Results & Photos of the Grant Thornton 5k race in Cork...Tues 30th June 2015

There was a huge turnout for the inaugural Grant Thornton 5k in Cork City on Tuesday the 30th of June with 832 runners taking part. Considering it was the first year and the sheer number of other races on at the moment, that's an impressive number for a first outing.

The Grant Thornton 5k has been run in Dublin for the last few years and this was the first race outside the capital. It was organised by Athletics Ireland and most of the proceeds went towards their Junior High Performance Programme. 

1 Ryan Creech    The Edge Sports Shop M 15:05   
2 John Collins    UCC M     16:49   
3 Alex O'Shea    Cork City Council M 16:51
1 Carol Finn    UCC F     18:18   
2 Niamh Moore    UCC F     18:51   
3 Karina Teahen    HSE F     18:55    

The provisional results can be seen HERE

The team results can be seen HERE

Proceeds from the event went towards Athletics Ireland Junior High Performance Programme

Photos...(Updated Wed 6pm)
1) There are 3 galleries on the Running in Cork Facebook page..
   a) Start
   b) Finish
   c) Presentation
2) Graham Nudds has some photos near the 1km mark and the finish line HERE
3) John O'Dea Photography has a gallery HERE
4) There are a small number of photos on the Grant Thornton race website HERE

Athletics Ireland have a race video below...
 

Athletics Ireland have a report on the race on their website HERE

First 3 women...Karina Murphy 3rd, Carol Finn 1st & Niamh Moore 2nd

Links...
1) Grant Thornton Corporate Challenge website.
2) Athletics Ireland website

Looking ahead to the Grant Thornton 5k in Cork City this evening...Tues 30th June 2015

The first Grant Thornton 5k kicks off in Cork this evening at 7:30pm. The weather forecast looks reasonable...Dry...maybe overcast with a southerly breeze. Even though the temperature is likely to be in the mid teens, it will feel very humid due to a warm air mass moving up from the south over the country.

From the organisers.....Athletes will be able to pick their race packs (including race numbers and timing chip) at the City Hall on Tues 30th of June from 10am to 6:30pm. Can we ask 1 person per team to collect all numbers.

The race starts on the South Mall outside the Grant Thornton offices and takes in a loop out by Ballintemple before finishing by Kennedy Park.

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

Irish runner sets Guinness World Record dressed as a bottle in Waterford Marathon...

Back in early June, I had a post up about Terry Brady who had run the Cork City Half-Marathon dressed as a bottle. This was part of his preparation for the Waterford Viking Marathon which was held last Saturday the 27th of June 2015.

Terry Brady in the Cork Half-Marathon in early June

This is Terry's story in his own words from the previous post.....3 years ago I took up running and have been giving a new lease of life. My biggest personal achievement to date is running a 2:59 marathon in Berlin in 2014 (only 2% of people who line up achieve this).

My godchild, 1 yr old Theo was born profoundly deaf. His Mother (from Clonakility  has built a FB & internet page so people can follow his progress (http://www.theoshope4sound.org). Theo is just 1 yr old and was born with a very rare form of deafness due to his auditory nerves fusing. He has a completely silent world. There are only a handful of specialist surgeons worldwide who are able to implant a tiny device into the actual brain stem where hearing is processed. An ABI (auditory brain stem implant ) will at a minimum give him Environmental Noises but with lots of therapy and hard work maybe even speech. It is estimated that with the cost of surgery, follow ups will be 100,000 EUR which is self-funded. 

Could Ireland Have a Marathon World record holder??

This leads me into what I aim to do: This is to break the Guinness world record for running a marathon dressed as a bottle during the Waterford Viking Marathon on June 27th 2015. Last year Buxton Water supported Paul Simons record breaking attempt in the London Marathon. Many fundraising costume wearing runners normal languish mid pack or to the tail end of a field. I aim to be right up in the top 5-10% of finishers. The current record is 3:31 and I aim to run quicker.

Well, not only did Terry break the record but he smashed it by an amazing 15 minutes finishing in a chip time of 3:16:58. After going through the half way mark in 69th place, Terry ran a negative split in finish 40th overall.

Q & A with Terry......

