Results of the Kilmacsimon 7k & 10k runs...Sun 28th Feb 2016

A total of 122 people turned out for these 7km and 10km runs organised by Kilmacsimon Rowing Club. There were 44 in the 7k and 80 in the 10k.

44 Total 7k Runners...13 Open Men, 23 Open Women, 5 U16 Boys, 3 U16 Girls
80 Total 10k Runners...47 Open Men, 33 Open Women

1    John  Murphy    7k    m    0:30:36
2    Colin Fortune    7k    m    0:30:50
3    Emmet Callan    7k    m    0:31:37
1    Jean Humphreys    7k    w    0:34:32
2    Christine O'Neill    7k    w    0:39:17
3    Aisling Twomey    7k    w    0:40:20
3    Orla Twomey    7k    w    0:40:20 

Under 16 Boys 7k          
1 77    Adam Straub    0:35:30
2 84    Michael Harrington    0:35:48
3 65    David mcCarthy    0:39:08
Under 16 Girls 7k          
1 71    louise Egan McCutcheon    0:52:26
2 82    Etain Coughlan    0:55:25 

1    Conor Tierney #472   10k    m    0:37:24
2    Tim Mahony #470   10k    m    0:39:57
3    Billy Walsh  #478  10k    m    0:40:27
1    Sinead Collins    10k    w    0:43:38
2    Debbie McCarthy    10k    w    0:46:34
3    Geraldine O'Sullivan    10k    w    0:46:59 

The full updated results an be seen HERE

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

Results & Photos of the Matehy National School 4 mile run...Sun 28th Feb 2016

A total of 91 people took part in this fundraiser in aid of Matehy National School.

1    James    Kelleher    M 25:21
2    Paddy    Barry    M St. Finbarrs AC 25:30
3    Kieran    Lynch    M 26:28
16    Anita    Murphy    F St. Finbarrs AC 29:43
21    Denise    Costello    F 31:25
28    Paula    Fogerty    F 33:03

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Joe & Anne Murphy have a small gallery of photos HERE

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA Gas Networks 5km road race...Sun 28th Feb 2016

Just over 500 runners turned out for this 5km race in Cork City on what was a sunny and dry Sunday morning.

1 Alan O'Shea M1 00:15:12 The Flying Doctor
2 Sean McGrath M2 00:15:27 Harty Tax Consulting M-A-1
3 Eric Curran M3 00:15:38 Forrest Laboratories
61 Joan Ennis 0/50K F1 00:18:53 Avondhu MF F-A-1
65 Carmel Parnell 0/60M F2 00:18:59 Cork Shops F-A-2
90 Ronnie Barry 0/40I F3 00:19:36 Cork County Council

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) There are 400+ photos on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE

Results of the Adare 10k...Sun 28th Feb 2016

This 10k race in Limerick attracted a huge field of almost 600 people including many from Cork. The results can be seen HERE

Results of the Baltydaniel NS 5k run...Sat 27th Feb 2016

This 5k in Doneraile Park was organised in aid of Baltydaniel National School.

1 17:03    MOLONEY, Paul    MALLOW AC    M    MS    0:05:30
2 17:14    MADIGAN, Damien    N/A    M    MS    0:05:34
3 18:41    MOLONEY, Nicholas    NORTH CORK AC    M    MS    0:06:02
7 19:40    O'CALLAGHAN, Grainne    UNATTACHED    F    FS    0:06:21
11 20:44    MING, Mei    LISCARROLL AC    F    FS    0:06:41
21 21:41    MORONEY, Sharon    UNATTACHED    F    FS    0:07:00

The full results can be seen HERE

Reminder...Cork BHAA 5k race in Cork City on Sun 28th Feb 2016

The Cork BHAA Gas Networks 5k race is coming up on Sunday the 28th of February near Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork City and is sure to be popular with a lot of runners.

The entry fee is €5 for registered Cork BHAA runners while it's €10 for non-reg. The race HQ is Lee Rowing Club next to Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Considering that it is one of the fastest and flattest 5k courses around then it's sure to attract big numbers. Other pluses are its central location and full spread afterwards.

