in N.Cork on Sunday the 20th of Oct 2013

# time First Name Surname Club M/F Age
1 21:43 VINCENT HIGGINS NA M50
2 21:44 JONATHON GOGGIN LISCARROLL AC MS
3 22:15 SARAH GAYER NA FS
4 22:44 MAURA HEFFERNAN LISCARROLL AC FS
5 23:50 BRENDAN FAHY NA M44
6 25:42 Timmy Cronin N/A M49
7 26:06 SEAN GUERIN NA M40
8 26:10 DIARMUID DOODY NA MJ
9 26:39 SIOBHAN HEFFERNAN LISCARROLL AC FS
10 26:52 JOANNE MCLOUGHLIN NA FS
11 27:26 MARGARET MCLOUGHLIN NA FS
12 27:28 MAUREEN MULLANE NA FS
13 28:32 CIARA HENNESSEY NA FS
14 28:33 CIARAN MCCARTHY NA MJ
15 28:46 DAVE MANTON NA M42
16 29:31 ABBIE CARROLL NA FJ
17 29:33 EOIN CARROLL NA M S
18 29:45 TRACY NOONAN NA FS
19 29:47 LISA GUERIN MALLOW AC FS
20 29:56 JJ BREEN NA M50
21 32:57 PAUDIE MCCARTHY NA MJ
22 32:57 FIONA DOODY NA F35
23 32:57 MICK MC    CARTHY NA M42
24 41:01 TJ MCCARTHY NA MJ
25 41:03 RICHIE MCCARTHY NA M40

Results of the LeisureWorld Rebel Run 10k...Sun 20th Oct 2013

A total of 506 people took part in this years LeisureWorld Rebel Run 10k race in Bishopstown, up from the 471 of 2012.

1    MCCARTHY    JAMES 32:10 SM   
2    MCGRATH    SEAN 32:13 SM    East Cork AC
3    TUDOR    MOLDOVAN 33:22  SM   
69    CRONIN    NIAMH 43:36 SF    St finbarrs AC
74    CALLANAN    MARGARET 43:54 F40    Bandon Fit 4 Life
113    DUFFY    DOLORES 46:03  F40

The full results can be seen HERE

Note that 18 results have been removed by the organisers due to people wearing headphones.

Photos...
1) Doug Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE
2) Gearóid Ó Laoi has a gallery HERE

(Image courtesy of Doug Minihane)

Results of the Rosscarbery Steamengine 5k...Sat 19th Oct 2013

1 Collins, John Skibbereen AC M 16:27
2 Bouse, Ciaran Eagle AC M 17:37
3 Deane, Paul Clon RR M 18:00
10 Barry, Ronnie Bandon AC F 20:02
17 Neville, Imelda Clon F 22:17
20 O'Driscoll, Avril Reenascreena F 22:26

The full results can be seen HERE

One of the top female high jumpers in the world in Carlow for treatment

Every so often in the world of athletics news, something of Irish interest pops up. One such item was released by the IAAF today when they mentioned that one of the worlds top female athletes Blanka Vlasic from Croatia was in Co.Carlow of all places for treatment for an achilles injury. As the article says........" the journey back to the being one of the best exponents of her art has begun in the most peculiar of places. Carlow:  a small, sleepy town in south east Ireland."

Blanka Vlasic was the World Indoor high jump champion in 2008 and 2010 and was voted World Athlete of the Year in 2010.

The following is an extract from the article....“I’m really happy,” Vlasic says of her current progress, which is being overseen by Irish physical therapist Anthony Geoghegan at his clinic in Carlow. “At this point everything looks good. I’m on the right track,” she added, looking ahead to next year’s Championships, which take place in the Polish city of Sopot from 7-9 March. I don’t want to rush it,” she said. “Once I come back, I want to be 100 per cent; not only 100 per cent healthy but also with good results. My subjective feeling will tell me what to do, when I’m ready.”

The full article can be seen HERE

Interview......Irish sports commentator Will Downing caught up with Blanka Vlasic and the 15 minute interview can be heard below...

Eddie Murphy Memorial races in Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare...Sun 17th Nov 2013

Anyone that is interested in distance running might find this of interest. On the 17th of November, the Eddie Murphy Memorial take place in Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare. The course consists of a one mile loop in the village and multiple loops of this are used for a Half Marathon, full 26.2 mile Marathon, a 30 mile Ultra-Marathon and a 52 mile double Marathon.

Entries to this event are limited so enter asap if you are interested.

More details on the Running in Munster website.

