Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: September 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Results of the Glash 4k... Sun 30th Sept 2018

This 4k near Newmarket attracted a small field of just 45 runners and walkers...

Results of the Rockchapel 4k run/walk... Sun 16th Sept 2018

Results from a 4k in NW Cork a while back...

Cork woman Michelle Finn wins Limerick mini-marathon

(L-R) Carol Finn, Michelle Finn & Lauren Dermody
 The annual Limerick Ladies 10k Mini-Marathon was held on Sunday the 30th of Sept 2018 and the first woman home was Michelle Finn of Leevale AC in  Cork with a time of 35m  02s.

Michelle's sister Carol Finn also of Leevale AC finished in 3rd place in 37m 21s.

Study shows light exercise helps improve memory

Just 10 minutes of light physical activity is enough to boost brain connectivity and help the brain to distinguish between similar memories, a new study suggests.

Scientists at the University of California studying brain activity found connectivity between parts of the brain responsible for memory formation and storage increased after a brief interval of light exercise

Full story

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Looking ahead to the Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh 15 mile road race...Sun 30th Sept 2018



The main race in Cork this weekend is the annual Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh 15 mile road race on Sunday, the 30th of September. Note that the Montenette Hotel will not be in use for this race.

Entries on the day cost €20 and will be taken at Union Chandlery on Alfred St. There are no changing facilities. They will transport gear bags from there to the finish line in Cobh.

The race starts at 9:00am.

Entry list... A list of those who have pre-entered can be seen HERE

In 2018, race HQ is on Alfred St



Course...Starting at St.Patricks Church, you run past the railway station and towards the Dunkettle roundabout....up over the flyover by the tunnel......then taking a left and onto the old road which passes Glounthaune church.Then onwards towards the main roundabout before Carrigtwohill and then take the bridge over the main road and head towards Fota, Belvelly bridge and on into Cobh. The finish is close to the main square in the centre of Cobh. Overall, there are a few small hills but nothing major, just one pull at 12 miles near the old IFI plant and another smaller one before 14 miles.

Overall, it is pretty flat for the first ten miles or so with the hardest sections coming in the last five.

Transport......Please note that you have to make your own way back to Cork City.

Options - You probably have a few options in terms of transport...

1) Two cars...take 2 cars to Cobh, leave one in Cobh and drive up to Cork

2) Train...The train timetable shows it will leave the train station in Cobh for Cork City at 12:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30 pm depending on how long you want to stay around after the race.The cost is €5.

Pace......If you are going for a specific time in the Dublin City Marathon in four weeks time, then it's an ideal chance to test your target marathon pace. Say your target for Dublin is 3h 30m.....then you could run Cork to Cobh at 8 min per mile pace. If you arrive in Cobh and you're comfortable then 3h 30m is a realistic target. If you're exhausted after 15 miles at that pace then you should think about a more realistic target. If you add in a warm up of a few miles beforehand then all the better. It will give you a more accurate appraisal.

Race.....Just remember that the last third is the hardest. Over the years, many people get to the Belvelly Bridge by Fota tired and then struggle over the last 5 miles. Going slightly slower in the early stages will pay off in the later stages in this race. Avoid going off too fast at the start.

Litter: The BHAA have been contacted by Tidy Towns associations along the route who have asked that they leave the route as they find it. Please aid them by not throwing gel wrappers away except at water stations and by leaving the water plastic cups near the water stations. They will be tidying the route after the race but this is done by volunteers who have better things to be doing with their time.

Water stations are at 4, 8, and 12 mile marks.

T-shirt will be provided after the finish line. Know what size you want to avoid queues backing up.


Weather........Updated Sat 29th Sept 1pm
The weather forecast is for dry, cool and overcast conditions. Temp about 10 deg C. There will be a breeze from the north-west which will be behind the runners for most of the race. Overall...lookng pretty good.


Results & Photos of the Ballincollig 5k parkrun... Sat 29th Sept 2018

The numbers were back up again for this weeks 5k parkrun in Ballincollig Regional Park with 336 people taking part.

1 Finbarr ODWYER    17:13    VM45-49    M1    Leevale AC
3 Kieran SHEAHAN    18:05    VM35-39    M2
4 Paul CASHMAN    18:48    VM35-39    M3    Watergrasshill AC
2 Aoife COOKE    18:04    SW30-34    F1
20 Sandra MANNING    20:34    VW35-39    F2    Eagle A.C.
24 Helen WALSH    21:12    VW40-44    F3    Togher AC


Full results

Photos...
1) Colette Ryan has a gallery HERE

50th 5k parkrun for Joe Murphy

Friday, September 28, 2018

New higher standards to qualify for the 2020 Boston Marathon


These are the new higher standards needed to qualify for the 2020 Boston Marathon.

1) For the 2020 Boston Marathon, qualifying times must be run on or after Saturday, September 15, 2018.
2) The qualifying times above are based upon each athlete's age on the date of the 2020 Boston Marathon (April 20, 2020).
3) Qualifying times are based on official submitted net time (also known as chip time).