1) As outlined in a previous post, you've been running for about 3 years and your PB for the marathon is 2:59 in Berlin in September of 2014. What are your best times for some of the other distances? Say Half-Marathon? 10 mile? 5k?
Terry......PB for 5k is 16:55 ran at Dublin graded meet in May. 10 mile is 59:13 at John Tracy Dungarvan last year and Half is 1:19:58 also last year in Bohermeen Meath  I do hope to lower the 10k & half times this year.

2) I see from your bottle outfit that you are sponsored by Orpens Cider. Was it hard to find a sponsor? Can you tell us about the sponsor and where are they based?
Terry....Yes very difficult, I spent 2 months writing over a 100 emails to various drinks company’s with little success. Orpens was one of a few companies to get back and show an interest. Matt from Orpens said my email hit a cord with him and he offered his support straight away .
Orpens are based in the Guinness Enterprise centre in Dublin 8. Its founders are Chris Hill and Matt Tindal and they were involved in the wine business and enjoying the business of selling famous wines from around the world. But they yearned of standing proudly behind an Irish product of similar pedigree and crafting. Both Matt and Chris share a family history of growing apple orchards, so it was a logical step to craft an Irish cider with all the pedigree of a great wine. This is how Orpens was born.

3) What is the bottle outfit made of? How much does it weigh?
Terry......The bottle is made from a foam called Zote and was made by a company called Modal & Prop (http://www.modelandprop.com) its weight 4kgs (does it really weigh that much). Anybody thinking of doing anything similar should contact these guys.

4)  When you ran 1:29 in the Cork City Half-Marathon, you had plastic wrapping on top of it? Was there a reason for that?
Terry........The cling film was for protection!! The forecast was for torrential rain so I wanted to try and protect it for the Marathon itself as much I could

5) What kind of problems do you encounter with the bottle costume? Rubbing? Friction? Heat? Visibility?
Terry......My first two outing’s in the bottle resulted in quite bad cuts on both quads. I got this sorted with some additional padding. Its bangs against my head a bit but I’m use to knocks from playing GAA in Cavan so wasn’t an issue. I can really only see straight ahead and cant hear very well with the constant movement around my head.

6) You ran the Cork Half in windy conditions. Does that impact on you when you are running in a costume?
Terry......The Cork half marathon was the toughest conditions I have ever ran in. I wasn’t  worried about a time so I still found it very enjoyable. In places I nearly came to a standstill when the wind caught it. I was also worried in parts that I has about to lose my head :o)

7) After running the Waterford Viking Marathon in 3:16, what do you think is the hardest thing about running in a bottle costume? What's the biggest difference to say just running in a singlet?
Terry.....The heat, I was very tempted to cut a hole in the neck of the bottle to act like a chimney (suggested by a club mate). I haven’t sweated as much since the morning of my Leaving Certificate

8) What kind of reaction did you get from the crowds in Cork and Waterford?
Terry........Cork was absolutely brilliant in fairness. The race past by in a flash. Waterford was very good also but the volume of supporters wouldn’t of been the same. Parts of the route didn’t have any support. But I had both Stephen & Mel for company the whole way round which helped massively.

Terry Brady running alongside the sea front in Tramore

9) What is the procedure for getting it ratified as a Guiness World Record? What conditions do you have to meet? Does the bottle costume have to be a certain size?
Terry......The bottle needed to get verified by Guinness world records prior to the event in order to ensure it meet all guidelines. I have to provide two race official signed statements. Two signed statements from the official timers who are precision timing. I recorded the whole race with the help of Stephen Connon who ran with me and will the help of Melaine Davis who cycled the whole way and also filmed and took pictures at each mile marker.

10)  How is the fundraising going? How do people donate?
Terry...The support we have received has been fantastic so far. Currently we have raised just over 11k EUR. This will help greatly with Theos operation but the operation and subsequent cost will be well over 100k EUR. If anybody has a few spare EUR they can find the donation page at the following. Theo is just 13 months old and hopefully has an amazing life ahead of him which  we believe will be enhanced by being able to hear his mammy, daddy and his big brothers voices.

http://ww.ifundraise.ie/theoshope4soundIRL

11)  What's next? Any more record plans?
Terry...Plan a wedding in Sept in clonakility, that will be the ultimate challenge :o)
I will definitely try to come up with something else if I can give further help to Theo’s parents Imelda & Stephen. Maybe a race off with the former record holder the Buxton bottle? :o)

Alice O'Leary...Theo’s Aunt and Terry's fiancée ran the half marathon as super women finishing in 1:58

Notice - Run Killarney Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k...Sat 18th July 2015

One of the biggest races in Kerry is the annual Killarney Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k and it's coming up on Saturday the 18th of July 2015.

