Notice...Kinneigh Round Tower 10k, Ballineen - Wed 2nd July 2014

This 10k race is coming up in West Cork on Wednesday the 2nd of July at 7:30pm. Ballineen is just a few miles to the west of Bandon on the road to Dunmanway.

Info from the organisers.......Ballineen fit4life group hosting the Kenneigh  10k on next Wednesday 2nd of July 2014. Registration opens at 6,30 @ Beda Hall in Ballineen. Entry is only €10 on the night. Race start 7:30pm. Prizes for 1,2,3 ladies and men. Also cash prize for course record . Three water stations plus water and fruit at finish and refreshments at the Beda Hall after.

Ballineen / Enniskeane are in the heart of West Cork, located on the R586 road between Bandon and Dunmanway....

The route takes in the countryside to the NW of Ballineen....

Preview........A full preview of the course with maps, profile & photos can be seen HERE

Notice...Bere Island 5k & 10k Midsummer Run - Sat 12th July 2014

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.

There are plenty of races that are cheaper to enter but none are in such a scenic location. If you are thinking of going then it would really worth considering making a day of it rather than just going for  the race itself.

Last year, they had superb weather for the race as you can see from the photos linked from last years results.

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.

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

Results of the Courtmacsherry 10k road race...Fri 27th June 2014

285 runners turned out for this years Courtmacsherry - Timoleague 10k road race in West Cork.

1    Cillian OTUAMA  34:00 35-39  (1)     Male  (1)
2    Michael DULLEA  34:24 35-39  (2)     Male  (2)
3    Dennis LYONS 35:10 35-39  (3)     Male  (3)
9    Carmel CROWLEY 37:50 45-49  (1)     Female  (1)
34    Ronnie BARRY  41:07 35-39  (1)     Female  (2)
35    Una PLANET  41:17 40-44  (1)     Female  (3)

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Willie Neenan 10k road race, Millstreet - Fri 27th June 2014

This 10k race in Millstreet was the third race of six in the ongoing Ballyhoura Cork Series and attracted a field of 134 runners.

1 Tim O'Connor   An Ríocht AC      M     MS  32:58
2 Michael Herlihy        North Cork AC MS      33:34
3 Brian Murphy        Valentia Island MS      33:59
11 Martina Kiely        St Finbarrs FS     38:00
12 Carol Finn        Leevale AC FS 38:22
31 Grainne O'Callaghan         FS      42:58

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos from Kilmallock AC

Results of the Shanagarry 5 mile road race...Thurs 26th June 2014

A record 602 runners took part in this years Shanagarry 5 mile road race in East Cork, the second race of four in the ongoing Ballycotton Summer Series. Although this is just five ahead of the previous record of 597 set last year in 2013, what makes it remarkable is that almost 600 people took part in a 5k in Macroom at the same time.

The chart below shows the breakdown of numbers....

The mens race was won by James McCarthy of East Cork AC in a time of 24:53. It's worth noting that the last time that someone ran sub 5 minute miles for this race was back in 2005.

Another notable performance was that of Cathal O'Connell who set a new M50 course record when he ran 27:17. The previous M50 record was held by John Buckley who ran 27:37 back in 1996.

An East Cork 1,2,3 in the mens race...Tim O'Donoghue #454, Michael Harty #2 and James McCarthy #1. Photo: Paudie Birmingham

1 24:53    MCCARTHY, James    East Cork AC    M    04:58.5
2 25:07    O'DONOGHUE, Tim    East Cork AC    M    05:01.3
3 26:04    HARTY, Michael    East Cork AC    M    05:12.7
56 31:30    GRANT, Karen    Midleton AC    F    06:17.9
77 32:18    LEONARD, Helen    Leevale AC    F40    06:27.5
103 33:07 GILROY, Helen    Midleton AC    F45    06:37.3 

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos....
1) Paudie Birmingham has 400 plus photos HERE 

Overall positions for the Ballycotton Summer Series......With two of the four races now finished, John Robinson has compiled the overall positions. Remember, there are top 50 men and top 30 women t-shirts at the end of the series. Click HERE

Results of the Daniel Kingston 5k...Thurs 26th June 2014

A large crowd of 578 took part in this charity 5k in Macroom with all proceeds going to Cork Cancer Support House. That's an impressive number of people considering the Shanagarry 5 mile in East Cork was on at the same time and would have attracted a lot of runners from Cork City.