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Article on Irish marathon runner Sinead Diver

Sinead Diver from Co.Mayo is one of the top Irish female marathon runners with times like 2h 34m for the marathon, 69m 20s for the half and 31m 30s for the 10k.

The remarkable thing about Sinead is that she didn't start running seriously until she was 33!

Now living in Melbourne, she competes on the international stage for her adopted country.

Sonia O'Sullivan has an interesting article on Sinead in the Irish Times.



"To me the basic benchmark for elite women is 70 minutes for the half-marathon, and two hours and 30 minutes for the full marathon. These are the standards we need to be looking at to stand any chance of being competitive in any international road race, especially the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships." ....Sonia O'Sullivan

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Guest post by John Walshe : RON HILL’S 80th BIRTHDAY RACE

Guest post by John Walshe : RON HILL’S 80th BIRTHDAY RACE

Five years ago three runners from Cork – Kerry Constant, Brian Healy and John Walshe – travelled over to the Lancashire town of Littleborough for a special 5km race to mark the 75th birthday of all-time running great Ron Hill.

On Tuesday last (September 25th), the actual day of Ron’s 80th birthday, the trio again assembled with around 400 like-minded participants to celebrate another milestone in this man’s remarkable career. The venue this time was Whitworth, a suburb of Rochdale where the 5km course consisted of two laps around the scenic Cowm Reservoir.


Pictured with Ron Hill (R) at his special 80th birthday race are Brian Healy, Kerry Constant and John Walshe

John Walshe was privileged to have been at Ron’s 60th, 70th and 75th Birthday races and following his trip in 2008 the connection led to Hill coming over the following March to run the Ballycotton ‘10’, where he also gave a special seminar the night before.

Brian was making his second visit but for the much-travelled Kerry it was his sixth consecutive year. In actual fact, the Bishoptown man had run the Dublin Half-Marathon the previous Saturday, followed by the Belfast Half-Marathon on Sunday and was then traveling down to London for another half-marathon (and a parkrun) at the weekend!


Local Councillor says €300k would open Tramore Valley Park...


In mid-September, I had a post up about how it was announced that €6 million would be needed to open the Tramore Valley Park in Cork City. 

The latest news is that Councillor Kieran McCarthy of Cork City Council has said that a limited opening could be achieved for €300,000. It was revealed in a meeting about the park that the €6 million figure included everything including a link across to the Black Ash Park & Ride and providing for large events. For €300,000, 400 car park places could be put in and the small events could be held.

Cllr Kieran McCarthy wrote...."#corkcc time ticks on again; Meeting on Tramore Valley Park reveals the need for an extra e300,000 to finish off the site just to host small scale activity with 400 car park spaces; e6m extra needed to create links from Park and Ride plus being able to host large scale events"

A 'small event' would obviously include the likes of a 5k parkrun on a Saturday morning so I guess there is a glimmer of hope although that obviously depends on whether €300,000 is forthcoming. If the City Council can't fund it then it may as well be €6 million.

There is perhaps the possibility of leasing out the park for commercial events but with only 400 car park spaces, that scope looks a bit limited.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Notice : Run in the Dark in Cork City - Wed 14th Nov 2018

Following the success of last years Run in the Dark charity events, they will be repeated again this year in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and Manchester. The date is Wednesday the 14th of November 2018.



From the organisers... Run in the Dark Cork – Join us for a 5k or 10k run on Wednesday 14th November 2018
 
Run in the Dark Limerick takes place on Wednesday the 14th of November at 9.00pm. Every November, as darkness sweeps the globe, thousands of people in 50 cities across the world will pull on their running shoes and red flashing armbands and hit the streets to Run in the Dark.
 
We know there are lots of running events out there, so why choose Run in the Dark?!

Apart from being a unique night run taking place in iconic locations around the world, there’s also an important cause fuelling this fundraising run. Run in the Dark is a global running movement helping to cure paralysis in our lifetime.

Run in the Dark is organised by the Mark Pollock Trust, named after blind Irish adventure athlete Mark Pollock. Unbroken by blindness in 1998, Mark Pollock suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury in 2010 when he fell from a second story window that left him paralysed. As Mark strives to walk again, his most complex journey is ahead of him – to find a cure for paralysis.

By taking part in Run in the Dark you are enabling ground-breaking collaborations and research which could change the lives of millions of paralysed people around the world.

Every donation, every step, every study, moves us towards a cure for paralysis and enabling people to walk again.


Sign up now at www.runinthedark.org

***
The Cork event last year attracted a huge number of runners and it looks likely that a similar number will want to take part in this unique event around the streets of the city at night this year as well.



Sunday, September 23, 2018

Results & Photos of the Charleville Half-Marathon - Sun 23rd Sept 2018

The weather conditions were almost perfect for this years Charleville Half-Marathon with blue skies and sunshine for nearly all of the race.

