Launch of the Ballintotis 4 mile road race coming up on Thurs 19th April 2018

Press release : All Set For The Ballintotis '4' Mile Road Race On April 19th

Ready for road - race sponsors and members of the organising committee gather in Ballintotis to announce final details of this year's Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race which will be held on Thursday April 19th 2018.

With just two weeks to go to the 9th running of the Ballintotis '4' Mile Road Race, preparations are advancing at pace ahead of what promises to be another great sporting occasion.  In the last few days the Organising Committee hosted a Pre Race Sponsors Photo Call by the Lakeside. It was an occasion to acknowledge the continued outstanding support being rendered by the local business community to a race that is now firmly established as one of the high points of the Cork road running scene.

 In the region of 1,000 participants regularly head to the start line for the 8pm start.  Again this year's race will be preceded by the very popular Walk, which also has it's usual start time of 6.30pm. The Ballintotis '4' Mile Road Race is held annually in association with East Cork A.C who made the generous gesture to relocate the race to this venue back in 2010 as Ballintotis Area Community Council went about their fund raising ventures for their proposed Community Centre..  So far James McCarthy from the promoting club has been unbeatable, having won all previous 8 races in Ballintotis. The ladies race has seen a host of winners including Claire McCarthy and Lizzie Lee in the last two years, both of whom incidentally performed with great distinction for Ireland recently in the World Half Marathon Championships.

On line entry for this year's Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race is now open and will remain open until April 16th.  The organisers would ask as many people as possible to register in advance. By doing so, you will make life easier for both the committee and for yourself on the day of the race. Please log on to www.ballintotis.com and follow the link to enter.  Race numbers can be collected between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday April 18th and again on Race Day from 1pm at Ballintotis Community Centre.

If you choose not avail of on line registration - please note that entries will also be taken from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday April 18th and from 1pm on race day at Ballintotis Community Centre.
The race committee are delighted to welcome Ahern's Centra on board as one the main sponsors of the event. Simon Ahern of Ahern's Centra Castlemartyr, Killeagh and Carrigtwohill is taking over sponsorship of the by now coveted Ballintotis Running Buff, which will be given to each participant on the night. We extend a sincere word of thanks to Simon and his team for his very valued backing of the event.

As always the race offers great value for money with a very attractive prize structure overall and a full list of category prizes as well as the opportunity to win one of the many spot prizes on offer. Castlemartyr Resort will again sponsor the top prize which this year is a Weekend Away for 2 people for both the male and female winners. Sean Cooney from Castlemartyr Resort was on hand to make the sponsorship presentation at the recent launch. Once again, long term sponsors Trabolgan Holiday Village have again confirmed that they will sponsor a  Family Weekend Away or Mid Week stay for the both the race runner up and ladies runner up. Garryvoe Hotel Leisure Centre, loyal supporters of the Ballintotis fixture, have come on board with a magnificent prize for the third runners home in the shape of six months membership to their superb facility.  Market Green Shopping Centre, Michael Kennedy Agri and Plant Hire along with the vibrant Ballintotis Fit4Life Club have also been confirmed as amongst the other main sponsors

Sean Cooney, Castlemartyr Resort presents sponsorship of the top prize for this year's Ballintotis Road Race to Race Directors Sean Murphy and John Cashman.  This year's men's winner and ladies winner will each receive a Weekend Away for 2 People at the Luxurious 5 Star Resort.

Remember there will be first/second and third prizes in ALL AGE CATEGORIES.

Meantime, the organising committee have again appealed for continued support in terms of sponsorship or donations ahead of this year's race.  Sponsors can come on board either by making a financial donation to offset the considerable costs of running the event or by sponsoring a prize or prize category.  Please call Sean Murphy on 086-8240094 or John Cashman  086-8778182 or any member of the organising committee if you are willing to help.

So, it's all systems go again for the what for many is the traditional start of the summer road racing scene in Cork. After an extended winter of bad weather, here's hoping that once again, the sun will shine on Ballintotis on Thursday April 19th.

Photos by
JOHN WALSHE, MIDLETON & DISTRICT NEWS

More photos HERE