1 Joe CUNNIGHAM 16:37 35-44  (1)     Male  (1)
2 Michael DULLEA 16:41 35-44  (2)     Male  (2)
3 Conor MCCAULEY 16:44 19-34  (1)     Male  (3)
8 Emma MURPHY 17:40 19-34  (1)     Female  (1)
9 Maria MCCARTHY 18:16 35-44  (1)     Female  (2)
17 Clodagh MCMORROW 19:38  19-34  (2)     Female  (3)

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated Fri 27th @8pm)
1) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a slideshow of photos HERE

Video from the perspecive of world record pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie

Renaud Lavillenie from France is the current world record holder for the pole vault. This shows the view from the athletes perspective....


Not a sport for those with a fear of heights! :o)

Upcoming events.....Thurs 26th & Fri 27th June 2014

Roll the clock back about 10 years ago and there was maybe one race every week in Cork during the Summer months. In more recent years, that has gone to almost two per week. This year however, things just seem to be busier than ever with multiple races every week.

This is a selection of what is on offer over the next two days....

Thurs 26th June @8pm......Shanagarry 5 mile road race. The 2nd race of 4 in the Ballycotton Summer Series....http://corkrunning.blogspot.ie/2014/06/noticeshanagarry-5-mile-road-race-thurs.html

Thurs 26th June @8pm......Daniel Kingston 5k in Macroom with the proceeds going to charity..... http://corkrunning.blogspot.ie/2014/06/noticedaniel-kingston-5k-charity-run.html

Fri 27th June @7:30pm.....Graded Track & Field League at the CIT track in Bishopstown...
http://corkrunning.blogspot.ie/p/cork-graded-t-league.html

Fri 27th June @7:30pm.......Millstreet 10k road race. This race in NW Cork is the 3rd race in the ongoing Ballyhoura Cork Series.... http://corkrunning.blogspot.ie/2014/06/noticewillie-neenan-memorial-10k-road.html

Fri 27th June @8pm.....Courtmacsherry - Timoleague 10k road race. A very flat and fast 10k course in SW Cork... http://corkrunning.blogspot.ie/2014/06/noticecourtmacsherry-timoleague-10k.html

Fri 27th June @7:30pm..........and for those of you in South Tipp, there is the Ballyneale 5k organised by Clonmel AC... http://munsterrunning.blogspot.ie/2014/06/noticethe-champion-kiely-5k-road-race.html

Notice...Shanagarry 5 mile road race - Thurs 26th June 2014

The second race in the 2014 Ballycotton Summer Series is coming up on Thursday evening with the Shanagarry 5 mile road race in East Cork. The entry fee is just €5 and it looks likely to attract a large crowd. Note however that the current spell of fine weather is coming to an end with plenty of rain forecast on Thursday.

With an 8pm start, it is advisable to arrive in plenty of time...certainly well before 7:30pm. Note that the car parks are often some distance from the start line so take note.

You can enter the race at the local GAA grounds in the village.

Note from the organisers....All those who ran in Ballyandreen will have their numbers ready, lists start with No 1 for men and No 501 for women. Lists will be displayed on the wall, just find your number and ask for it at table.

John Robinson has put together a list showing the race numbers HERE

Course Preview......Directions and a course preview can be seen HERE

Derval O'Rourke announces her retirement from athletics

Derval O'Rourke was one of the top athletes in the country and today she has just announced her retirement from athletics. In a statement she said.....
“I’ve had an absolutely amazing career in athletics and for that I am so grateful to all the support I have received along the way.  It’s been a tough decision but it feels like the right time.  I knew I could compete this season, but not in a time to be in medal contention by European Outdoors. Going to a Championships just to be there, isn’t me. 

“The last competitive race I ran was the bronze medal I won last year at European Indoors and I feel like that was a great performance.  I’ve been extremely lucky with the team I’ve had around me, Sean and Terrie Cahill are the rock that my success has been built on.  Together we forged a way to be successful on a world stage and I’m incredibly grateful for their focus, passion and dedication.