The course being used is the exact same as the one for the John Buckley Sports 5k. You can find out more info about the course here... http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/01/cork013.html

The weather forecast is for cold but dry conditions...perfect for a race.

Cork City Council announce project which will improve access to the Blackrock Amenity Walkway

Cork City Council recently announced details of a project to improve the layout of one of the junctions in Mahon in Cork City. Part of this work should see the provision of two new ramps which will improve access to the Blackrock Amenity Walkway which might be better known as the old railway line.

The Yellow lines in the image above show the location.

This is what the official wording on the project said..."Two new pedestrian/cycle ramps will be constructed to connect the Mahon Link Road and the Blackrock Amenity Walkway/Cycleway. The existing Blackrock Amenity Walkway/Cycleway will be widened, resurfaced, and enhanced between the two new ramps with installation of additional public lighting, CCTV etc"

The existing walkway has a tarmac surface which is 3 metres wide and it is proposed that the section between the ramps will be widened to 4 metres.

This walkway is very popular with runners in Cork and the new ramps might give a few more route options for some. If you are running on the walkway and you are wondering where it will be then look for the set of rough steps which are cut into the bank. That marks the point where the road junction is above.

Parkrun in Cork City cancelled indefinitely

It looks like the Tramore Valley Park parkrun in Cork City won't be resuming anytime soon.

Here is a statement from the organisers......"Latest update from Cork City council is that parkrun at Tramore Valley is cancelled indefinitely due to access issues with the site. Needless to say we will continue to work with them in an effort to get it restarted but there's no set date by which we expect this to happen."



* * *

The map below helps to explain the current situation.
1) The Black Ash Park & Ride is at the other side of the South Ring Road and there is no pedestrian access to the Tramore Valley Park from it.
2) There is limited parking in the park. If more than 250 people or so turn up and no special measures are taken then the car park there reaches capacity.
3) There is a pedestrian entrance from the Half-Moon Lane. If a parking area can be found near there then people can park there and access the park that way. The 1km run in and out would be just a warm up and cool down for most runners.

 
This is the what was in the Master plan for the park in terms of connecting it to the Black Ash Park and Ride. Whether this ever goes ahead or not is another thing.

Notice...UCC desk to 5K - Tues 8th March 2016

This 5k charity run takes place on the UCC campus in Cork City on Tuesday the 8th of March. It's starts at 1pm and there is a €5 donation to Cork Cancer Research Centre.

From the organisers.......UCC Desk to 5K is back again this Spring on 8th March 2016. Run, Walk or Jog 5K in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research, the official charity of Cork Cancer Research Centre based here in UCC. Starting outside the Student Centre we will be doing 5 laps of the UCC Campus to promote physical activity and raise money for a great cause. Please pre-register online to show your support https://uccdeskto5k.eventbrite.ie

Video on Irish racewalker Rob Heffernan as he prepares for the 2016 Olympics in Rio

Notice...The Great Railway Run 5km, 10km or 25km - Sun 17th Apr 2016

The annual Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline will be held this year on Sunday the 17th of April 2016 .There are a choice of three distances.......a 25 km race starting at 9:30am from Cork City to Carrigaline, a 10 km race from Monkstown to Carrigaline starting at 11am or a 5 km run/walk from Ringaskiddy to Carrigaline starting at 11:45am.

The run will roughly follow the route of the old Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway which ran from 1850 until 1932.

For a large part of the run, the route will follow the old railway line that skirts the shores of Cork Harbour. The big change this year is the finish. An extra section will be added in after Shanbally so that the race finishes at the new Carrigaline Youth Centre. This avoids the narrow finish on the footpath outside the GAA club.

The entry fees are as follows...

          Normal Price      Late registration

5K...............€12..............................€17
10K.............€20..............................€30
25K.............€30..............................€40

You can find details of the 2016 route HERE

More details on the event website.

