Race Day – Is Almost Here And Sonia Is Set To Return
Race Day is almost upon with the sixth running of the Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race just hours away. Dan McCarthy is due to fire the starter’s gun at 8pm on this Thursday evening April 16th and expectations suggest that another very large entry is set to go the start line. Last year’s record entry of 996 runners created a new record for a mid week fixture in Munster with James McCarthy again proving the “King of the Road” by the fifth year in a row.
Sonia Returns...This year’s race was given a further boost a few days ago when former World Champion and Olympic medalist Sonia O’Sullivan declared her intention to run in the race, having also taken part 2 years ago. Sonia thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Ballintotis in 2013 and following a return from recent injury she took to the roads again on Sunday last when finishing 3rd lady in the Great Island ‘4’ Mile Race in her native Cobh.
Help Required...The organisation of the race requires involvement from so many different people and once more the local Ballintotis community are stepping up to the task. But we still need one final push in the following areas.
Here are the main areas where the organisers still need assistance.
Stewards Help...We need over 100 stewards to make this race happen. If you know of anyone that would like to help out please contact 086-8778182.
Entry Desks...Entry Desks will be open from 5pm to 7pm on this Wednesday evening and from 1pm onwards on Thursday. It is important to note that if you have already entered on line, it is necessary to collect your race number and race buff at either of the aforementioned times. Please make a special effort to collect your number or enter as early as possible.
Car Parks...Weather permitting there will be three car parks in operation. All motorists are asked to follow the advice of the gardai and stewards when approaching the race route. Car Parks will be signposted well in advance on the approach roads. Please allow plenty of time in advance of the race start and please be patient afterwards. Obviously, before during and after the race there will be restricted access for motorists.
Walk Begins at 6.30pm...The walk will begin at 6.30pm sharp and will go in the opposite direction to the race. Registration for the walk will take place from 5.30pm to 6.15pm. Refreshments for all walkers will be served in the marquee adjacent to the Community Centre immediately after the walk and before the start of the race.
Race Begins At 8pm Sharp...Wheelchair competitor Jerry Forde will begin at 7.45pm with the race beginning at 8pm sharp. All competitors are asked to be at the start line by 7.50pm. There will be graded time zones in operation and ALL competitors are asked to line up in their correct time zone, based on their anticipated finishing time. By doing so, the race will be much more enjoyable and safer for everybody.
Chip Timing...Of course, chip timing has been introduced this year. So there is no need for panic as a timing mat will be in operation at both the start and finish line. Full results will be available quickly afterwards with all race results/category prizes also on line at precisiontiming.net.
Prizes...This year’s race will feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes going to the top 6 men and top 6 women across the line. There are also 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre will sponsor the top prizes with Castlemartyr Resort offering a fantastic 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and 1st female finisher. Thanks to the sponsorship of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers, Midleton each participant will also receive a free running buff.
Spot Prizes...There will also be spot prizes aplenty – runners/walkers are asked to check of their back of their number to see if they have won a spot prize. Winners can collect their prizes after the race from the stage area.
All Race Enquiries...Enquiries should be directed to the designated race line 086 8778182.
????????? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – HERE’S SOME ANSWERS
Car Parks...There are three main Car Parks for runners and walkers. Car Park A is located on the Main Road at the Ballintotis Junction on the Midleton side of Loughaderra Lake. Car Parks B and C are located on the side road, just off the N25 on the Castlemartyr side of the Lake. (These may change subject to weather conditions)
Please follow the advice of the Gardai and Stewards at all times.
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Entry Desks...Entry Desks are located in Main Hall of Community Centre – Open from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday and from 1pm onwards on Thursday. Entry Fee is 10 euro. Please enter via the side door of the hall.
On Line Entries...Those who have entered on line in advance must also collect their number in Community Centre at the aforementioned times at SEPARATE designated desks.
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Changing Facilities/ Toilets...A Marquee is located on the green adjacent to Church Car Park.
Ladies Toilets only are located in the Church Car Park area whilst Gent’s Toilets are located in the Community Centre.
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Race Start/Finish...The race begins at 8pm sharp – the start line is approx 200 meters from Church on way to Main Road. The finish line is in front of the Church. ALL RUNNERS ARE ASKED TO BEGIN THE RACE IN THE TIME ZONE, WHICH RELECTS THEIR EXPECTED FINISHING TIME. The year’s race is chipped timed with timing mats at the start and finish line.
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Water/Refreshments...Bottled water will be available immediately after the race.
Refreshments will be served after the race in the Community Centre. Please enter the Community Centre via the front door after the race. – A second marquee has been erected next to the Community Centre where runners can mingle after receiving their refreshments.
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Prize Giving...Prize giving will take place in the Main Hall after the race at approx 9.20pm.
Spot Prizes. Runners should check the back of their race number to see if it includes a “spot prize winner’ label. If you are winner, please collect your prize from the stage area in the hall after the race.
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Walk...The walk begins at 6.30pm sharp. Entries will be taken in the Community Centre from 5.30pm onwards. Check the back of your number to see if you win a spot prize – these can be claimed at the stage in Community Centre after the race. Refreshments served for all walkers in the Marquee next to the Community Centre immediately after the conclusion of the walk.
Traffic Access To Community Centre will be severely restricted from 6pm
Contact 086-8778182 for all Enquiries etc.
You can see a preview of the course HERE
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