Looking ahead to the 2020 Dungarvan 10 mile road race...Sun 2nd Feb 2020

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. The entry list is HERE

The weather conditions for the race look like it will be mild with temperatures around 10-11 deg C with a strong breeze from the west.

There is no rain forecast so it looks it will be dry.

The big issue weather wise is likely to be the wind. It's forecast to be around 30kph and that will certainly be a strong headwind from miles 3 to 5.

From miles 5 to 8, that wind will be behind the runners and it will lose a lot of its cooling effect. Those who are overdressed for the race may feel that it is very warm at that stage.

As it's so mild, I'd recommend a singlet or a short sleeve dry fit top. If you feel slightly cold at the start line then you're wearing just enough.

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 Athletic Ireland clubs, these are the ones with 20 or more entries....

MMRA - Try a Trail 2020

This might be of interest to anyone that just wants to find out what the MMRA trail races are like without entering a full event. However you will still need to join the IMRA for 2020 (€10) and have a rain jacket.

From the MMRA... Try a trail events, 2020.

Know anyone who wants to try out trail running but a bit nervous of what's involved?

We're putting together a couple of 'Try a trail' events (noncompetitive, easy runs/walk) over the coming months to encourage people to give trail running a go, guided by experienced trail runners.

The runs will be at Curraghbinny Woods,, Bansha Woods and Mangerton, before our scheduled races. Details on flyer. Free event but will require annual membership of IMRA.

NIKE Vaporfly shoes unlikely to be banned

The Guardian newspaper in a recent article said that the IAAF, the World Athletics body will not be imposing a blanket ban on the controversial hi-tech NIKE Vaporfly shoes. Instead, the IAAF are
expected to announce a temporary suspension of any new shoe technology until after the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Elite athletes wearing the NIKE Vaporfly have claimed 31 of the 36 podium positions in the six world marathon majors in 2019.



The IAAF are expected to introduce a tighter set of regulations for new shoes in the future, including the need for companies to present any prototypes to it for approval before they can be used in competition. The IAAF however will not be able to impose restrictions on non-elite runners so the various shoe companies are free to develop newer models.

It is claimed that the new NIKE Alphafly which is supposed to contain three carbon plates may improve running economy by as much as 8%.

As the graphic shows above, a lot of the other running shoe manufacturers are now playing catch up with NIKE.

Full story on the Guardian website.

Jack Stewart who was the former presenter of the Science in Action programme on BBC radio has an interview with a professor of exercise science HERE

Notice: MMRA Currabinny Woods 6.6km trail race - Sun 2nd Feb 2020

The Munster Mountain Running Association are holding a 6.6 km trail race in Currabinny Woods on Sunday the 2nd of February 2020.

From the organisers...Race 3 of the Munster Trail Running League brings us to Curraghbinny Woods, outside Carrigaline, Co. Cork.

Adult Race at 11:00am // Junior Race at 10:30am

It will have our first 'Try a Trail' event at 09:40am.  Anyone wishing to try running in the woods but thinks they are, too slow, too unfit, afraid if the terrain, not sure what to wear etc..,just register with IMRA for 2020 €10 and then turn up for 9:40am or earlier on the morning , you do not pay for the run itself, this is to introduce you to running on trails..and we will guide you around so you will not get lost. The run (or walk or hike, whatever way you choose) will start in main car park at 10am sharp, it will be approx 3kms. Just make sure you are registered online and collect your number before you start.

The main 6.6km event starts at 11am.

https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/1842


Currabinny Woods is about 9 miles south-east of Cork City. The approach road is nearly opposite the Novartis plant near Ringaskiddy.

More info about the 2020 MMRA events HERE

Notice: Karen Fenton Memorial Run 5k in Ballinora - Sun 19th Apr 2020

This years Karen Fenton Memorial Run 5k is scheduled for Sunday 19th April 2020 at 12:30pm.
The location for the 5k is in Ballinora which is just to the south of Ballincollig.

Online entry... https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/KarenFentonMemorialRun

From the organisers.....The annual Karen Fenton Memorial Run will be hosted in Ballinora, Waterfall on April 19th, 2020, just over a week short of Karen’s third anniversary.

A scenic country run just a stones throw from Cork City – a perfect warm up for all the summer runs this year – suitable for all runners and walkers – competitive or just for fun –
it’s your choice!