You can enter online HERE

Adare 10k race in Limerick coming up on Sun 28th Feb 2016

This one might be of interest to any runners in North Cork / Limerick / North Kerry. The annual Adare 10k road race is coming up next Sunday the 28th of February and it's a bit unusual in that it always seems to attract a large field of about 500 runners in contrast to a lot of the other races in Limerick.

There are dry fit tops for the first 500 to enter and they have passed the 350 mark already. Online entries close at the end of Thursday and people can enter on the day as well.

More info HERE

Video highlights of the AIT International Grand Prix, Athlone...Wed 16th Feb 2016

On Wednesday the 17th of February 2016, the AIT International Grand Prix was held in the indoor sports arena in Athlone. As well as attracting some international athletes, some of the best Irish track athletes were also in action.

See the schedule below. Video from Irish Sports Net


Schedule...
01:20...Women 60m Hurdles...Heats
03:20...Women 60m Sprint...Heats...Amy Foster & Phil Healy from Cork in action in these.
06:40...Men 60m Sprint...Heats
09:20...Women 800m
13:50...Women 1500m...Rose-Anne Galligan #804 gets a World Indoor Championship qualifying time in this one.
21:00...Men 800m
26:30...Men 400m #1...Euro champion Pavel Maslak in action here
30:40...World Pole Vault Champion Shawn Barber
31:20...Men 400m #2
33:30...Men 400m #3...nearly a pile up in this one!
35:30...Men's Mile...Winning time of 3:54...2nd fastest indoor mile this year.
42:40...Women 60m Hurdles Final
45:50...Women 60m Sprint Final...Phil Healy from Cork in this one with a host of top Irish sprinters
48:20...Men 60m Sprint Final

The full results of the competition can be found HERE

Togher AC make presentation of €2,220 to the Cork Mental Health Foundation

Following on from the successful Togher 5k road race last Christmas, Togher AC recently made of presentation of a cheque for €2,220 to Cork Mental Health Foundation. This was from the proceeds of the race.

The photo above shows members of Togher AC with Brendan McCarthy, Manager Cork Mental Health Foundation.

European Athletics interview with the outgoing president of Atheltics Ireland

Ciarán Ó Catháin is the outgoing president of Athletics Ireland, a role he has had for the last four years. In his day job, he is the President of Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), a position he has held for 16 years. Under his tenure, a new indoor arena hosting an international grade 200m track has been built which has made a huge change to athletics in the country.

Excerpt from the interview..."The association was in a lot of difficulty because there had been a major issue," he says. "I had been approached to see if I would go in as Chairman of Finance and Risk. I did that for two years and I was elected deputy-President at that time as well. I said I would do that and then I was pulling back and doing my own job but they convinced me…would I go in and do the President’s job. In 10 weeks time, that request he answered for help comes to an end when he steps down."

The full interview can be seen HERE

As outlined in an earlier post, a new National Indoor Arena is being built in Dublin at the moment. If one can be built in Athlone then why not one in Cork?

Results & Photos of the Carrigaline 5 mile road race...Sun 21st Feb 2016

Just over 370 runners took part in this years Carrigaline 5 mile road race on Sunday the 21st of February 2016, almost the same as the figure for 2015.

1 25:14    MCCARTHY, James    East Cork AC
2 25:34    O'SHEA, Alan    Bantry AC
3 25:40    O'DONOGHUE, Tim    East Cork AC
37 31:27    MURPHY PLANT, Una        F45
40 32:01    TEEHAN, Karina    St. Finbarrs AC    F35
45 32:36    O'CALLAGHAN, Eileen    Eagle AC    F40 

The full official results can be found on the Eagle AC website HERE

Photos...(Updated Thurs 11am)
1) Graham Nudds has a  gallery HERE
2) There is a large gallery of mostly finish line photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE
3) There is a gallery of about 340 photos from Derek Costello of Eagle AC HERE
with another 200 or so post race photos HERE 
4) There is gallery from Mairead O'Mullane HERE

The race was sponsored by The Edge Sports Shop and discount vouchers were given to all runners on the day. These will entitle you to 20% off on running items and nutrition products.