Route details for the Rebel Run 10k on Sunday

Just a reminder that all of the route details for the Rebel Run 10k race on Sunday can be seen HERE

The current forecast from Met Eireann is that it is likely to be unsettled although mostly dry....."Relatively mild on Sunday with sunny spells. A lot of dry weather is expected through the day but there will be a few showers again too - most likely occurring early on in the day. A breezier day with moderate to fresh southerly winds. Highest temperatures 14 or 15 degrees Celsius."

Irish Examiner article on Mark Pollock...

The 5k and 10k Run in the Dark is coming up on Wednesday, the 13th of November as outlined in this earlier post.

The Irish Examiner had an article today on Mark Pollock and his life to date...http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/the-three-lives-of-mark-pollock-246516.html

Preparations begin for the European Cross Country Championships

In December of 2012, the Irish womens team won the European Cross County Championships in Hungary. The Olympic Council of Ireland have just issued a statement about how the Irish team will be selected for the 2013 event in Serbia...

The European Cross Country Championships will be held in Belgrade, Serbia on 8th of December.  National Endurance Coach, Chris Jones who is leading athlete and team preparations for the championships commented: “We have invested in preparations for these championships. I have just returned from a very productive high altitude training camp in Font Romeu, in the French Pyrenees with our Senior Squad. Our Junior athletes have been involved in squad development sessions allowing for their fitness and preparations to be tracked.”

Race preparations for the championships commences this Sunday with the Gerry Farnham Cross Country Race with double European Cross Country champion, Fionnuala Britton lining up. The race will form an important stepping stone for those seeking selection for the European Cross Country Championships. The top four finishers in Senior and Junior races and the top two U23 finishers will go onto represent Ireland at the Lotto Cross Cup in Antwerp, Belgium on the 3rd of November. This is a European Permitted race which will provide quality race competition for the athletes selected. One athlete will be pre-selected for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships if the finish in the top 8 in the Junior and Senior race (male & female). While one U23 athlete (male & female) who finishes in the top 12 in the Senior race will gain pre-selection.

The Athletics Ireland competition committee has also moved the date of the Woodie’s DIY Inter-county Cross Country Championships from its traditional slot of the third weekend in November to the 17th of November to facilitate preparation for the European Championships. The race will be opened to International competition to allow for our top athletes to be involved in a competitive race. The top three across the line in the Senior and Junior races (men & women) will gain automatic selection while in the U23 men and woman the top three will gain favourable selection.

Team selection will take place on the 25th of November with Press Conference on the 27th of November
Full Team selection policy is available on http://hp.athleticsireland.ie/images/spolicy/2013/EXC/13_EXCPolicy_100813.pdf

Online entries for Rebel Run 10k extended until noon on Thurs 17th of October

Entries to the Rebel Run 10k next Sunday has been extended until noon on Thursday the 17th of October.

The photo above shows the race bags packed and ready to go. Entries close at 12 noon Thursday 17th. Over 500 entries now so only a few left. Bag collection in at LesiureWorld Cork next to CIT in Bishopstown. Collection times 5-8pm thurs & fri, sat 12-2.00.

More details in this earlier post.

Red FM Radio interview with Ciarán Ó Lionáird

At the 2013 European Athletics Indoor Championships in March, Ciarán Ó Lionáird finished 3rd in the Men's 3000 metres.

Last week, local radio station Red FM caught up with him for an interview on his plans for the future. He talks about how he hopes to put his achilles injury finally behind him and to prepare for the European Championships in 2014, the World Championship in 2015 and the Olympics in Rio in 2016.

The interview can be heard HERE. (It starts at 16:25 and lasts until 25:15)

Photos of the Nathan Kirwan 5k charity run...Sun 13th Oct 2013

This 5k charity fun run was held in Shanballybally near Ringaskiddy on Sunday, the 13th of October.

Kieran Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE

Reminder...LeisureWorld Rebel Run 10k coming up next Sunday

Just a reminder that the LeisureWorld Rebel Run 10k is coming up next Sunday the 20th of October. You must pre-enter for this race and there will no be entries on the day.

The entry fee is €15 and that includes a quality DARE2B tech top.

More details about the race in this earlier post.

A full preview of the course can be seen HERE

Results of the Ardfield 5 km & 10k road race...Sun 13th Aug 2013

5k results
 1 Donal Coffey 16:23    00:16:21    Senior Male Leevale
2 Tadhg CASEY 20:03    00:20:01    Senior Male
3 Pat WALSH 20:09    00:20:08    Senior Male  Bride Rover
9 Maire Walsh 22:49    00:22:47    Senior Female 
14 Roni Crowley 24:43    00:24:38    Senior Female 
16 Caroline White 24:50    00:24:44    Senior Female 

10 k results
1 Michael DULLEA 34:35    00:34:34    Senior Male  Skibbereen
2 Don KEOHANE 38:02    00:38:00    45-49 Male  Eagle A.C.
3 Ciaran BOUSE 38:59    00:38:58    Senior Male Eagle A.C.
6 Breeda ???? 40:51    00:29:43    50+ Female
9 Ronnie BARRY 42:29    00:42:28    Senior Female  Bandon
20 Margaret CALLNAN 45:26    00:45:24    45-49 Female

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Cork to Cobh 15 mile race...Sun 6th Oct 2013

The results of the Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh 15 mile road race are now available.

