Notice...Sonia O'Sullivan 3k road race, Cobh - Mon 25th Aug 2014

This is a brand new race on the calendar and it's unusual in that it is over 3kms instead of the more usual 5k. Back a few years ago, there was a series of evening 3k races in Midleton over the winter months and these were very popular. Since then, there hasn't really been any real 3k road race in Cork.

The 3k race in Cobh is to commemorate a time back in 1994 when Sonia O'Sullivan was the best middle distance runner in Europe. On the 15th of July that year, she set a new European record of 8:21.64 in the 3000m. One month later on the 10th of August in Helsinki, she won the 3000m title at the European Championships with a time of 8:31.64.

Sonia will be taking part in the inaugural 3k race in Cobh on the 25th of August and will be in the Commodore Hotel afterwards where a Q+A session will be hosted by sport journalist and athlete Feidhlim Kelly who writes for the Irish Examiner.

There will be four separate races.....
a) Juvenile Male (7pm)...14 to 17 years old...€5
b) Juvenile Female (7:30pm)...14 to 17 years old...€5
c) Male (8pm)...Aged 18 and above...€10
d) Female (8:30pm)...Aged 18 and above...€10

They are likely to be in the sequence as shown above with roughly 25-30 mins between race. This will be confirmed closer to the date.

As chip timing will be used, the organisers would like if people could register online beforehand so as to take the pressure off entries on the night.

There are a lot of aspects to this event which will be of interest to many different people...
a) The unique 3k distance
b) A race for women only
c) A road race just for juveniles where as normally they take part in cross country or track races.
d) Beginners who might be starting a Couch to 5k programme. That 5k might seem a bit much but 3k or 1.8 miles sounds a lot more manageable.

The course is shown below...

The 3k course itself is relatively flat, runs East-West and avoids the hills in the town. The race starts on Lynch's Quay and then runs west. At about 400m, it passes the finish line and the remaining 2.6kms is an out and back section.

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

Race HQ is the Commodore Hotel where entries will be taken on the night and there will be light refreshments after the races.

A timing mat will also be used at the start line so it's chip timed from start to finish.

From Ballymore Cobh AC......
Ballymore Cobh AC Sonia O'Sullivan 3000m Road Race...Monday, August 25th @ 7pm

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of her European Gold Medal and European 3000m record, Ballymore Cobh Athletic Club are delighted to announce that Sonia O' Sullivan will compete in this unique event. Runners can pit themselves against Sonia's 1994 record in juvenile, men's and women's races through Cobh town.

We look forward to seeing you on the night, where you will get a chance to play your part in paying tribute to one of Ireland's greatest sports people.

All races will start beyond the Well House Bar and head west along East Beach and Westbourne Place before turning at the end of the Low Road and returning east bound to the finish line in front of The Titanic Experience.

The course is officially measured and has a race permit granted by the Athletics Association of Ireland. Please note, there will be four separate races - for men, women, boys and
girls. The two juvenile races are open to 14-17yr olds with the adult races open to 18yr olds and over. Entry fees are...Adult - €10, Juvenile - €5

Online entry Link:...http://precisiontiming.primo-solutions.co.uk/ps/event/TheSoniaOSullivanBallymoreCobhAC3000mRoadRace

Facebook - Ballymore Cobh AC Sonia O'Sullivan 3000m Road Race / Twitter - @BallymoreCobhAC / email - ballymorecobhac@gmail.com

The Edge Sports Shop (North Main Street and Kinsale Road, Cork) and staff are proud to be associated with the Ballymore Cobh AC - Sonia O’Sullivan commemorative run taking place August 25th 2014 with 3000m of racing through the streets of Cobh.