Ciara Mageean sets new Irish Indoor Mile record in New York

Ciara Mageean is one of Ireland's top international athletes and she was in action in the prestigious Millrose Games in New York this weeekend. In the Women's Wanamaker Mile race, she finished in a time of 4m 28.40s to set a new Irish Indoor record.

 

Women's Wanamaker Mile
Place    Athlete    Time                  
1    Shannon Rowbury Nike OP    4:24.39                  
2    Kerri Gallagher Nike    4:26.18                  
3    Amanda Eccleston Brooks    4:26.63                  
4    Heather Kampf Asics    4:27.26                  
5    Morgan Uceny adidas    4:27.99                  
6    Ciara Mageean new balance    4:28.40                  
7    Katie Mackey Brooks Beasts    4:28.84                  
8    Alexa Efraimson Nike    4:28.91                  
9    Heather Wilson New Jersey-New York TC    4:30.80                  
10    Dominique Scott Arkansas    4:31.57                  
11    Leah O' Connor adidas    4:31.83                  
12    Erin Teschuk North Dakota St    4:34.58

The race video can be seen HERE

One Mile (Irish women...Indoor Records)
1 4:28.40     Ciara Mageean 6    Millrose    New York NY    20 Feb 2016
2 4:30.06     Roísín McGettigan     4    Reebok    Boston MA 7 Feb 2009
3 4:30.41     Sinéad Evans    2    NBG    New York NY    8 Jan 2000
4 4:32.29     Mary Cullen    1    NBG    New York NY    20 Jan 2007
5 4:33.4h     Monica Joyce    1        Inglewood 10 Feb 1984
6 4:33.49     Sonia O'Sullivan    1 Boston MA    20 Jan 1991

Irish international Tori Pena was also in action in the Women's Pole Vault competition where she cleared 4.40m. Video clip HERE

Results of the Cloyne 4k race...Sun 21st Feb 2016

A total of 215 people took part in this 4k race in Cloyne.

Pos    Forename    Surname    Cat    Club    Time
1    Charlie    O'DONOVAN    MJ    Leevale AC    12:40
2    David    FOX    MJ    Leevale AC    12:51
3    Philip    CROWLEY    M    Leevale AC    13:32
27    Eileen    LEAHY    F    Midleton AC    16:29
39    Claire    O'DONNELL    F    Cork    17:07
49    Carol    CASHELL    F35    Carrigtwohill    17:38

The full results can be seen HERE

Works to commence in the Ballincollig Regional Park

For those of you who run in the Ballincollig Regional Park, you might find the following of interest...

Cork County Council wishes to advise of the following forthcoming works taking place in Ballincollig Regional Park.

• Bridge Works: Due to commence on 22nd February 2016 with an expected completion date of 11th March 2016.

• Path Works: Due to commence on 29th February 2016 with an expected completion date of 7th April 2016.

*The park will remain open throughout the works but there will be diversions in effect. Signs advising of these alternative routes will be in place. It is not expected that the works will impact upon paths by the river or playing pitches during this time or to many of the woodland trails. These works form part of a €300,000 investment by Cork County Council in the park.*

Cork City parkrun on Sat 20th Feb 2016 cancelled...

Still no change for the resumption of the Tramore Valley Park parkrun in Cork City.

Here is a statement from the organisers......"There will be no parkrun at Tramore Valley on Sat 20th February unfortunately. We haven't received the report from the health & safety consultant as yet but it should show up in the next few days. After that the volunteer group will work with the City Council to see what we can do to alleviate the concerns."

The map below helps to explain the current situation.
1) The Black Ash Park & Ride is at the other side of the South Ring Road and there is no pedestrian access to the Tramore Valley Park from it.
2) There is limited parking in the park. If more than 250 people or so turn up and no special measures are taken then the car park there reaches capacity.
3) There is a pedestrian entrance from the Half-Moon Lane. If a parking area can be found near there then people can park there and access the park that way. The 1km run in and out would be just a warm up and cool down for most runners.