“I’ve loved every minute of my athletics career but now I’m going to take some time to reflect what has been a very privileged job for me for the past 12 years and make some decisions for the future”

Derval O'Rourke Achievements
Gold - 60m Hurdles - World Indoor Championships 2006 (Moscow)
Silver - 100m Hurdles - European Championships 2006 (Gothenburg)
Silver - 100m Hurdles - European Championships 2010 (Barcelona)
Bronze - 60m Hurdles - European Indoor Championships 2009 (Turin)
Bronze - 60m Hurdles - European Indoor Championships 2013 (Gothenburg)
Fourth - 100m Hurdles - World Championships 2009 (Berlin)
Three-time Irish Olympian - Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012
Represented Europe at the IAAF Continental Cup in 2010
Irish Senior Record Holder -
50m Hurdles Indoor (6.80 - Lievin 2006)
60m Hurdles Indoor (7.84 - Moscow 2006)
100m Hurdles Outdoor (12.65 - Barcelona 2010)
She will of course be best remembered for winning the 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Championships in Moscow in 2006...(Derval is in lane 3)


Anyone who has watched Derval O'Rourke in competition will know that when it came to getting out of the starting blocks and over that first hurdle, she was world class. It was this quality that saw her win the 2006 indoor 60m title in a time of 7.84 seconds.

The chart below shows the fastest times by Irish women in the 60m hurdles indoors...

As you can see, Derval O'Rourke's times are in a different league.

This chart shows the fastest Irish times over 100m...

Just as Sarah Lavin and Susan Smith have times noticeably faster than the rest, Derval O'Rourke's times are in another league again.

Notice...Run Killarney Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 19th July 2014

Since it's inception, this event has evolved from year on year. At first, it was just the 15 mile 'Maxi-Marathon'. Over time, a Half-Marathon event was added and last year, a full Marathon option was  included.

This year, there are some changes again. The half-marathon and 10k follow the same route as previous years but the full marathon now starts near Sneem at 8am. It then follows the quiet R568 road as far as Molls Gap where the half-marathon will start at 8:45am. Both races follow the same route then on what must be one of the most scenic roads in the country to the finish line at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney.
 

The 10k starts and finishes at the Gleneagle Hotel and takes in a loop inside the national park near Muckross House.

Participants in the full and half marathon will be taken by bus from Killarney to the start lines.

Entry for each race includes...Customised finisher medal......T-shirt.....Chip timing......Prizes.......Massage at finish line......Hot tubs.......Post race party.......Officially measured course......Fully Marshalled route......Fully stocked water stops......Medical safety cover throughout course......Postage of your race pack and number to Irish addresses only

Note that the road from Molls Gap to Killarney will be closed to traffic and it's the only time of the year that you can run on this busy road.

The video clip below gives a feel for what the course looks like...



For more info, go to the Run Killarney Website

More info in later posts....

Notice...Youghal 4 mile road race - Thurs 10th July 2014

This 4 mile road race is coming up in the town of Youghal in East Cork on Thursday, the 10th of July 2014...

This is the second year of this race in its current format having been a regular fixture on the race calendar back in the 90's. Back then, the Youghal bypass hadn't been constructed and the traffic through the town was very heavy making the road race somewhat congested. Fast forward to today and all of the heavy traffic now bypasses the town and the streets of Youghal are suitable once more for a road race.

With it's location near the county boundary, the race is sure to attract runners from both East Cork and West Waterford.

The course consists of three loops of a flat fast course on the streets of the historic town and passes under the iconic Youghal Clock Tower...

Organised by Youghal AC, this race has an Athletics Ireland licence and has been measured accurately by Jones Counter.

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

Lost & Found......iPod found at the UCC Farm

An iPod was found at the UCC Farm last Wednesday. If you lost one then contact the grounds man.

Notice...Daniel Kingston 5k charity run, Macroom - Thurs 26th June 2014

This 5k charity run is coming up on Thursday evening the 26th of June 2014 at 8pm.

Proceeds from the event go towards Cork Cancer Support House.

In previous years, this was part of the Cork BHAA series of races and it will be run this year as a stand alone event over the exact same course.

You can pre-enter this race for €11.50 or you can enter on the evening for €10. The event will be chip timed.

Race HQ is at the Macroom Sports Complex which is just inside the Macroom castle gates.

Please note that there is limited parking there. Follow the race stewards instructions on the night on where to park.

Course Preview.........A full preview with maps, directions, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Prizes....

Here's one way to advertise your race :o)

Bruff 5 mile in Co.Limerick...6th and final race in the Ballyhoura Limerick Series.

10 out of 10 for originality :o))

Results of the Corrin Hill Woods Trail Race...Wed 18th June 2014

The first race of the MMRA Cork Summer Trail League was held on Wednesday the 18th of June in Corrin Hill Woods near Fermoy. A total of 35 runners took part. The next race in the league is at Knockrour near Mallow on Wednesday 2nd of July.