Looking at the results for 2013 and comparing it to previous years, the numbers this year were down around 19%. It's not immediately obvious why this was the case? The Cork county novice cross country championships were on the same day so that may have taken a few. The 'Human Race' over much the same distance in Limerick City may have attracted runners from the north of Munster and beyond so that might have been a major factor?

Looking back through the overall numbers, I had a look at the numbers finishing at different paces as well. I did something similar with the Ballycotton results back in August and it looks pretty much the same.

As can be seen from the graph, the numbers for Cork to Cobh peaked in 2010 with 848 runners and 2013 was down 23% on the peak. Another stat to pick out is the number of people who ran the 15 mile course in under 7 minute per mile pace. The numbers at that pace haven't change much in the last years despite the growth in overall numbers.

As a percentage, the numbers running sub 8 minutes per mile were at a peak back in 2003 at 60.9%. That has reduced to an all time low in 2013 of 40.8%.

Results.......
1 ALAN O'SHEA , 2 JOHN MEADE , 3 Cornelius Marshall , 4 DAVID RYAN , 5 Mike Morgan , 6 KEVIN WILMOT

1 NIAMH DEVLIN , 2 JILL HODGINS, 3 ANN MARIE HOLLAND, 4 ANGELA MCCANN, 5 ANNAMARIE COSTELLO, 6 MARY SWEENEY

The full results can be seen HERE

Links to photos of the 2013 race can be seen in this earlier post.

Event Notice...Run in the Dark 5k/10k...Wed 13th Nov 2013

Following the success of last years Run in the Dark charity events, they will be repeated again this year in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and Manchester.

The Cork event last year attracted over 1,000 people and it looks likely that a similar number will want to take part in this unique event around the streets of the city at night.

You can enter this race on the event website... http://www.runinthedark.org/

More details in later posts..

Athletics Illustrated interview with Sonia O'Sullivan

Athletics Illustrated published an interview with Sonia O'Sullivan on their website yesterday.

You can see it HERE

Race notice...Ardfield 5k & 10k road race - Sun 13th Oct 2013

Every year, the Clonakilty Marathon passes through the small village of Ardfield as it winds it's way along the coast near Galley Head. It is probably one of the nicest parts of the course as there are views out over the West Cork countryside and the ocean.

Next Sunday the 13th of October, there is a 5 km and 10 km road race in the village. Both courses have been accurately measured by Jones Counter and the event has an Athletics Ireland licence.

Ardfield itself is just 6 kms to the south of Clonakilty...

Registration for the race is at Mountain House which is just to the south of Ardfield. You can register on the Saturday between 5pm and 7pm or on the morning of the race from 11am. The 5k costs €7 and the 10k costs €12.

5k......A full preview of the 5 km race with maps, directions, photos can be seen HERE

10k......A full preview of the 10 km race with maps, directions, photos can be seen HERE

From the race organisers...Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Ardfield Rathbarry Playground Group are getting ready for this years Ardfield Road Run on October 13th 2013.  The run consists of both a 5Km and 10Km and all levels of fitness are welcome – as the logo goes ‘Walk It, Run It, Race It’. Both are very enjoyable courses that start and finish in Ardfield village and take in spectacular views from Inchydoney to the Galley Head with the last 3km of both courses being the same adding greatly to the occasion.

In 2012 over 300 competitors took part with Georgie Waugh of Bandon AC winning the 10km and Kieran McKeown winning the 5km.  This year the event has an AAI permit and will be chip timed. The race is ideal timing for athletes competing in the Dublin City marathon and for anyone preparing for the local Clonakilty Waterfront marathons being held in December.

Registration will take place at the Mountain House, Ardfield on Saturday 12th October from 5pm til 7pm and on the day from 11am.  The race begins at 12.30pm.  The entry fee is €7 for the 5K and €12 for the 10K.  Post race refreshments will be served in the local GAA complex. Further details can be found on the Ardfield Rathbarry Playground Group Facebook page. A fun and challenging afternoon is guaranteed by the organisers - whatever the weather!

11 year old wins 5k race in New Jersey

Spotted on the net recently. Last Sunday, Catherine Wimmer aged just 11 years old won the womens race at the Little Silver 5k in New Jersey in a time of 19:46.