The full marathon starts near Sneem at 8am and 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

Photos of the Irish Cancer Society Colour Run...Sun 28th June 2015

The Irish Cancer Society are oganising a series of Colour Dash 5k runs around the country this summer to raise funds for their work. The Cork event was held near Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday the 28th of June.

Doug Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE

video from the Irish Examiner here...

Results of the Fota Island 8km Trail Race...Sun 28th June 2015

A total of 250 runners turned out for this 8km trail race on the grounds of Fota Island Resort. This is a jump of 30% on last year when it was a combined 5k & 10k race.

It really is a stunning spot for a resort with a mixture of tarmac, wood chip and compact gravel/earth trails. Roughly 6kms of the course were through woodland.

1    Elton HEFFERNAN (478)    00:27:13    00:27:13    All Ages  (1)    Male  (1)
2    Rory O' SULLIVAN (459)    00:27:44    00:27:43    All Ages  (2)    Male  (2)
3    Shane HEALY (684)    00:28:12    00:28:11    All Ages  (3)    Male  (3)
14    Fiona SANTRY (2824)    00:32:15    00:32:14    All Ages  (1)    Female  (1)
23    Maire Griffith (652)    00:34:22    00:34:19    All Ages  (2)    Female  (2)
34    Eadaoin ONEILL (2819)    00:35:20    00:35:18    All Ages  (3)    Female  (3)

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) There are 133 photos on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE
2) Kieran Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE

Results of the Holy Family School 5k in Doneraile Park...Fri 19th June 2015

A total of 153 people turned out for the Holy Family School 5k in Doneraile Park on Fri 19th June 2015.

1st George Murray 814 Shanballymore 17.30.5
2nd Sean Doyle 673 Charleville 17.51.0
3rd Nicholas Moloney 155 Ballyhea 18.48.8
10th Rose Brennan 247 Kilbrin 22.08.0
11th Deirde O Leary 245 Liscarroll 22.14.4
14th Maria Flynn 252 Mallow 22.46.6

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Courtmacsherry 10k road race...Fri 26th June 2015

A total of 325 runners turned out for this years Courtmacsherry 10k road race, a jump of 14% on last years figure of 285.

1    Owen Casey 34:03    Senior  (1)
2    Michael Harrington 35:03    Ages 40-44
3    Alan O Brien 35:13    Ages 35-39
17    Carmel Crowley 39:11    Ages 45-49
27    Una Plant 40:17    Ages 40-44 
31    Anna O Neill 40:55    Ages 45-49 

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) The organisers have a gallery of photos HERE

Results of the Millstreet 5 mile road race...Fri 26th June 2015

The Willie Neenan 5 mile road race was held in Millstreet in NW Cork on Friday the 26th of June and attracted a field of 139 runners. This was up about 4% on last years numbers when it was a hillier 10k course.

Tim O'Connor of An Ríocht AC and Martina Kiely of St.Finbarr's AC...winners of the 2015 Willie Neenan 5 mile race in Millstreet

1 Tim O'CONNOR        riocht    M    MO    26:01
2 Donal COFFEY        Leevale    M    MO    27:22
3 Shane SIMCOX        Mallow AC 1    M    M40    28:03
7 Martina KIELY        ST FINBARRS    F    FO    30:01
40 Karena McCarthy    West Muskerry    F    F35    35:24
42 Geraldine O SULLIVAN    BANTRY AC    F    F55    35:44

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...(Updated 30th June)
1) There is an album of 177 photos HERE
2) TMC Photography has a gallery HERE

Donal Coffey 2nd, Tim O'Connor 1st & Shane Simcox 3rd

Races in Cork this weekend...Fri 26th - Sun 28th June 2015

There are plenty of races to choose from this weekend in Cork.


There are two on Friday the 26th of June and the weather forecast looks pretty good.

Cork...Fri 26th (8pm)...Courtmacsherry to Timoleague 10k road race...This one goes from the village of Courtmacsherry to Timoleague and back again. It's a very flat course and is a lovely spot on a sunny evening. The organisers got their Athletics Ireland permit for this recently. Entry fee is €15..info...