 

A look at the National Sports Campus...Indoor Arena and National Cross Country Track

At present, the National Sports Campus is slowly being developed in Abbotstown in Dublin. Located just off the M50 Ring Road, it is ideally placed near the centre of a large road network which fans out across the country.

There will be a number of sports based in this campus.......GAA, IRFU, FAI, Swimming as well as several others including athletics.

Construction of the new National Indoor Arena began in July of 2015 and it will include a 200 metre track, sprint track, jump and throw areas and seating for up to 1,900 spectators. This is what it is expected to look like....

This is what the outside looked like in January of 2016...

I'm not sure of the completion date? Perhaps the end of 2016?

This will be the second international grade indoor athletics track in Ireland and as it's on the outskirts of Dublin, it's bound to be popular. If you follow athletics in Ireland then you'll know that the indoor track in Athlone has had a huge impact. There seems to be a competition there nearly every weekend at the moment with adults and children using it. What impact the second Dublin based track has on Athlone remains to be seen but if athletics is to develop in Ireland then proper facilities like this are needed.

Also included in the plans for the campus are a National Cross Country Track...

As you can see, it's 1.5kms in length. I presume the red wedge shape is for the start area where the runners will stretch out after the start and funnel onto the main course. The upper red area is the finish area. The general area is pretty flat so perhaps a few man made 'hills' might be included. Whether the final course looks like this is another issue but at least it shows what the general plan is.

Will all major national cross country races be held there? Just some? As outlined already, there is a lot to be said for holding national events at a location which is easy to access from most parts of the country.

In addition to these two developments, the new High Performance Performance Centre on the campus was shown off last January. All good news and bound to give a welcome boost to athletics in Ireland.

Reminder...Carrigaline 5 mile road race - Sun 21st Feb 2016

One of the other big races this weekend in Cork is of course the Carrigaline 5 mile road race on Sunday, 21st of Feb at 11am. Located just to the south of Cork City, it should be within easy reach for a lot of people. Coming just 2 weeks before the Ballycotton '10' on the 6th of March, it is ideally placed to test your fitness level to see what it's like.The race is organised by Eagle AC.

The town of Carrigaline is only five miles south of the South Ring Road.

Coming just 2 weeks before the Ballycotton 10, it is also an ideal test if you know what kind of pace you should run the 10 miles in. To get your best 10 mile time, you should run at a steady even pace or close to it. Run too fast in the first half and your second half will be much slower. Your fitness will change very little in 3 weeks so whatever time you get in Carrigaline on Sunday should give a good idea of your 10 mile form...assuming you have done the training to run 10 miles ;o)

To estimate your 10 mile time from your 5 mile result, have a look at this chart HERE.

Entries......The entry fee for 2016 is €10. Two Euro of this will be donated to local charities. It also includes a 20% off voucher for running items  in the Edge Sports Shop.

You can enter on the day in the local community hall in Carrigaline between 9:30am and 10:40am. There will also be a special entry desk for those who pre-enter and want to avoid the queues on the day.

Pre-Entry...You can pre-enter here until Thursday night...
http://www.active.com/cork-cork/running/eagle-ac-tommy-ryan-memorial-carrigaline-5-2016

Anyone who pre-enters gets put into a draw for a €30 One4All voucher.

Changing and showers for ladies upstairs, changing only for gents in main hall.

Race Sponsor......One of the main sponsors for the race is The Edge Sports Shop. They will be giving out 20% discount vouchers for running gear and nutrition products to all race entrants. Obviously the amount saved at the time of purchase may well exceed the cost of the race entry so it makes sense to get your hands on one. For example, if you spend €50 with the discount voucher, you save €10...the race entry fee.

From the sponsor.....The Edge Sports shop Specialises in Running, Cycling, Swimming and Triathlon. All sales staff participate in at least one but generally two or more of the sports and are able to give excellent advise to customers. The Superstore boasts a large Running Department and Swimming Department on the 1st floor; with stacks of bikes, clothing, accessories and electronics on the ground floor. Video Running Gait Analysis is available on demand at both shops to help customers select the best shoe for their running needs.

They have two shops in Cork City. One in Parnell Place in the city centre and a larger superstore out by the Kinsale Road Roundabout.