1 John TRAVERS (#2)     Donore Harriers     01:04:23 Elite  (1)     Male  (1)
2 Mick CLOHISEY (#1)     Raheny Shamrock AC     01:04:40 Elite  (2)     Male  (2)
3 Kevin MAUNSELL (#4)     Clonmel AC     01:05:14 Elite  (3)     Male  (3)
4 Sergiu CIOBANU (#3)     Clonliffe harriers     01:06:47 Elite  (4)     Male  (4)
5 Mark KIRWAN (#5)     Raheny Shamrock AC     01:07:09 Elite  (5)     Male  (5)
6 Tim O'DONOGHUE (#21)     East cork ac     01:07:39 Elite  (6)     Male  (6)
7 Thomas HAYES (#7)     Kilkenny City harriers     01:07:49 Elite  (7)     Male  (7)
8 Colin GRIFFIN (#13)     Ballinamore AC     01:10:20 Elite  (8)     Male  (8)

35 Lizzie LEE (#23)     Leevale AC     01:15:38 Elite  (1)     Female  (1)
46 Siobhan O'DOHERTY (#24)     Borrisokane AC     01:17:14 Elite  (2)     Female  (2)
79 Jill HODGINS (#25)     Leevale AC     01:20:40 Elite  (3)     Female  (3)
80 Jane Anne MEEHAN (#27)     Athenry AC     01:20:45 Elite  (4)     Female  (4)
92 Sorcha KEARNEY (#29)     St Finbarrs AC     01:22:32 Elite  (5)     Female  (5)
94 Sandra LYNCH (#967)     Kilcoole AC     01:22:39 O40  (1)     Female  (6)
123 Alison KIRBY (#1234)         01:23:33 O45  (1)     Female  (7)
156 Neasa DE BURCA (#917)     GALWAY CITY HARRIERS     01:25:21 O40  (2)     Female  (8)


The full results can be seen HERE


Photos... Updated Thurs 27th Sept 10:30pm
1) There are several albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page.
...a) Pre-Race
...b) Just after the start 
...c) Finish 1h 04m - 1h 23m
...d) Finish 1h 23m - 1h 34m
...e) Finish 1h 34m - 1h 45m
...f) Finish 1h 45m - 1h 56m
...g) Finish 1h 56m - 2h 07m
...h) Finish 2h 07m - 2h 39m
...i) Prizes

2) Gearóid Ó Laoi has a nice gallery HERE

3) Derek Costello of Eagle AC has 4 galleries...
...a) Pre race and start
...b) @ 12.5 miles part 1  
...c) @ 12.5 miles part 2  
...d) @ 12.5 miles part 3

4) Michael Buckley Photography has three albums...
...a) Album 1
...b) Album 2
...c) Album 3

5) Joe Carey has a gallery HERE


First two women... Lizzie Lee & Siobhan O'Doherty

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Results & Photos of the Ballincollig 5k parkrun... Sat 22nd Sept 2018



There was a drop in numbers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Ballincollig Regional Park as a band of heavy rain crossed the county. A total of 178 took part which is well down on the average of 266.

1 Lance DOHERTY    19:15    VM40-44    M1    St Finbarrs AC
2 John LONGAN    19:41    SM25-29    M2
3 Unknown                           
17 Mary O'CONNELL    22:26    VW45-49    F1
33 Una DOYLE    23:25    VW55-59    F2    St Finbarrs AC
35 Catriona SCOTT    23:30    VW35-39    F3    Headington RRC


Results

Photos...
1) Collette Ryan has a gallery HERE
2) Joe & Anne Murphy have a gallery HERE
 and HERE 

New running club starting in Rathcormac - Sept 2018

A new running club called Bridevale AC has just started up in Rathcormac and they have a registration night coming up on Thurs 27th Sept 2018.

See the post below...


Friday, September 21, 2018

Looking ahead to the 2018 Charleville Half-Marathon on Sunday

Updated Sat 10am: With about 24 hours to go, the picture of what the weather will be like for the 2018 Charleville Half-Marathon on Sunday is becoming a lot clearer.


The rain that was forecast for Sunday morning will now arrive earlier and more to the South and should have cleared by 9am.

By late morning, there should be dry conditions with the sun making an appearance as well. It's very likely that the weather conditions for the race will improve as time goes on.

The forecast temperature is about 9 degrees so it will feel pretty cool.

The one big issue may be the wind. As you can see from the map below, it's a headwind for the first half and once you turn for home at the church in Kilmallock, it will be behind the runners for the second half.

The wind is moderate and may well be a factor. If the sun comes out in the second half, the wind from behind could make things feel pretty warm.

Overall, the forecast looks pretty good for now and it should be fine for the race.

As this weather front passes, it will will be replaced by a high pressure system which should bring a spell of dry fine weather for next week.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Cork Sub-3hr results from the 2018 Berlin Marathon

As always, a large contingent of runners from Cork traveled to Berlin for this years marathon.