Cork...Fri 26th (8pm)...Willie Neenan Memorial 5 mile road race, Millstreet...This is a new version of an existing race in that it has changed from a hilly 10k route to a much easier 5 mile route. Plenty of flat fast running. The entry fee is €15...info & preview...

Kerry...Sat 27th (9:30am)...Killarney Festival Charity 10k...€15...Killarney Lions Club...Despite the fact that the Killarney Music Festival was cancelled, this race is certainly going ahead. The race HQ is at the Castlerosse Hotel just to the west of Killarney. Nice scenic course in the national park...info & preview...

Cork...Sun 28th (10am)...Fota Island 8km Trail Race...This 8km trail race takes place on the grounds of Fota Island Resort. The trails are a compact surface rather than the muddy variety. Entry €12 on the day...info & preview...

Results of the Shanagarry 5 mile road race...Thurs 25th June 2015

Numbers were down a fraction this year for the Shanagarry 5 mile road race with 562 taking part. That's still way above the historical average but down on the record 602 of 2014, possibly a sign of the sheer volume of races on at the moment.

1    0:25:19    HARTY, Michael    East Cork AC    M    05:03.7
2    0:26:31    MEADE, John    St. Finbarrs AC    M    05:18.1
3    0:26:38    HEFFERNAN, Elton    unatt/Cork    M    05:19.5
39    0:30:43    MACKEOWN, Rosaleen    Leevale AC    F40    06:08.5
58    0:31:45    SANTRY, Fiona    East Cork AC    F    06:20.9
71    0:32:19    LEONARD, Helen    Leevale AC    F40    06:27.7

The full results can be seen HERE

Overall Series...The overall positions in the Ballycotton Summer Series after 2 races can be seen HERE  (courtesy of John Robinson)

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

Michael Harty of East Cork AC takes an early lead in the Shanagarry 5 mile. Photo: Gearóid Ó Laoi

Notice...Cork City Sports - Tues 7th July 2015

The Cork City Sports are coming up at the CIT track in Bishopstown on Tuesday evening the 7th of July 2015. For anyone with even a slight interest in athletics, this is worth going to watch as it's the only time of the year that you have such a quality field assembled locally for an athletics meeting.

Tickets may be purchased in John Buckley Sports which is just across the river from the Opera House in Cork City. Alternatively, tickets can be bought at the door on the night.

Cork Airport...One of the many local 
businesses sponsoring events 
on the night.

As well as there being a number of international athletes, some of the best talent locally and in Ireland will also be competing.


Programme of Events

Track Events
5:30 p.m.    Juvenile 300m events
6:30 p.m.    1500m Junior Women
6:40 p.m.    1500m Junior Men
6:50 p.m.    100m Women
7:00 p.m.    100m Men
7:15 p.m.    400m Hurdles Men
7:25 p.m.    3000m Women
7:40 p.m.    3000m Walk
7:55 p.m.    100m Hurdles Women
8:05 p.m.    800m Women
8:10 p.m.    800m Men
8:20 p.m.    1 Mile Men
8:30 p.m.    200m Women
8:35 p.m.    200 Men
8:40 p.m.    3000m Men
8:55 p.m.    3000m Open Men

Field Events
6:00 p.m.    Hammer Men
6:15 p.m.    Long Jump Women
6:30 p.m.    Pole Vault Women
6:30 p.m.    High Jump Men
7:30 p.m.    Long Jump Men

Entry to the stand area costs €15 while entry to the grounds costs €10.

More information about the Cork City Sports including the start lists can be seen on their website... http://corkcitysports.ie/

Last chance to register for the Grant Thornton 5k...

Entries for the Grant Thornton 5k in Cork City close today Thursday the 25th of June. The race itself is on next Tuesday the 30th of June.

The entry fee is €100 for a team of 4. More info in this previous post.


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

More info about the event on the race website... http://www.grantthorntoncorporatechallenge.ie/

Results of the Daniel Kinsgton 5k in Macroom...Wed 24th June 2015

Another race and another huge turnout. An impressive 633 people took part in this years Daniel Kingston 5k in Macroom, a jump of 9.5% on last years figure of 578.