Race notice...Leisureworld Rebel Run 10k - Sun 20th Oct 2013

This 10 km road race is coming up in Bishopstown on Sunday, the 20th of October. This is obviously going to be of interest to a lot of people not only because of it's central location but also because a dry-fit top is included in the entry fee of €15.

Features...
a) Limited to 800 runners
b) AAI licence and accurately measured by Jones Counter
c) Technical running top
d) Over 18's only

Entries.......You have two options...
a) You can enter online HERE until noon on Thursday the 17th of October.
b) If you wish to enter by post then you can find an entry form HERE

Sign ins will also take place in Leisureworld Bishopstown during the following times & dates prior to the event on October 20th: Thursday 17th & Friday 18th between 5pm and 8pm and Saturday 19th October between 12pm and 2pm.  You will pick up your goody bag, technical running t-shirt, timing chip and race number there.

Note that there is no sign-in or registrations on the morning of the race.

Preview......A full preview of the course can be seen HERE

The race is organised is association with Cork Sports Partnership and their race website is HERE

Photos of the Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh race...Sun 6th Oct 2013

The annual Cork BHAA 15 mile Cork to Cobh race was held today Sunday, the 6th of Oct in somewhat misty conditions. Nothing too serious though and conditions were pretty ideal for most of the race.

As a race, it must be one of the best value events in the country. Well organised, plenty of stewards, loads of tea / food afterwards AND a dry fit top courtesy of the race sponsor Mahers Sports........all for just €10 if you pre-entered. I keep a list of races in Munster HERE and as a result, I have a fair idea of who is charging what around the province. There is no other distance race that even gets close to value like this.

It's also worth noting that there was no chip timing on the day nor was there any need for it. Another factor that helped keep the entry fee down.

The results should be ready in a few days. In the meantime, here are some photos...

(Updated 8th Oct @8:30am)
1) Doug Minihane has 400+ photos HERE
2) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE 
3) Kieran Minihane has a gallery HERE 
4) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a large gallery of photos HERE

Irish athletes look for funding for the Rio Olympics in 2016

As anyone who follows Irish athletics will know, funding for individual athletes is always an issue. Every year, the Irish Sports Council give out grants but only the very top international athletes like Rob Heffernan can hope to get the maximum amount. For younger up and coming athletes, their grants, if any, are a lot smaller and money is always an issue. They have the dilemma of trying to do the training required to reach an international standard and still be able to support themselves.

An interesting development on the Internet in the last year or two has been the use of sites like Kickstarter whereby people are asked to fund various business ideas and projects. The concept is called 'crowd sourcing'.

With those two facts in mind, some of Ireland's up and coming stars are now looking for funding for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brother and sister Thomas and Jessie Barr from Waterford are top Irish hurdlers. Thomas put in some great performances in 2013 and came within five one-hundredths of a second of equaling the Irish 400m hurdles record. Jessie is the second fastest woman on the Irish all time list for the 400m hurdles.

This is their fundraising video...

This is the Barr's fundraising page.

Sarah Lavin from Limerick is just 19 years old and is already the 3rd fastest woman in the 100m hurdles on the Irish all time list.

This is her fundraising video...

This is Sarah's fundraising page.

Open Cross Country race in Dungarvan, Waterford...Sun 6th Oct 2013

This might be of interest to anyone in East Cork, S.Tipp or Waterford. In nearly all cases, cross country country races are only open to members of athletic clubs. In Dungravan on Sunday the 6th of October, West Waterford AC are organising a cross country event that is open to anyone who wants to take part.

More details on the Running in Munster website.

UK study finds that exercise can be as good as medicine

A recent report in the British Medical Journal looked at hundreds of trials involving roughly 340,000 people to see what the effects of exercise were in preventing death. It was found that 'moderate exercise' was as good as medicine in some conditions. This would include swimming, fast walking, light running and cycling. For heart failure patients, medicines called diuretics were clearly better while exercise was best for stroke patients in terms of life expectancy.

Overall, medical experts  stressed that both exercise and medicines should be used in tandem with each other for maximum effect rather than one on their own.

In the UK, only about 30% of the population do the recommended amount of 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week.

A spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation said....."Medicines are an extremely important part of the treatment of many heart conditions and people on prescribed drugs should keep taking their vital meds. If you have a heart condition or have been told you're at high risk of heart disease, talk to your doctor about the role that exercise can play in your treatment."
A spokesperson for the British Stroke Association said...."We would like to see more research into the long-term benefits of exercise for stroke patients. By taking important steps, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and stopping smoking, people can significantly reduce their risk of stroke. Moderate physical activity, for example, can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 27%."

The 8 stages of a Marathon...

Any of these ring a bell??