Here are the runners from Cork & Munster who broke 3 hours...
Morgan, Michael (IRL) M40 St Finbars Ac 02:30:38
Smith, Mark (GBR) M40 Eagle AC 02:32:49
 Mccauley, Conor (IRL) Leevale Ac 02:33:01
 Doran, James (IRL) An Riocht Ac 02:35:12
 Herlihy, Michael (IRL) North Cork Ac 02:36:57
 Coakley, Donal (IRL) Leevale A C 02:38:23
 Mtinsi, Trust (IRL) Kilkenny City Harriers 02:39:25
 Foley, Vivian (IRL) Eagle Athletics Club 02:41:25
 Ryan, Dermot (IRL) West Waterford Ac 02:41:40
 O'Keeffe, Sean (IRL) M40 Eagle Ac 02:42:30
 Craig, David (IRL) Bandon Ac 02:42:48
 Kelleher, Joe (IRL) St Finbarrs 02:45:44
 Curtin, Martin (IRL) St Finbarrs Ac 02:46:02
Tupper, John (IRL) M35 02:47:00
 Sargent, Fergal (IRL) St Finbarrs Ac 02:49:18
 O'Sullivan, Gerard (IRL) An Riocht 02:52:31
 Carroll, Nigel (IRL) Bmoh Ac 02:56:50
 Casey, Garrett (IRL) St. Finbarr's AC 02:57:11
 Forristal, Sally (IRL) St Joseph'S AC 02:57:39
 Fitzgerald, Pat (IRL) West Waterford Ac 02:58:53
 O'Keeffe, Derek (IRL) Eagle Ac 02:59:12

...with a few from Kikenny as well.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Cork Fireman Alex O'Shea completes 32 marathons in 16 days

Last Sunday the 16th of September, Cork fireman Alex O'Shea completed his 32nd marathon in just 16 days! Not only that but each marathon was in each of the 32 Irish counties.


The journey started with the Dingle Marathon back on the 1st of September and ended with a marathon in Cork which included Cork City and Ballincollig. The photo above by Joe Murphy shows some supporters with Alex in the Regional Park.

Funds raised from 32 marathons go towards the Irish Guide Dogs.

Photos...
1) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE
2) Doug Minihane has a gallery HERE

Alex has his own Facebook page HERE

Monday, September 17, 2018

Cork County Council put up planning notice for Midleton to Youghal Greenway


Some good news! It looks as if Cork County Council are pushing ahead with their plans to develop the old railway between Midleton to Youghal into a Greenway. Following the success of the Waterford Greenway, there has been renewed interest in developing various routes around the country.

There will be no doubt some opposition from groups hoping to bring back the old railway line but the reality is that it is never likely to happen.

This also raises the long term possibility of linking up with the Waterford one and then maybe onto Rosslare.

The planning notice is below....

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Results & photos of the Evening Echo Womens mini-marathon... Sun 16th Sept 2018


There was the usual big turnout for this years Evening Echo Womens mini-marathon on Sunday the 16th of Spet 2018. There was just over 5,800 people taking part on the course which is just under 4 miles, a drop of about 5% on last year.

The Evening Echo mini-marathon website claims there was 8000 last year but the results clearly show it was just over 6,100.

As always, if you did this event then make sure you return the sponsorship card for your chosen charity. Your entry fee does not go to charity so it's important to return those funds.

1 Michelle FINN Leevale AC
2 Anna REDDIN Crusaders AC
3 Martina KIELY St Finbars AC
4 Carol FINN Leevale AC
5 Rosaleen MACKEOWN Leevale AC
6 Breda GAFFNEY Mallow AC
7 Linda O'SULLIVAN Watergrasshill AC
8 Rachael O'SHEA West Muskerry AC
9 Joan ENNIS Grange Fermoy AC
10 Anna O'NEILL Doheny AC

The full results are HERE

Photos to follow... (Updated Mon 11pm)
1) There will be 7 albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page...
...a) Near the 1k mark
...b) More near the 1k mark
...c) Finish (front of the field)
...d) Finish (second batch)
...e) Finish (third batch)
...f) Finish (fourth batch)
...g) Finish (fifth batch)

2) Adrian Foley has 3 galleries...
...a) Near Blackrock church
...b) Near finish 1
...c) Near finish 2

3) Joe Murphy has 2 galleries...
Album1 and Album 2

4) Outside Shots has a gallery HERE 

Eliud Kipchoge sets new record of 2:01:39 in Berlin Marathon


Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya has set a new marathon world record with a time of two hours, one minute 39 seconds in the Berlin Marathon. That is more than a minute off the previous best set by Dennis Kimetto when he ran 2:02:57 in Berlin in 2014.

In a post race interview, he said..... "I lack words to describe this day. I am really grateful, happy to smash the world record. It was hard, I ran my own race, I trusted my trainers, my programme and my coach. That's what pushed me in the last kilometres."

The pace chart for even splits for this distance is shown on the left.  14:25 for a 5k!!

Results for the Spike Island 5k on Sat 8th Sept 2018



There was a reasonable turn out of 116 runners for this 5k on Spike Island on Sat 8th Sept 2018 on what turned out to be a wet day in the middle of Cork Harbour. The published results afterwards however was just a list of numbers and times with no names.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Results & Photos of the Ballincollig 5k parkrun... Sat 15th Sept 2018



274 turned out this week for the Ballincollig 5k parkrun on Sat 15th Sept 2018.