1    Rory OSULLIVAN 16:11    Ages 35-44  (1)    Male  (1)
2    Cian MURPHY 16:25    Ages 19-34  (1)    Male  (2)
3    Joe CUNNINGHAM 16:49    Ages 35-44  (2)    Male  (3)
14    Karina MURPHY 18:59    Ages 35-44  (1)    Female  (1)
17    Niamh CRONIN 19:14    Ages 35-44  (2)    Female  (2)
19    Ciara Murphy 19:23    Ages 19-34  (1)    Female  (3)

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) There is a small gallery HERE

Reminder...Daniel Kingston 5k in Macroom - Wed 24th June 2015

Just a reminder that the Daniel Kingston 5k is coming up this evening at 8pm.

Proceeds from the event go towards Cork Cancer Support House.

You can enter on the evening for €10. The event will be chip timed.


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

Bartlemy 6k fun run attracts almost 400 participants...

There was a 6k fun run/walk held in Bartlemy in NE Cork last Sunday the 21st of June with the aim of raising funds to send 15 year old Sinead Kearney to the USA for treatment for Lyme Disease. Almost 400 people took part in this event.

From the organisers......The committee for the Sinead Kearney Lyme Treatment Fund and Bartlemy Community would like to thank everyone who participated in the Fun Run/walk last Sunday morning and supported this worthy cause.
It was a successful event with great funds raised and a great turnout of 397 participants, there was a lovely buzz in the village as everyone enjoyed the sunshine and refreshment afterwards.
Also,  a big Thank you to Max Fitness & sports Therapy who sponsored the race, Fermoy Print who organised the design & print of Flyers/posters etc, Jim Bob who completed the walk in crutches & raised substantial amount for the fund & everyone who donated spot prizes.  

...The committee for the Sinead Kearney Lyme Treatment Fund

1st Man: Shane Healy Tracton AC. 1st Woman: Joan Ennis Grange/Fermoy AC

Photos...
1) There are a small number of photos HERE

Photos...(Facebook account required to view)
1) John Meade has a gallery HERE

Notice...Shanagarry 5 mile road race - Thurs 25th June 2015

The second race in the 2015 Ballycotton Summer Series is coming up on Thursday evening the 25th of June 2015 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.

With an 8pm start, it is advisable to arrive in plenty of time...certainly well before 7:30pm. 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 401 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

Notice...Carrigtwohill 5km road race - Wed 15th July 2015

The Carrigtwohill 5 km road race is coming up on Wednesday, the 15th of July 2015. The venue for the race is Barryscourt Castle just to the south of the town of Carrigtwohill in East Cork. This race always attracts a large crowd every year and is bound to attract a large turnout this year again.

The race which starts at 8pm costs €10 to enter and all proceeds are going to charity. There is also a walk starting at 6:30pm and that costs €5 to enter.



Course Preview........A full preview with directions, map and photos can be seen HERE 

For more info, go to the race website... https://carrigtwohill5k.wordpress.com/

Results of the MMRA Kilworth Woods Trail Race...Thurs 18th June 2015

The Munster Mountain Running Association (MMRA) held a race at Kilworth Woods in NE Cork on Thursday the 18th of June 2015.

Pos Imra No. Time Name Cat
1 2072 19.02 Tom Blackburn
2 2023 19.04 Mike Cunningham
3 2034 19.42 Brian Flannelly
10 2582 22.51 Sarah Corbett
17 2520 25.49 Mairead Mulcahy
23 2568 27.01 Ciara Mangan

The full results can be seen HERE

Results & photos of the Allihies 5 mile road race...Sat 20th June 2015

Just over 100 people turned out for the inaugural Allihies 5 mile road race on Saturday the 20th of June 2015. Despite the fact there was sunshine over most of County Cork, a sea fog enveloped the south-western top of the Beara Peninsula.