Corrin Hill Results
Pos IMRA No Name Time
1 2594 Mike Cunningham 17:52
2 2582 Tom Blackburn 18:26
3 2828 Keith Ryan 18:49
4 2729 Kieran Lees 19:21
5 746 Roland Eagar 19:27
6 2690 Brian Flannelly 19:30
7 2708 J. T. Ryan 19:31
8 2256 John Dunphy 20:04
9 1782 Andre Brodkorb 20:15
10 2684 Mark Hovarth 20:51
11 2504 Damien Holian 21:23
12 2254 Denis Dineen 21:48
13 1873 MagsDempsey 22:00
14 2602 Mike Hallahan 22:03
15 2553 Mark Morrissey 22:37
16 2930 Barry Williams 22:52
17 2615 Rob Cunningham 22:59
18 2255 Micheal O Regan 23:03
19 2258 Martin Healy 23:25
20 2263 Noel Mc Carthy 25:02
21 2237 Shane Doyle 25:13
22 2251 Graham Cotter 25:44
23 2587 Grace Fanning 25:56
24 2637 Dara Conway 26:00
25 2252 Patrick Murphy 26:21
26 2683 Sarah Duffy 27:26
27 2717 Denis Allen 27:38
28 2534 Sharon Lucey 28:07
29 2259 Amelia Shorten 28:37
30 2647 Linda O Neill 28:45
31 2257 Esther Walsh 29:42
32 2262 Honor Hayes 30:35
33 2261 Noel Prendergast 30:54
34 2260 Rebekah Corrigan 31:46
35 2264 Irene Warren 37:31

JUNIORS 2KM 9:24
1 2516 Joe Bosonnet 9:28
2 2253 Kerry Eagar

Notice...Riverstick/Kinsale AC Open Sports - Wed 25th June 2014

Riverstick / Kinsale AC are holding their annual open sports in Riverstick on Wednesday evening the 25th of June at 6:30pm. Most of the events are for juveniles with a one mile race on grass for seniors. More details in this document.

Notice...FIT Magazine 5k & 10k road race - Sun 13th July 2014

The FIT Magazine 10k race is on again this year and now includes a 5k option.

The entry fee for the 5k is €16 and it's €25 for the 10k and this includes a dry fit top.

Some details from the organisers....
When: 13th July 2014 Time: 10:00
Entry Closing Date: 11th July 2014 - 17:00
A top quality FIT CitySeries Technical T-Shirt and goody bag for all participants.
Chip timing for accurate race results.
Athletics Ireland licensed event.

The route for the 10k takes in the Marina, the walkway in Mahon and the old railway line through Blackrock...

Course preview.......A full preview of the 10k course can be seen HERE

The 5k route is along the Marina - Blackrock Castle route. Details to follow....

More details to follow but for the moment, you can enter on the FIT Magazine website.

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA Mount Oval 6 mile road race...Thurs 19th June 2014

A total of 315 runners turned out for this challenging 6 mile road race in Mount Oval. This was the first time that this race was held on a summer evening having been on a Sunday morning in November in previous years. The move seems to have been a good idea as the numbers have gone from 245 to 315.

1 Tim O'Donoghue M1 00:31:09 EMC M-A-2
2 John Meade M2 00:31:56 Joyce Wolfe Physio
3 Rory O'Sullivan M3 00:32:59 MUSGRAVE
20 Martina Kiely F1 00:37:07 Dept of Ed
34 Sinead Paley 0/40I F2 00:39:16 Colour is Magic
52 Niamh Cronin 0/35H F3 00:40:41 SLA F-B-1

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated Fri @11pm)
1) Doug Minihane has loads of photos HERE 
2) Graham Nudds has over 300 photos HERE

The sponsor of this race was the Mount Oval Bar. You can find their Facebook page HERE

Top Irish sprinter Steven Colvert fails drugs test

It has been announced that Steven Colvert, one of the top 100m and 200m sprinters in the country has failed a drugs test. His 'A' sample was found to contain traces of EPO, a performance enhancing drug.

He had been due to travel with the Irish Team to Estonia for the European Team Chalpionships First League but he has now been forced to withdraw.