1 Unknown                                   
2 Michael MURPHY    19:23    VM60-64    M2    St Finbarrs AC
3 Ciaran O'HERLIHY    19:44    SM25-29    M3
34 Roisin MC DAID    22:42    SW30-34    F1
39 Denise CROWLEY    23:04    SW25-29    F2
51 Lauren Lucy CROWLEY    23:38    SW25-29    F3


Full results

Photos...
1) Collette Ryan has a short video HERE
2) Joe & Anne Murphy have two galleries... HERE and FINISH

Friday, September 14, 2018

Results of the Ringaskiddy NS 10k... Fri 14th Sept 2018

Ringaskiddy 10km 2018

1    Eddie Butt         00:41:56    00:41:55
3    Rob Lynch    Leevale AC    00:43:52    00:43:51
4    Kevin Corbett         00:44:27    00:44:23 
2    Ailbhe McDaid         00:42:18    00:42:16
6    Claire O brien    Watergrasshill AC    00:45:09    00:45:07 
10    Linda O connor         00:46:47    00:46:45 




    1    Eddie Butt         00:41:56    00:41:55   
    2    Ailbhe McDaid         00:42:18    00:42:16   
    3    Rob Lynch    Leevale AC    00:43:52    00:43:51   
    4    Kevin Corbett         00:44:27    00:44:23   
    5    Brendan Hallissey         00:44:50    00:44:47

Results of the Grange Fermoy 4 mile... Fri 14th Sept 2018

Grange Fermoy AC 4 Mile Race Results

1     Sergiu Ciobanu     Clonliffe Harriers AC         20:25     SM     59
2     Mark Collins     Grange Fermoy AC         21:36     SM     2
3     Kieran Lees     Mooreabbey Milers AC         21:49     SM     70
22     Kate Veale     West Waterford         24:55     SF     94
39     Ellen Hanley     Grange Fermoy AC         25:57     F40     48
46     Joan Ennis     Grange Fermoy AC         26:25     F50     80



Photos...
1) Ber Hunter has a gallery HERE

Position     Athletes Name     Club     Time     Category     Bib
1     Sergiu Ciobanu     Clonliffe Harriers AC         20:25     SM     59
2     Mark Collins     Grange Fermoy AC         21:36     SM     2
3     Kieran Lees     Mooreabbey Milers AC         21:49     SM     70
4     Danny Smith     Burncourt         22:25     M40     49
5     Dave O' Connor     St Catherines AC         22:35     SM     43

€6 Million now needed to open Tramore Valley Park...


A week ago, I had a post up about the opening of the Tramore Valley Park in Cork City was likely to be delayed until the Spring of 2019. This follows on from a long list of deferred opening dates.

In the Irish Examiner today, it was revealed that at least €6 million is now needed to provide 'full and safe access to the park'. Some €40 million has already been spent on transforming the old landfill site.

The main stumbling point now seems to be the significant engineering works required to allow easy access for cars to the site. In the Examiner article, it stated... "Various options have been considered, including the construction of an overpass and the widening an existing underground tunnel which links the Black Ash park-and-ride facility to the park. In the short-term, City Hall is working on a plan to improve the availability and accessibility of the amenity."

This new development is likely to have a significant impact on the timeline for the opening of the park. According to the Examiner article, the full opening is "at least a year down the line" and the reality is that it will likely be much longer. How long will it take to secure €6 million in funding? How long wil l the engineering works take? Will planning permission be required?

Up to now, the official line was that some staff were going to be employed to enable the Tramore Valley Park to open to the public. The new scenario however means that the opening realistically is now years away. 2025?



Thursday, September 13, 2018

Results of the Garryvoe 5k... Thurs 13th Sept 2018



Position     Name     Time     Category (POS)     Gender (POS)
1     Nigel Sheehan (#1586)     00:16:55     All Ages  (1)     Male  (1)
2     Pat HENNESSY (#1565)     00:16:59     All Ages  (2)     Male  (2)
3     Martin O'KEEFFE (#1568)     00:18:37     All Ages  (3)     Male  (3)
4     Tim HANNON (#1574)     00:18:47     All Ages  (4)     Male  (4)
5     Paul KEARNEY (#786)     00:18:50     All Ages  (5)     Male  (5)
6     Fiona SANTRY (#778)     00:18:52     All Ages  (1)     Female  (1)
7     Neil KINGSTON (#495)     00:18:57     All Ages  (6)     Male  (6)
8     Ray HAHESY (#985)     00:19:06     All Ages  (7)     Male  (7)
9     John SPELMAN (#790)     00:19:10     All Ages  (8)     Male  (8)
10     Kate VEALE (#483)     00:19:15     All Ages  (2)     Female  (2)
11     Eric MEADE (#772)     00:19:21     All Ages  (9)     Male  (9)
12     John LONGAN (#781)     00:19:25     All Ages  (10)     Male  (10)
13     David MOYNIHAN (#497)     00:19:32     All Ages  (11)     Male  (11)
14     Ann Marie HOLLAND (#770)     00:19:36     All Ages  (3)     Female  (3)
15     Fergal OCONNOR (#780)     00:19:51     All Ages  (12)     Male  (12)
16     Ruth MILLERICK (#491)     00:20:14     All Ages  (4)     Female  (4)
17     Fergal OMEANA (#789)     00:20:30     All Ages  (13)     Male  (13)
18     Sandra MANNING (#1577)     00:20:33     All Ages  (5)     Female  (5)
19     Karl PRESTON (#981)     00:20:40     All Ages  (14)     Male  (14)
20     Edmond OSULLIVAN (#493)     00:20:42     All Ages  (15)     Male  (15)

