After a long winter of dark evenings, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming summer season of evening road races. In Cork, the tradition has been that the Ballintotis 4 mile opens the summer season of evening races and the Ballycotton 5 at the end of August brings it to a close.
This year, the Ballintotis 4 mile will be held on Thursday the 16th of April at 8pm. Last year, they managed to use manual timing to record almost 1000 runners which was an impressive feat considering the distance is only 4 miles and there would be a lot of runners finishing at the same time.
A new development this year is the introduction of chip timing. As a participant, you won't really notice any difference except that your time should be more accurate. If they have a timing mat at the start line then your time doesn't start until you cross it. In previous years, your time was based on when the gun went off but if you were near the back then it could take you a while to cross the start line. It also makes life a lot easier for the organisers behind the scenes.
You can see a preview of the course HERE
You can pre-enter the race HERE
You can also enter on the evening of the race.
Please note there is no on line entry for walkers, who register on the evening of the race in Ballintotis
Here is some info from the organisers...
The First Evening 4 mile Road Race of 2015
BALLINTOTIS 4 MILE ROAD RACE
In Association With East Cork A.C
THURSDAY APRIL 16th 2015
Chip Timing To Be Introduced In Ballintotis
=============================================
The countdown is underway to the 2015 Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race which takes place on Thursday April 16th – 8pm. After last year’s very successful event which attracted 996 runners and was won for the fifth year in a row by James McCarthy of East Cork AC, another big entry is expected this time around.
Chip timing at start and finish will be introduced this year and with it comes the opportunity to pre register. On line entry will be open from Monday March 9th until 12 midnight on Monday April 13th. Thereafter there will still be the opportunity to register at Race HQ in Ballintotis Community Centre. Registration will be open there from 5.30pm to 7pm on the evening prior to the race and again from 1pm onwards on race day Thursday April 16th. Entry fee is 10 euro (plus administration fee if availing of the convenient on line entry) By logging on to www.ballintotis.com from March 9th and following the link to PRECISION TIMING, participants will be able to pre register and also find out the latest pre-race news.
This year’s race will again feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes to the top 6 men and women across the line. There also be 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Each participant in the race will also receive a souvenir of the occasion.
Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre have again confirmed that they will sponsor the top prizes. Castlemartyr Resort are offering 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and leading lady with Trobolgan providing an extended weekend break for both runners up.
The Ballintotis 4 Mile Race is of course held in association with East Cork AC and with the assistance of Ballycotton Running Promotions.
All enquiries to Sean Murphy or John Cashman on 086-8778182
Great event this. Brilliant organisation last year. Lovely course, and chip timing should give a better chance to everyone to post a new pb. Only problem this year.....i'm working.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope they have a timing mat for a chip out time, a crowd of 1,000 people on very narrow roads would take a long time to pass over the start line!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat atmosphere at the race.
The 8pm start is far too late.It will be dark by the time majority of runners cross the finish line.
ReplyDeleteIt's 8pm every year and it seems to be fine as long as it starts on time.
ReplyDeleteLovely race but yes 8pm is too late a start,it makes it difficult for people to get back to their cars safely afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI know it's only 1 euro, but why is it extra to do it online? You still need to collect the number on the night anyway so you're not getting any benefit. Maybe if they posted the number meaning no queuing on the night, you could justify it.
ReplyDeleteYou can also enter the night before race and all day of race if you dont want to enter online.(read the flyer)
ReplyDeleteMy first ballintotis race. Fantastically well organised. Parking , start , water and food at finish. Take a well deserved bow everyone involved. If only downside . Mens toilets were fine for us guys. But the queue was a nit long for the portaloos for ladies.
ReplyDelete