Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: Looking ahead to the Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh 15 mile road race...Sun 6th Oct 2019

Friday, October 04, 2019

Looking ahead to the Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh 15 mile road race...Sun 6th Oct 2019


The main race in Cork this weekend is the annual Cork BHAA Cork to Cobh 15 mile road race on Sunday the 6th of October 2019.

Entries : I am told that the original idea was to take online entries only but they will take some entries on the day.  Cost €20 and the race HQ is at DL Supplies.


If you have already entered and you didn't get your number in the post then go to the help desk there.

There are no changing facilities. There will be a van near the start line to take bags to the community centre in Cobh.

The race starts at 9:00am.

Stewards: As always, they are looking for race stewards. The more, the merrier. Just turn up early on Sunday or contact the BHAA in advance.

In 2019, race HQ is near the fork in the road on the Lower Glanmire Road. This is a change from last year when it was at the rear of Union Chandelry.



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 €3.50.

3) Bus... Please note that Cobh Connect are putting on a special bus at 7:45am from Cobh to Cork. Not sure of cost. Facebook post HERE

Pace......If you are going for a specific time in the Dublin City Marathon in a few 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: 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 (Cups, not bottles).

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

Weather........Updated Fri 4th Oct 1pm
The weather forecast is looking pretty good. There will be rain on Saturday afternoon and on Monday morning with a spell of bright sunny weather in between on Sunday.

Temp about 12-14 deg C. There will be a breeze from the west which will be behind the runners for most of the race. It might be a factor for the two miles after Belvelly Bridge.

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