Usain Bolt wins race in Zero-G!



Notice...Garryvoe 5k road race in East Cork - Thurs 13th Sept 2018

The Garryvoe 5km road race is coming up in East Cork this year on Thursday the 13th of September 2018. Please note that the start time has been changed to 7:30pm.



From the organisers.......Come join us Thursday 13th September for our ALONG THE BLUE & GREEN 5K Road Race/Walk in aid of the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Registration costs €10 and ALL proceeds will go the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin who do such amazing, inspirational work.

Enjoy this super-scenic route along breathtaking Garryvoe Beach and the verdant Coast Road with prizes and refreshments on the night sponsored by the Garryvoe Hotel – Everyone is welcome from runners to walkers/ strollers and dogs (on a lead!). ALONG THE BLUE & GREEN is officially licensed by Athletics Ireland and will be chip timed. Walkers start 6.30pm; Runners start 7.30pm

Thursday 13th Sept - Register on the day from 5pm in the Garryvoe Health Club



Course Preview......Details of the 5k course with maps and photos can be seen HERE


Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Results & Photos of the Jack O'Driscoll 5k in Mayfield... Wed 12th Sept 2018

Well done to the 488 who turned out for the Jack O'Driscoll 5k in Mayfield on Wednesday evening. Hopefully the much needed funds will help Jack in his recovery.

1    0:16:34    WALSH, Mark    Leevale AC        273    1   
2    0:16:58    O'LEARY, Nathan    Leevale AC        453    2   
3    0:18:11    INCE, Ken    Watergrasshill AC        295    3   
8    0:20:26    WOLFE, Lorna            610    8   
16    0:21:07    O'SULLIVAN, Linda    Watergrasshill AC    F40    534    16   
38    0:23:20    LILLIS, Siobhan            178    38    


Photos ... (Updated Thurs 11:34am)
1) There will be 3 albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page...
...a) Start
...b) Cotton Ball / First loop
...c) Finish
2) Mayfield GAA have a small gallery HERE
3) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE 

Wednesday 12 September 2018. 7:00 pm    Provisional Results for All Competitors in finish order.                       
txtPlace    txtTime    Name    Club    Category    txtEntrantNo    txtPosn   
1    0:16:34    WALSH, Mark    Leevale AC        273    1   
2    0:16:58    O'LEARY, Nathan    Leevale AC        453    2   
3    0:18:11    INCE, Ken    Watergrasshill AC        295    3   
4    0:18:24    MURPHY, Dave    Watergrasshill AC    M40    462    4    1st M40
5    0:19:19    BURKE, Richard    St. Finbarrs AC    M40    147    5   
6    0:19:47    MURPHY, Neil            276    6   
7    0:19:59    LEHANE, Colm            389    7   
8    0:20:26    WOLFE, Lorna            610    8   
9    0:20:29    KISSANE, John        M50    113    9    1st M50
10    0:20:35    HEDGE,     Mayfield GAA        368    10

Charleville Half-Marathon sells out all 1400 places...



All 1,400 entries to the 2018 Charleville Half-Marathon have now been sold!

Looking back at an old post, the limit was 1100 back in 2016 so the race is certainly going from strength to strength.

Cork Marina to close to traffic at weekends....???


As can be seen from the image above, the former Lord Mayor of Cork City Des Cahill put forward a proposal at a recent meeting to close the Marina in Cork City at the weekends. If the Cork City Council follow through on this then it has obvious implications for users of this area.

From Monday to Friday, the Marina provides an alternative route for residents in Black and Mahon to get in and out of the City centre. As such, a full closure is unlikely. At the weekends however, the traffic volumes are much reduced and there are plenty of alternatives.

As for how much could be closed off, the map below shows the section between the existing barriers. At the western end, people still need to access Lee Rowing club and the rear of Pairc Ui Chaoimh. At the eastern end, residents will need access so the section between the barriers is probably the most likely section to be closed off. The section between the barriers is 1.25kms in length.



5k Parkrun??? ..... Even though the initial proposal is to close the Marina on Sundays, it does raise the question of whether a 5k parkrun would be possible if it was closed on a Saturday morning?

The section between the barriers could account for perhaps 2.5 kms by going out and back with maybe more added on by taking in loops by Pairc Ui Chaoimh or by maybe using part of the old railway line?