The Course...A full preview of the full course with photos is available at http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/01/cork001.html

Athlone IT International Grand Prix...Wed 17th Feb 2016

Schedule...
19:03     60mH SEN Womend     19:12
19:15     Pole Vault SEN Men
19:19     60m SEN Women
19:31     Triple Jump SEN Men
19:33     60m SEN Men
20:00     1500m SEN Women
20:12     800m SEN Women
20:22     800m SEN Men
20:32     400m SEN Men
20:39     400m SEN Men
20:46     400m SEN Men
20:56     Mile SEN Men
21:10     60mH SEN Women
21:18     60m SEN Women
21:26     60m SEN Men

Live coverage...

Now over...

Results

Doping not rife in Kenya - David Rudisha coach Colm O'Connell

Brother Colm O'Connell from Mallow is coach to the 800m Olympic Champion & World record holder David Rudisha.

In an recent interview with the BBC, he denied that doping was rife on Kenya. This was after the country missed a deadline to prove to the World Anti-Doping Agency it is tackling cheating in athletics.

The short interview can be seen HERE

Gary O'Hanlon sets new Irish 50km record

At the Irish 50km Championships in Donadea Co.Kildare last weekend, Gary O'Hanlon from Louth won the race in a time of 2h 56m 51s. Just one week after winning the Clonakilty Marathon in 2h 48m, Gary's 50k time was also a new Irish 50km record. That works out as 3m 31s per km or 5m 42s per mile for 31 miles.
 

Donadea 50k...
1 Gary M40 IRE 2:56:51
2 Doyle Mark MS IRE 3:12:09
3 Peter M IRE 3:16:59
30 Kenny Suzanne Trail heads F35 IRE 3:59:49
50 Clarke Karen F42 IRE 4:14:54
60 Flanagan Tracy F40 IRE 4:22:47

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Peter Mooney has a gallery HERE
2) Gareth MacCauley has a gallery HERE  

Notice...Sports Ability Seminar - CIT - Wed 24th Feb 2016

The following info was sent onto me by the Cork Sports Partnership...

Sports Ability Seminar...In association with Cork Institute of Technology. Cork Sports Ability Forum enables, encourages and supports the development and delivery of sports, physical activity & physical education for people with disabilities in Cork.

This event is open to the public and is suitable for coaches, parents, athletes, teachers, sports leaders and students.

Date: Wednesday February 24th 2016...Start: 19:30pm...Venue: IT1, Library Building, CIT Bishopstown Campus, Cork Institute of Technology
Schedule: 19:00 Registration & Refreshments
19:30 Introduction
19:35 Athletics ...Sinead Kane, Visually Impaired athlete & solicitor
19:55 “Road to Rio”...Q & A session with Paralympic athletes Orla Barry & Niamh McCarthy
20:15 Social & Physical Benefits of Sport & Physical activity ...Conor Counihan former Cork football manager
20:35 World Summer Games Experience ...Q & A session with Special Olympic athletes Colm Monahan & Trudy Hyland
20:35 Irish Amputee Football Association ...David Saunders, Irish International Amputee Footballer

For more info, go to http://www.corksports.ie/index.cfm/page/sportsability-seminar-1

Poor turnout for the National Inter County Cross Country Championships in Galway

The National Inter County Cross Country Championships were held in Tuam, Co.Galway on Sunday the 14th of February 2016. The numbers attending however were pretty poor and were in marked contrast to the National Inter Clubs Cross Country Championships held in Santry last November.

Here is a comparison...
Inter County (Feb 2016) in Green // Inter Club (Nov 2015) in Orange
37 Senior Men...2 County Teams // 160 Senior Men...20 Club teams
18 Senior Women...2 County Teams // 80 Senior Women...9 club teams
13 Junior Men...2 County Teams // 81 Junior Men...10 club teams
11 Junior Women...2 County Teams // 50 Junior Women...7 club teams

As you can see, there were no Bronze team medals awarded in the County competition because there wasn't any third teams........and this was a national competition. There is probably a very good case to just have the inter county and inter clubs all rolled up into one race in November and hold it somewhere near Dublin.