In an interview with Feidhlim Kelly writing for the Irish Examiner, he said.....“I’m going to seek to have the B sample tested along with giving my full co-operation to the Irish Sports Council and all the relevant bodies involved in the investigations. I’m happy to provide any extra drugs tests, provide financial statements and take any forensic test above and beyond what’s required in order to vindicate my name. I firmly believe there has been some sort of error or false positive"

You can read the full article written by Feidhlim Kelly on the Irish Examiner website.

Reminder...Races this evening...Thurs 19th June 2014

Just a reminder of two races on this evening for those that want to make the most of the current spell of fine weather.

First off, there is the Cork BHAA Mount Oval Bar 6 mile race. Located just to the south-east of Cork City, this is really easy to get to and is only a few hundred metres or so off the road to Carrigaline.

One unique feature of this race is of course the free BBQ afterwards for all runners and stewards. If you are not running and can help out on the evening then let Gregg More know. There are plenty of road junctions that need to be manned. More info in this earlier post.

Thurles 4 mile...For those of you further up the country, there is a 4 mile race in Thurles. Organised by Thurles Crokes AC, this is their main race of the year and is only a few miles off the M8 motorway. More details on the Running in Munster site.

Results of the Clonpriest 5k road race...Wed 18th June 2014

A total of 307 runners turned out for this years Clonpriest 5k road race in East Cork, a jump of 20% on last years numbers. With the thermometer up around the mid-20's, it was probably the warmest conditions there have been for a race so far this year.

Note from the organisers.....Tonight we had another fantastic Clonpriest 5k. We really appreciate your support especially in the heat, temperatures reached 24.9c during the run!We would like to thank everyone for helping to make tonight a success, all the runners and walkers, the stewards, catering team, sponsors, land owner, teachers and parents. We hope everyone enjoyed the evening and once again thank you.

1 MCGRATH    SEAN     15:40 5:03/M    Top Fin    EastCorkAC   
2 ROCHE    PATRICK     15:55 5:08/M    Top Fin    naas   
3 O'BRIEN    KEVIN     16:16 5:15/M    Top Fin    East Cork   
17 MORAN    AISLING     19:07 6:10/M    Top Fin    LeevaleAC   
23 CASHMAN    EVELYN     19:32 6:18/M    Top Fin    Youghal AC   
26 LYNCH    RHONA     19:39 6:20/M    Top Fin    Eagle AC    

The full results can be seen HERE

Photo credit : Denis Kelleher

Notice...Ballinascarthy 10k charity road race - Fri 4th July 2014

This 10 km road race in West Cork is coming up on Friday, the 4th of July at 8pm and all proceeds go towards charity.

Located on the main road between Bandon and Clonakilty, the village of Ballinascarthy is a 45 minute drive from Cork City and should be of interest to most runners in West Cork.

The race has an Athletics Ireland licence and has been accurately measured by Jones Counter.

It costs €15 to enter the race and all proceeds go towards the COPE Foundation.

As you enter the village from Bandon, the community hall is on the right hand side.

The one thing thats hard to miss in the village is of course the full size silver coloured model of a car. A certain William Ford emigrated from this area in the mid 19th century to Detroit, Michigan in the USA. His son Henry Ford went on to create the Ford Motor Company and manufactured the famous Model T Ford which revolutionised motoring and transport in the early part of the 20th century.

Course Preview......More information on the course with maps and photos can be seen HERE

Reminder....Clonpriest 5k in East Cork - Wed 18th June 2014

Just a reminder that the Clonpriest 5k is coming up on Wednesday evening the 18th of June at 7:30pm. This is just off the road between Youghal and Killeagh. Considering the fine weather, it should attract a big crowd.

More details in this earlier post.

Photo...info from the organisers........"Clonpriest NS has always had a good sporting history and this year to launch the event we had Angela Walsh and Anne-Marie Walsh - members of the Cork All Ireland winning Ladies Football Team, pictured with Anna O’Neill, Principal and some of the pupils."

Mark English finishes 2nd in prestigious Diamond League race

Mark English from Donegal is currently the best Irish athlete over 800m in the country. In a high profile IAAF Diamond League race in New York last Saturday, Mark finished in second place to none other than the Olympic champions and world record holder David Rudisha.

