Looking ahead to the 2018 Dungarvan 10 mile road race...Sun 4th Feb 2018

The big race in Munster this weekend of course is the Dungarvan 10 mile road race and there are well over 1000 runners from Cork making the journey. This sold out months ago and the entry list can be seen HERE

Update Sun 4th Feb 9am : As of 9am, there is bright sunshine in Dungarvan. As the satellite photo shows below, there is a weak front over Wexford and this will move slowly west towards Dungarvan. This may result in cloudy conditions for the race but the big question is will it produce any rain? If it does, it's likely to be light and patchy. Overall, still looking good for the race.

First off, the weather forecast. The chart above says it all really. A high pressure system in the North Atlantic will dominate the weather over Ireland for the weekend. Once a weather front passes over the country on Friday night and Saturday morning, the winds should begin to ease and the weather will become more settled.

For the race on Sunday, it's likely to be dry with some sunshine although there is a possibility of some light rain from a passing weak front. The maximum temperature will be around 6 degrees C so it will still feel cold, especially in the shade. There should also be a light wind from the NNE which will make things feel colder.

In terms of race conditions, it's pretty close to ideal. Don't forget, if you feel a bit cold at the start line then that's fine. After a mile or two, you'll be warmed up and you really don't want to be wearing too much then.

It will probably be mild enough for say a short sleeve top if you are racing. A long sleeve top perhaps if your aim is just to get around. It would be best to forget about jackets and/or multiple layers.

As for the wind, it's likely to be from the north-north east and light. As it's coming overland as opposed to coming in from the sea, it should be modest enough in Dungarvan. Out on the course, it's likely to be a headwind between miles 2 and 3 and between miles 8 and 10 but I'd expect it won't be a major factor.

As for the course, it is the same as last year. The preview can be seen  here... http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/03/waterford009.html

In terms of Cork clubs, these are the ones with 25 or more entrees....

Eagle AC 69, Midleton AC 55, Ballymore Cobh AC 56, Mallow AC 55, Watergrasshill AC 51, St.Finbarr's AC 47, Aghada RC 47, Ballintotis Fit4Life 39, Wibbly Wobbly Wonders 39, Youghal AC 38, Grange Fermoy AC 37, Togher AC 37, Leevale AC 29, Bweeng Trailblazers 28.