Cork....From a Cork point of view, there was hardly anyone there representing the second largest county in terms of club membership. Donal Coakley of Leevale AC who goes to nearly every cross country race was there and Brian McMahon who is running with a Dublin club but representing Cork was there. That was it...two men from Cork....and six were needed to make up a county team.

There were no representatives from Cork in the Senior Women, Junior Men or Junior Women's races.

County Results...
Senior Men1 Galway 2, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19...74 pts
2 Donegal 7, 16, 18, 22, 30, 37...130 pts

Senior Women
1 Galway 2, 4, 8, 11...25 pts
2 Kerry 1, 5, 7, 14...27 pts
Results....Senior Men......Senior Women.....Junior Men....Junior Women

The highlight was the Championships from a 'local' point of view was the performance of the Kerry team. Shona Heaslip of An Ríocht AC won the senior women's race leading the Kerry team to a Silver medal. 
 

Shona Heaslip of An Ríocjt AC winning the senior womens race. ...Photo: Andrew Talbot

The other members of the Kerry team were...
5th Karina Tehan St.Finbarrs AC
7th Niamh O'Sullivan An Riocht A.C.
14th Niamh Clifford Star of the Laune A.C.
16th Mary O'Connor An Riocht A.C

Looking at some of the photos, it's obvious that the Galway Athletics County Board went to a lot of effort staging this championships. It's just a pity that most of the other counties couldn't be bothered sending teams. 

Video clip of the mens race from Padraic Burke...
 

Belfast to Host 24 Hour World Championships in 2017

It has just been announced that Belfast will host the 24 Hour World Championships in July of 2017. The last 24 Hour World Championships were held in Italy in April 2015 and attracted 300 runners from all over the World (177 men & 123 women).

In recent years, the Irish 24 Hour Championships have been held on the Mary Peters Track in Belfast. This year, it will be moved to Victoria Park in East Belfast where there runners will use a loop that is just under 1.7kms in length.

Victoria Park is located between the George Best Belfast City Airport and the old Harland and Wolff dockyards. There is a 5km parkrun there every Saturday morning and attacts about 100-300 people.

Here is the anouncement from the IAU (International Association of Ultrarunners)...
Belfast has been selected to host the next 24 Hour World Championships in 2017.  The bid presented by this Northern Ireland city was very strong and the Local Organizing Committee have started work to host the event next year. The 24 Hour championships will take place July 1st and 2nd in Victoria Park in East Belfast. We wish the LOC the very best of luck as they progress towards the organization of the event. As we get closer to the event we will present more information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us...Nadeem Khan, Director of Communications

Here is what it looks like on the ground...

This is an international event which will have teams from all over the world representing their country. There will also be an Irish team and their selection will probably depend on the results of the Irish 24 hour championships at the end of June 2016. It's also likely though that this will be an open competition with anyone able to take part.

Update from the organisers......."The 12th IAU 24-Hr World Championships are on their way to Belfast next year,2017. They'll be held in Victoria Park on July 1 and 2.
There is the potential for 300 athletes from 50 nations to take part. The Irish championships will still be on; and there will also be an Open race with 100 places available.
It kind of makes this June's Energia24 important as a dress rehearsal for 2017!
Thanks to everyone for their support and help in building the race up and getting us to these dizzy heights.
The Championships was launched in the Park this morning with Irish internationals Ruthann Sheahan and John O'Regan making the long journeys up to help Belfast's Lord Mayor get the build-up started. Just 500 days to go! "

Results of the Mealagh Valley 10 mile road race...Sun 14th Feb 2016

Just 63 runners turned out for this years Mealagh Valley 10 mile road race near Bantry, a drop of about 25% on the 2015 numbers. This was despite the fact that the weather conditions were dry in contrast to the rain of last year.