If it ever comes to pass, it would make for a lovely spot for a parkrun on a Saturday morning.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Notice : Jack O'Driscoll 5k in Mayfield, Cork City - Wed 12th Sept 2018

This 5k in Mayfield on the north side of Cork City is coming up on Wednesday the 12th of September and is one of the last evening races.

Update From the organisers.... As we anticipate a huge turnout for the race next Wednesday evening we will be doing  pre-registration at Mayfield GAA Clubhouse,Kerry road on the following days and times.

Sunday 4 pm to 6 pm
Monday 8pm to 9 pm
Tuesday 7.30pm to 9 pm




Funds from this 5k go towards the rehabilitation of Jack O'Driscoll who was injured in an accident last March. More info and donations here... https://www.gofundme.com/jackod-fund

There are very few races on the north side of Cork City so this one should be of interest. It's also going to be on the door step of a lot of runners.


This is going to be a properly organised race with a measured course, results with timing and refreshments afterwards. The local community including the GAA are behind this 5k and they are expecting big numbers for this charity event.

 The race HQ is at Mayfield GAA clubhouse on the Kerry Road.  The course map below shows the location as well as the church just up from the hotel in Silversprings.

Update: This was the original start/finish points. The 5k will now start/finish by the race HQ. Same course, different start/finish.

The race HQ is just down the road from the Cotton Ball while the start / finish area is a few hundred metres further west.

 If you follow the green and orange arrows, you can follow the race route.

Cork Sports Partnership Fit4Youth programme...Starts October 2018



Cork Sports Partnership are holding a Fit4Youth programme aimed at 12-16 year olds in Cork City and it starts on October 1st. It is a 6 week programme consisting of 1 hour sessions per week, delivered by experienced coaches from local Athletics Clubs. The Fit4Youth programme has been developed by former international athlete Geraldine Nolan, who launched it with great success in her local Kilkenny City Harriers club in 2013.

Aim of the programme?

a) Instilling and helping to foster an awareness of fitness and enjoyment of running over a set period of weeks, with the aim of  building up to 5K   in a ‘Learning to Run’ programme that is paced and carefully monitored, while increasing in incremental distances.
b) Helping to foster a positive attitude to health and fitness that will become a life skill.
c) Creating links to local Clubs that will hopefully encourage sustainable participation by particiopants in the Fit4Youth programme.

Programmes:
Sonia O'Sullivan track- Mardyke arena track UCC: Commencing Monday October 1st.  Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm every Monday. Facilitated by Togher AC

Athletics track CIT- Bishopstown. Commencing Tuesday October 2nd Time: 4.15pm - 5.15pm Facilitated by CIT AC.

For more info, go to http://www.corksports.ie/index.cfm/page/fit4youth-

Monday, September 10, 2018

New signs go up at the Tramore Valley Park...


Even though it looks as if the Tramore Valley Park in Cork City won't open until probably 2019, there has still been some works going on in the park. John Kissane sent on these photos of some signs that went up there recently.

I presume it's for a marked path as opposed to the return of the 5k parkrun???

Photos below...

Saturday, September 08, 2018

Results of the Cork City 10 mile

Results of the Cork City 10 mile...
https://www.sportsplits.com/m3/event?c=74&r=416&e=1

Photos...
From Derek Costello
08 Sept 2018 John Buckley`s 10 mile part 1   https://www.flickr.com/gp/avfc2011/TW6719
08 Sept 2018 John Buckley`s 10 mile part 2   https://www.flickr.com/gp/avfc2011/q1584K

Photos from Joe Murphy... HERE

600+ turn out for Greenway Half-Marathon in Waterford... Sat 8th Sept 2018



A grand total of 602 runners turned out for this years Greenway Half-Marathon in Dungarvan. There was a large contingent of runners from Cork in this one with Orla Tuohy of Grange-Fermoy AC being the second woman home. Ellen Lewis Hanley of the same club broke 90 mins to set a new PB!

1    Trevor POWER    01:11:25    01:11:25    786    M (1)    MS (1)    Waterford AC
2    Noel MURPHY    01:13:34    01:13:34    775    M (2)    MS (2)    Waterford AC
3    Mark MCKENNA    01:13:48    01:13:48    576    M (3)    MS (3)    Waterford AC
4    Raivis ZAKIS    01:14:28    01:14:28    785    M (4)    MS (4)    West Waterford AC
5    Alan LEHANE    01:15:14    01:15:14    376    M (5)    MS (5)    St Finbarrs AC
15    Ruth FITZGERALD    01:21:58    01:21:58    788    F (1)    FS (1)    Waterford AC
28    Orla  TWOHEY    01:25:12    01:25:13    789    F (2)    F35 (1)    Grange Fermoy AC
33    Julie Kirwan    01:26:01    01:26:01    777    F (3)    F35 (2)    Slaney Olympic
45    Kate VEALE    01:28:20    01:28:21    770    F (4)    FS (2)    West Waterford AC
61    Ellen HANLEY    01:29:51    01:29:59    310    F (5)    F40 (1)    Grange Fermoy AC


The full results are here.. https://www.myrunresults.com/events/west_waterford_greenway_half_marathon/2580/results

Photos...
1) West Waterford AC have 6 galleries...
...a) Album 1 Prizes
...b) Album 2
...c) Album 3
...d) Album 4
...e) Album 5
...f) Album 6
2) DC Images has a gallery HERE 
3) John Troy has a gallery HERE

Athletics Ireland release entry list for 2018 National Marathon...

