After a long winter of dark evenings, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming summer season of evening road races. In Cork, the tradition was been that the Ballintotis 4 mile opens the summer season of evening races and the Ballycotton 5 at the end of August used to bring it to a close.
This year, the Ballintotis 4 mile will be held on Wednesday the 17th of April 2019 at 8pm.
You can also enter on the evening of the race. Please note there is no online entry for walkers, who register on the evening of the race in Ballintotis
Preview......You can see a preview of the course HERE
Latest Info from the organisers below...
Ballintotis Road Race Celebrates 10th Birthday This Wednesday Evening
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Please arrive early and Car Pool as very large entry expected.
The big night is now almost upon us again, with the tenth running of the Ballintotis '4' Mile Road race taking place on this Wednesday evening April 17th. Alot of work has been done over the past few months in preparation for what we hope will be another occasion to remember. This year, of course ,particularly special as it's Year 10 and thus a number of extra features have been added by the organisers. A commemorative medal and ten year goodie bag are just two of the extra incentives to take par tin what has become established as one of Ireland's most popular 4 Mile Races.
James McCarthy of the host club East Cork AC won the event in the first 8 years of it's existence before his club mate Michael Harty broke new ground last year when taking the honours and setting a new course record. Rhona Lynch of Eagle AC was first lady home in the inaugural back in 2010 and since then a number of different females have scooped the top prize, including last year's first time winner Fiona Santry.
Where it all began - the start of the very first Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race in 2010.
The success of the Ballintotis event which was brought to the picturesque venue by East Cork A.C in 2010, is due to a number of factors. It's fair to say that the generous sponsorship and backing from the local business community has been a key component in it's rise and with this in mind, the local Ballintotis Race Committee wish to acknowledge again the wonderful backing of the their sponsors.
Here are some updates and advice for those taking part this year in the race or walk or indeed coming to watch the action.
Car Parks
There will be a number of main Car Parks for runners and walkers. These will be located in close proximity to the Race HQ at Ballintotis Community Centre. Basically there will be two main car parks on the Main Road just adjacent to Ballintotis Cross and a third car park located just next ot the Community Centre. Walkers will be directed to park on the Main Road Car Parks. At various times, different Car Parks may be prioritised to cater for traffic flow - so the advise is to please follow the instructions of gardai and stewards who will be on duty. In relation to the Car Parks on race route – cars will not be allowed exit until all runners have passed.
Race Entry Desks
Entry Desks are located in Main Hall of Community Centre – Open from 1pm onwards on Wednesday. Entry Fee is 10 euro. Please enter via the side door of the hall.
On Line Entries
Those who have entered on line in advance must also collect their number in Community Centre at the aforementioned time at SEPERATE designated desks.
Changing Facilities/ Toilets
A Marquee is located on the green adjacent to Church Car Park. Toilets only are located in the Church Car Park area.
Race Start/Finish
The race begins at 8pm sharp – the Start Line is approx 200 meters from the Church on way to Main Road. The Finish Line is in front of the Church. ALL RUNNERS ARE ASKED TO BEGIN THE RACE IN THE TIME ZONE, WHICH REFLECTS THEIR EXPECTED FINISHING TIME. The year’s race is again chipped timed by Ronan Wogan and the team at myrunresults and as always there will be with timing mats at the start and finish line.
Goodie Bags/Refreshments
A goodie bag including bottled water and running buff plus other items will be distributed immediately after the race. Each participant will also receive their commemorative 10 Year medal after crossing the Finish Line. Please keep moving through funnel area once you have come through the Finish Line.
Refreshments will be served after the race in the Community Centre. Please enter the Community Centre via the SIDE door after the race. – A second marquee has been erected at the front of the Community Centre where runners can mingle after receiving their refreshments.
Prize Giving
Prize giving will take place in the Main Hall after the race at approx 9.20pm. Prizes will be awarded to the first 6 mens and 6 ladies across the line whilst there will be first, second and third prizes in al the age categories, beginning with F35 and M40.
Spot Prizes
Runners should check the front of their race number to see if it includes a “spot prize winner’ label. If you are a winner, please collect your prize before the race.
Walk
This year the Walk begins at the earlier time 6.00pm sharp. Entries will be taken in the Community Centre from 5.00pm onwards. When entering, check the front of your number to see if you win a spot prize – these can be claimed immediately. Refreshments served for all walkers in the Marquee at the front the Community Centre immediately after the conclusion of the Walk.
Best of Luck
Finally, in conclusion we extend the very best of luck to all taking part in the race. Enjoy the occasion and the pre race and post race atmosphere.
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BALLINTOTIS 4 MILE ROAD RACE CELEBRATES 10th Running on Wednesday April 17th 2019
The Ballintotis 4 mile road race, hosted by Ballintotis Area Community Council and held in association with East Cork AC, will be celebrating the tenth running of the event on Wednesday April 17th 2019 (starting time 8pm.) Traditionally seen by many runners as the start of the summer season, this year's race will be held on a Wednesday rather than the usual Thursday date.
In 2010, the first staging of the race took place attracted 425 runners, a figure which at the that time exceeded the organisers' expectations. That initial event got fund raising underway for the Ballintotis Community Centre which has since been built and is now the hub of the race.. The event formerly took place in Castlemartyr, but East Cork AC moved the race to Ballintotis, which has proved a hugely popular location, with the venue boasting in excess of 1,000 participants on a number of occasions. The scenic 4 mile loop includes a lap of road bordering Loughaderra Lake in the closing stages.
Great Prize List
Again this year's race offers great value for money with a very attractive prize structure overall and a full list of category prizes in all age groups (1st 2nd and 3rd) 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 12 months free membership of their Leisure Centre for both the male and female winners.
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. Once more Garryvoe Hotel Leisure Centre 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 have also been confirmed among the other main race sponsors.
Tenth Year Commemorated
But,of course, this year is a very special year as it marks the tenth running of the race at the venue. As well as the famous Ballintotis Buff again kindly sponsored by Simon Ahern of Ahern's Centra, Ballintotis Area Community Council will present a special ten year commemorative medal to all finishers - And there's more as thanks to The Hunted Hog and J.J Coppingers', all finishers will also receive a goody bag to mark 10 years of the by now famous Ballintotis 4 Mile Race. All of this for just 10 euro.
On Line Registration
For those who wish to enter on line, registration opens at www.ballintotis.com on Monday March 11th and will remain open until Saturday April 13th. All those who enter on line will automatically enter into a draw, the winner of which will receive overnight accommodation and breakfast for 2 at Garryvoe Hotel. So overall, there is so much on offer in Ballintotis on Wed April 17th.
Race History
In the inaugural race James McCarthy took top spot with a time of 19:54. McCarthy went onto win the race a remarkable eight times in a row, his best time being 19:23 set in 2016. Last year a new man was on the podium as another East Cork A.C competitor Michael Harty won in style and in the process set a new course record of 19:15 in the 2018 race, with the previous record also being broken by Sergiu Ciobanu who was runner up.
The entry was a remarkable 1,170 runners in 2015. Irish Olympian Sonia O Sullivan was among those taking part that year following up on her previous visit in 2013. Current national marathon record holder Lizzy Lee from Leevale is the ladies course record holder (21:22), with her fellow Irish International Claire McCarthy posting the second fastest time around the course. Fiona Santry of East Cork A.C is the defending ladies champion in Ballintotis.
All Race Enquiries to 086-8778182
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