First 3 men...L-R...Patrick McCarthy 3rd, Michael Harrington 1st & Cillian O'Tuama 2nd

1    MICHAEL HARRINGTON    BANTRY A/C       28:37    M40
2    CILLIAN O TUAMA    CORK       29:07    SM
3    PATRICK MCCARTHY    DRIMOLEAGUE       31:39    M40
5    SORCHA KEARNEY    CORK       34:21    F40
14    MARIA HURLEY    BANTRY       37:29    F40
116    GERALDINE O'SULLIVAN    BANTRY       37:55    F40 

The full results can be seen HERE

First 3 women...L-R...Sorcha Kearney 1st, Maria Hurley 2nd & Geraldine O'Sullivan 3rd

Photos...
1) There is a gallery of 108 photos HERE 
2) Balooz has a small gallery HERE

Results of the Rebel Run4Fun 5k, Blarney...Sat 20th June 2015

The first race of three in the Rebel Run4Fun 5k Series was held at the Castleview Running Trail in Blarney on Saturday the 20th of June 2015 and attracted a field of 136 runners.

1    HARTY    BRIAN    221    18:57    18:57    6:06/M    Top Fin       
2    O'DONOVAN    JOHN    158    21:12    21:10    6:50/M    Top Fin       
3    O'SULLIVAN    ALAN    243    21:43    21:36    7:00/M    Top Fin       
4    CROSBIE    ORLA    203    21:47    21:47    7:01/M    Top Fin       
7    GUINANE    ELAINE    106    22:18    22:18    7:11/M    Top Fin       
10    O'DONOGHUE    ELAINE    227    23:00    22:59    7:25/M    Top Fin    

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Graham Nudds has a gallery of photos HERE
2) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos HERE

Results of the Inniscarra 4 mile road race...Fri 19th June 2015

A total of 155 runners turned out for this years Inniscarra 4 mile road race in Ballyanley, a jump of 41% on last years figure of 110. Considering the fact that it was a day after a 5k in Ballincollig and a day before a 5k in Blarney, that is a good number to get.

Alan O'Brien of Eagle AC...winner of the Inniscarra 4 mile road race for the second year running. Photo: Joe Murphy

1    0:22:30    O'BRIEN, Alan    Eagle AC    M    05:37.4
2    0:23:04    O'KEEFFE, Eoin    St. Finbarrs AC    M    05:45.9
3    0:23:25    MCEVOY, David    Leevale AC    M    05:51.2
18    0:26:34    MURPHY, Ciara    unatt/Coachford    F    06:38.4
23    0:27:17    TWOHIG, Denise    St. Finbarrs AC    F40    06:49.1
24    0:27:19    GILROY, Helen    Midleton AC    F45    06:49.6

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Graham Nudds has a gallery HERE 
2) Mick Dooley of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos HERE

First 3 women...L-R...Helen Gilroy 3rd, Ciara Murphy 1st & Denise Twohig 2nd. Photo:Joe Murphy

Man wins mile race in 4:15 with dog...

All over the world, there are some oddball races and some of the strangest ones are where participants run with animals. There is a sport called Canicross as outlined in a previous post which is a mixture of cross country running with dogs. In the US, there is a one mile road race where the runners and their dogs take part.

The Dog Mile takes place in Santa Barbara, California in June every year. The race isn't without its hazards though as ones of the biggest problems is with dogs changing direction and the owners tripping over the dog or leash!

This year, there were 74 dogs and owners taking part with the winner Josh Helton finishing in a time of 4m 15s. This was 7 seconds faster than the previous record of 4:22 which was set back in 2008.

Some races this weekend...Fri 19th to Sun 21st June 2015

As always, there are no shortage of events for runners in Cork this weekend. The weather forecast looks pretty reasonable with rain forecast for next Monday so make the most of it.
 

Fri 19th June...There is the annual Inniscarra 4 mile race in Ballyanley. This is located between Blarney and Inniscarra and is just a few miles to the NW of Cork City. There are a few hills on the route but it's on nice quiet country roads. More info HERE

Sat 20th June....The Rebel Run4Fun 5k Series kicks off with a race at the Blarney Running Trail at 10am. This is a nice undulating course on short grass and if you haven't been there, it's worth a look. If you want to sign up for the 3 races in the series and get the dry fit top, you need to do it today the 19th of June. More info HERE

Sat 20th June....The Allihies 5 mile race is a new event on the calendar and if the weather is nice will also be one of the most spectacular with stunning scenery. The race starts at 2pm and you can find more info HERE

Sun 21st June....There is a 6km fun run in the village of Bartlemy near Rathcormac in NE Cork and this aims to raise funds to help send local Sinead Kearney to the USA for treatment of Lyme disease. More info HERE