1 RUDISHA David KEN 1:44.63 SB
2 ENGLISH Mark IRL 1:45.03 SB
3 SOLOMON Duane USA 1:45.13
4 LEWANDOWSKI Marcin POL 1:45.23
5 KSZCZOT Adam POL 1:45.37
6 VÁZQUEZ Wesley PUR 1:45.79
7 CHERUIYOT Ferguson Rotich KEN 1:45.90
8 ANDREWS Robby USA 1:46.28 SB
9 RUTT Michael USA 1:46.33 SB
10 RIMMER Michael GBR 1:46.75 SB

In the race video, Mark is in lane 3 in a bright orange singlet. He is by the way, still only 21 years old.

Phil Healy of Bandon AC sets a new PB in Geneva...

There was a large Irish contingent of athletes at the competition in Geneva last Switzerland. One of those who set a personal best was Phil Healy of Bandon AC. In the womens 100m, the 19 year old Cork woman set a new personal best time of 11.53 seconds, improving on her previous best of 11.63. That moves her up to 7th place on the Irish all time list.

The criteria for qualifying for the European Athletics Championships this summer are...

a) An athlete must achieve an “A” Performance Standard within the Qualification Period for the particular event  on, at least, one occasion. 
b) Development Athlete Selections will consist of individuals who are identified/carded by Athletics Ireland as ‘Development’ athletes and have minimally achieved two (2) “B” standards within the Qualification Period.

The 'A' standard for womens 100m is 11.4s while the 'B' standard is 11.6s.

Phil actually ran inside the 'B' standard twice last Saturday. In the heats, she ran 11.53 and ran 11.56 in the final.

I presume this may be enough to see her getting selected for the European Championships?

Irish 4 x 100m relay team...(L-R...Phil Healy, Catherine McManus, Niamh Whelan & Sarah Lavin)

Phil Healy was also part of the Irish 4 x 100m relay team that finished second last Saturday...
Rang Nom Société Performance Beme
1. Suisse Swiss Athletics 44.14 (Kambundji Mujinga 92 / Humair Fanette 91 / Golay Joëlle 87 / Sprunger Léa 90)
2. Irlande Irlande 44.45 (Lavin Sarah 94 / Whelan Niamh 90 / McManus Catherine 92 / Healy Phil 94 )
3. Pays de Galles Pays de Galles 44.66 (Brier Hannah 98 / Thomas Hannah 93 / Moore Mica 92 / Johncock Rachel 93 )
4. Suisse U23 Swiss Athletics 45.68 (Kora Salomé 94 / Keller Charlène 94 / Keller Melanie 94 / Dagry Samantha 94 )
5. Suisse U20 Swiss Athletics 46.12 (Strebel Irina 96 / Del Ponte Ajla 96 / Kambundji Muswama 96 / Blatty Inola 98 )

In the womens 100m hurdle race, 20 year old Sarah Lavin from Limerick finished 3rd in a new personal best time of 13.23 seconds. Her previous best was 13.34 when she won silver at the European Youth Championships in Italy last summer.

A full list of all the results can be seen HERE

Notice...Cork Summer Trail League - June to August 2014

The Munster Mountain Running Association are organising another trail league this summer with the number of events increasing to 5 as compared to the 3 of 2013.

The fixtures are shown below....

This map show the approximate location of each event...

Here are the details from the organisers....
a) Each race will also feature a Junior race 10-16yrs along with a Tiny Tots 1km (accompanied by adult). These will run at 7.10pm before the Senior race.
b) Refreshments available after each event.
c) Entry Fee €10. Junior €5. Tiny tots Free
d) Each race is approx 5k in length.

The first event is in Corrin Hill on the 18th of June. You'll find directions HERE

This video clip gives a flavour of what it's like...

Top Irish hurdler Thomas Barr wins race in Switzerland and sets a new national record

Thomas Barr from Ferrybank AC in Waterford is just 21 years old and is one of the top 400m hurdlers in the country. Over the last two years, he has been making steady progress with his times getting gradually faster.

In July of 2013, he broke the 50 minute barrier for the first time at the European Under 23 Track and Field Championships in Finland. His time on that occasion put him second on the Irish All Time list...
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

At the end of May 2014, Thomas broke the 18 year old record of Tom McGuirk when he ran 49.61.

On Saturday the 14th of June 2014 at the EAP meet in Geneva, Switzerland, Thomas put in an amazing finish to win the 400m hurdle race. Not only did he take a big slice off his own national record but he beat William Rhys the reigning European champion in the process.