The 2018 Dublin City Marathon also doubles up as the Irish national marathon and Athletics Ireland have just released the entry list for club runners HERE.

Please note that there are a number of errors in it as it's the first draft. If you're missing then contact your club.

Friday, September 07, 2018

Marina power station to close...New walkway now possible?

 

There was a news item in the Evening Echo about how the ESB power station on the Marina is planned to close.... https://www.eveningecho.ie/corknews/ESBs-Marina-power-station-facing-closure-fd33c182-d84e-4912-a817-8af40b2e86dc-ds

Once this happens, it does open up the possibility of a riverside walkway from the Marina into the centre of Cork City. This was mooted before but the power plant was directly in the way.

New Public Park in Haulbowline in Cork Harbour

Updated post about the works on Haulbowline Island...

Video from Cork County Council Sept 2018...



 More info below...

Opening of Tramore Valley Park delayed until 2019?

A few months back, I had a post up about how the Tramore Valley Park in Cork City was supposed to open in the Autumn of 2018.

I heard today that it's been moved back now to 2019 and going on previous announcements, I'd take that with a pinch of salt.

Just remember, some €40 million of public money has been spent on this site to date and it's still closed.

Updated... See the Evening Echo newspaper article dated Fri 7th Sept 2018.

Thursday, September 06, 2018

Results & Photos of the St.Luke's Home 5k... Thurs 6th Sept 2018



Wow!. A whopping 547 turned out for this years St.Luke's Home 5k in Mahon on Thursday 6th of Sept. As can be seen from the chart above, the numbers have grown every year since 2015. Something like 300 would be about right for an evening race in Cork City, getting 500+ is exceptional especially when numbers overall are in decline.

1    Niall SHANAHAN    00:15:11    00:15:11    5254    M (1)    MS (1)    An Bru AC
2    Eric CURRAN    00:15:45    00:15:45    5346    M (2)    MS (2)    Leevale AC
3    Mark WALSH    00:15:53    00:15:53    5827    M (3)    MS (3)   
10    Sinead O'CONNOR    00:17:14    00:17:14    5348    F (1)    FS (1)    Leevale AC
31    Rosaleen MACKEOWN    00:18:49    00:18:49    5156    F (2)    F35 (1)    Leevale AC
42    Jennifer MONTAGUE    00:19:21    00:19:21    5354    F (3)    F35 (2)   


Full results... https://www.myrunresults.com/events/st_lukes_home_5k_run_(cork)/2739/results

Photos...
1) There are 3 albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page...
...a) First half of the field around the half way mark.
...b) Second half of the field around the half way mark
...c) Prize giving

Video...
Start of the race from MyRunResults...
 

Niall Shanahan of An Brú AC... First man home

Sinéad O'Connor...First woman home



13% drop in numbers for this years Rock n Roll Half-Marathon in Dublin


The Rock n Roll Half-Marathon in Dublin is one of the biggest races in the country and is held in August every year. There is also a 10k and 5k held in conjunction with it and the whole event attracts a huge number of visitors to the capital.

It also doubles up as the National Half-Marathon and Athletics Ireland make a substantial amount of money from it every year. Looking at the recent balance sheets of the association, the proceeds from the Rock n Roll probably keeps the accounts in the black.

Following the most recent event, I had a look at the numbers for the Rock n Roll Haldlf to see how it was doing.


The answer is that the numbers were down 13% for the half-marathon this year compared to 2017. Between all three races, there were 1884 fewer finishers this year. If we take an average entry fee of say €30 then that's a drop of roughly €60k in revenue.

I had a look at the breakdown per event and per gender and nothing really stands out. It's not like there were fewer women running or people were switching to the shorter distances, it just seems to be a general drop across the board. Maybe a sign of the general decline in numbers?

The one caveat is that 2017 seems to have been a good year so the numbers are coming off a high. I tried to have a look at previous years but the organisers seem to delete old results.

Cork Fireman Alex O'Shea starts his 32 marathon challenge



Cork fireman Alex O'Shea started his quest last Saturday in Dingle to run 32 marathons in 16 days with one in each county of Ireland. After getting Kerry out of the way, he made his way then to Co.Limerick to complete his second marathon that day.

His schedule is shown below...

Alex is raising much needed funds for the Irish Guide Dogs.

For more info, visit the links below...
Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/challengeAlex
Website... http://www.alexoshea.ie/
Donation page...  https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/32-marathons-32-counties-16-days

There is also a special medal for those running with Alex in the marathons. See below...