1 0:54:37 O'SHEA, Alan    Bantry AC    M    05:27.6
2 1:01:56 DEANE, Paul   Clonakilty Road Runners   M    06:11.5
3 1:04:05 MCCARTHY, Patrick    unatt/Drimoleague    M40    06:24.4
11 1:11:21   WALSH, Karen    unatt/Cork    F35    07:08.0
18 1:15:28   O'SHEA, Geraldine    St. Finbarrs AC    F45    07:32.7
23 1:19:30   HARRINGTON, Deirdre    Bantry AC    F40    07:56.9 

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Bantry Photo have a few photos HERE

Results & Photos of the FACE 5k in Kilworth...Sun 14th Feb 2016

329 runners turned out for this years FACE 5k in Kilworth in NE Cork, a jump of about 10% on the 2015 numbers.

1 15:43 MAUNSELL, Kevin  CLONMEL AC  MS    05:04
2 16:03 MINTERN, Chris  LEEVALE    MS 05:11
3 16:19 MANSFIELD, David   CLONMEL HARRIERS MS 05:16
6 17:29 COOKE, Aoife YOUGHAL AC  FS 05:38
22 19:13 FINN, Carol LEEVALE    FS 06:12
24 19:16 O'NEILL, Nollaig  LEEVALE    F40  06:13

The full results can be seen on the FACE 5k race website

Photos...(Facebook account required to view)
1) Gerard O'Sullivan has 3 albums to view...#1...#2....#3
2) Ger Broderick has a gallery HERE

Video of the build up and the race itself...

For Weight Loss, Which is Best?...Exercise or Diet?

For some people, they look at running as a means to lose weight. As the video clip show, it helps but you need to look at your diet as well.

Results & Photos of the Bweeng NS 5k, Doneraile Park...Sat 13th Feb 2016

This 5k run in aid of Bweeng National School was held in Doneraile Park on Sat 13th Feb 2016.

1 Eoin Healy Bweeng Trail Blazers 19.14 Male
2 Tony Mc Mahon Kilmallock AC 19.24 Male
3 John Kelly Mallow AC 19.56 Male
11 Mei Ming Liscarroll AC 21.17 Female
19 Eimear Harrington Buttevant 22.45 Female
21 Orla Nolan Dromahane Road Runners 23.31 Female

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Gerard O'Sullivan has a gallery of about 200 photos HERE (Facebook account required to view) 

(Photo Credit : Gerard O'Sullivan)

Reminder...Kilworth 5k coming up on Sunday 14th Feb 2016

Just a reminder that the FACE 5k race is coming up in Kilworth near Fermoy on Sunday 14th Feb. Fermoy Action Children's Education (FACE) is a charity whose aim is to help children with learning difficulties. The course has been accurately measured by Jones Counter and the race starts at 11am.

One unique feature of the race is the sheer number of prizes. The organisers have put together a huge prize list and have over 30 prizes alone just as spots.

The race also has its own website where you can find out more about the charity as well as maps, prizes and directions..... http://face5k.wordpress.com/

You can also find a more detailed preview of the course HERE

Live coverage of the Irish University Track & Field Championships...Fri 12th Feb 2016

For anyone interested in some athletics action, the Irish Universities Track & Field Indoor Championships were held in Athlone on Friday the 12th of February. The online coverage is shown below.

The results can be seen HERE

Cork City parkrun on Sat 13th Feb 2016 cancelled...

There is still no green light for the resumption of the Tramore Valley Park parkrun in Cork City.

Here is a statement from the organisers......"There will be no parkrun at Tramore Valley on Sat 13th February. We have concrete proposals with the City Council for some extra parking outside of the park itself which are being investigated by their health & safety consultant but this won't be complete in time for us to hold an event next Sat."

The map below helps to explain the current situation.
1) The Black Ash Park & Ride is at the other side of the South Ring Road and there is no pedestrian access to the Tramore Valley Park from it.
2) There is limited parking in the park. If more than 250 people or so turn up and no special measures are taken then the car park there reaches capacity.
3) There is a pedestrian entrance from the Half-Moon Lane. If a parking area can be found near there then people can park there and access the park that way. The 1km run in and out would be just a warm up and cool down for most runners.