1. 22 Barr Thomas 92 Ferrybank AC IRL 48.90
2. 291 Williams Rhys 84 Grande-Bretagne GBR 48.95
3. 142 Hussein Kariem 89 LC Zürich SUI 49.08
4. 155 Königsmark Varg 92 SC Magdeburg GER 49.41
5. 513 Le Roux Wouter 86 Afrique du Sud RSA 49.54
6. 98 Fleischhauer Georg 88 Dresdner Sportclub 1898 GER 50.37
7. 261 Sumner Ben 83 Grande-Bretagne GBR 50.37
8. 25 Bellaabouss Fadil 86 Montbéliard Belfort Athlétisme FRA 52.18

As you can see from the video, he was in about 5th place with 100m to go. In the end, it was a case that he just wanted to win more than the rest and gave it everything. It probably explains why he took he improved his own personal best time by so much.

Thomas is in a brown top in lane 5...

Results of the Munster Senior & Masters Track & Field Championships...Sun 15th June 2014

These track & field championships were held at the CIT track in Cork on Sunday, the 15th of June.

The senior results can be seen HERE

The masters results can be seen HERE

Tony Kelleher of Togher AC sets new Irish 800m Masters record...

A ne Irish record was set at the Munster Senior & Masters Track and Field Championships at the CIT track in Bishopstown today. In the mens 800m, Tony Kelleher of Togher AC finished in a time of 2m 00.03s to set a new national Over 45 record.

The previous record was held by Ken Deevey from Kilkenny who ran 2:01.57 at the World Masters Championships in San Sebastien, Spain back in 2005.

Having previously broken the 2 minute barrier on several occasions, no doubt Tony will be seeking to break his new record again.

Results of the Dunmanway 10k road race...Sun 15th June 2014

A total of 296 runners turned out for this years Dunmanway 10k road race. With the thermometer up above 20 deg C, it must have been tough going in those conditions.

Looking at the results, nearly 43% of the finishers were women which is probably around the normal figure.

1 Sean Mcgrath 33:36 SM 19-39  (1)     Male  (1)
2 Michael Dullea 35:17 SM 19-39  (2)     Male  (2)
3 Michael Harrington 36:31 40-44  (1)     Male  (3)
8 Carmel Crowley 39:01 45-49  (1)     Female  (1)
15 Angela Mccann 39:56 40-44  (1)     Female  (2)
16 Sinead Paley 40:10 40-44  (2)     Female  (3)

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated Sun 15th @6:30pm)
1) Kieran Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE
2) A slideshow of photos from Joe Murphy of Eagle AC HERE

Members of Bantry AC....Pic: Kieran Minihane

Notice...Willie Neenan Memorial 10k road race, Millstreet - Fri 27th June 2014

The Willie Neenan Memorial 10k road race is coming up in the town of Millstreet in NW Cork on Friday, the 27th of June at 7:30pm. This is the third race of 6 in the Ballyhoura Cork Road Race Series.
 

It's an area of the county where there isn't a huge number of races so it should be of interest to runners in both Cork and Kerry.

The 10k course starts just to the west of Millstreet...runs back through the town itself....completes a loop to the north-east before coming back and finishing in the centre of the town.

The entry fee is €11 if you pre-enter online on the Precision Timing website. You can also enter on the day for €15. Race HQ is the GAA community hall which is directly across from the church at the western end of the town.

Organised by Millstreet AC, the course has been accurately measured by Jones Counter and has an Athletics Ireland licence.

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

Results of the Ballyclough Harbour 5k road race...Sat 14th June 2014

A total of 144 runners turned out for this 5k race, up roughly 4% on last year.

1 16:19 O'CONNOR, Tim RIOCHT M M35  5:16
2 16:46 HOGAN, John MALLOW AC M M40  5:25
3 16:52 COLLINS, Matthew GNEEVEGUILLA AC M MJ  5:26
9 18:32 KILEY, Martina ST. FINBARRS AC F FS  5:59
22 20:46 CORBETT, Sarah NORTH CORK AC F FJ  6:42
48 23:49 NOLAN, Orla LOMBARDSTOWN F F40  7:41

The full results can be seen HERE

Reminder...Dunmanway 10k is on Sun 15th June

Just a reminder that the Dunmanway 10k road race is coming up on Sunday morning the 15th of June at 11am. This popular race always attracts a large crowd and the weather forecast this year looks pretty good.

They will have pacers for the following times...40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 mins.

More info about the race in this previous post.

Entries will be taken between 9am and 10:45am tomorrow.