This road race is being held in memory of Karen Fenton, who passed away from Ovarian Cancer, on the 30th of April 2017, aged 43. Karen was one of Ballinora's own and enjoyed
participating in many athletic events.

The Karen Fenton Memorial Cup and the Máire Comerford Memorial Cup will be presented to the first male and female winners. Máire was another Ballinora native, who sadly passed away, aged 39, 8 months after Karen, also from Ovarian Cancer.

Entry - Adults - €12    Kids (U16) Timed €6    Kids (U16) Untimed - Free

Entries...You can enter online HERE or on the day of the race.

Proceeds will go towards Ovarian Cancer support and research.

All those who pre-enter will be put in a draw for 2 nights B&B for 2 people in the lovely Celtic Ross Hotel in West Cork.

This race will be chip timed but all are welcome to take part, walk, jog or run, in this community event.

Race Enquiries:    info AT karenfenton DOT ie
www.facebook.com/karenfentonovariancancerfund/

Post-Race Refreshments at Ballinora GAA Hall

PRIZES
First 5 Men & Women Home – Cash Prize
Category Prizes for Top 3 Men & Women (Outside the top 5)

All participants will receive a Karen Fenton Memorial Run souvenir bracelet in support of Ovarian Cancer

Location...Ballinora is located just south-west of Cork City and to the south of Ballincollig.

It can be accessed by taking Exit 1 on the Ballincollig bypass or going via Waterfall. See the course map below.

Course.....See below...

Wibblies raise over €1700 for those impacted by the Australian bush fires

The Wibbly Wobbly Wonders Running Club recently held a special 5k run and raised over €1,700 for charities helping individuals and wildlife impacted by the recent bush fires in Australia.

Results & Photos of the MMRA Corrin Hill trail race - Sun 19th Jan 2020

Just a few years ago, if a MMRA trail race got 50 to turn out then it was considered to be pretty good. Contrast that with the most recent MMRA trail race on Corrin Hill near Fermoy where 165 took part.

Trail races are now becoming increasingly popular and are attractive to those who want to experience something different to the usual road race scene.

As you can see from the photo above, it was a beautiful sunny morning for the event.

1 Tom Blackburn    1136    M55    0:28:24    Mooreabbey Milers    Limerick
2 David McCarthy    491    M35    0:29:04    St.Nicholas    Cork
3 Dermot Hayes    1383    M50    0:29:11    Dundrum AC    Tipperary
21 Ide Kelleher    790    F45    0:32:35    Mallow AC    Cork
34 Deirdre O Gorman    468    F35    0:34:15    Tipperary
42 Sarah Whelan    515    F40    0:34:50    Clonmel AC    Tipperary
Full results

Photos...
1) The MMRA have a gallery HERE

A list of MMRA events for 2020 can be seen HERE

DCU study shows 25% of Irish children lack basic motor skills

A study published by Dublin City University found that 25% of Irish children lack basic motor skills. It found that one in four students between the ages of five and 12 cannot run properly, one in two cannot kick a ball, and less than one in five cannot throw a ball.

New research has found that a growing number of primary school children lack the basic skills to take part in sport and physical activity, such as kicking a ball or running properly pic.twitter.com/ioVaI1iEFY

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 27, 2020

Links...
1) Irish Examiner news

Results & Photos of the Glen River 5k parkrun - Sat 25th Jan 2020

There were 121 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in the Glen on the north side of Cork City, the fifth week in a row where the numbers have been over 100.

1 John LONGAN Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 18:31
2 Noel EARLY Male VM35-39 St Catherines AC 19:10
4 Aidan NOONE Male SM20-24 19:50
3 Orla BYRNE Female SW25-29 19:15
7 Sorcha KEARNEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:59
19 Sandra WALSH Female VW45-49 23:05

Full results

Photos...
1) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE

Results & Photos of the Ballincollig 5k parkrun - Sat 25th Jan 2020

A grand total of 533 runners turned out for this weeks 5k parkrun in Ballincollig Regional Park. This equals the second highest number for the event which happened back on the 12th of Jan 2019 when the exact same number took part.

1 Evan BYRNE Male SM20-24 Togher AC 15:33
2 Kieran SHEAHAN Male VM40-44 17:39
3 Daire REILLY Male SM30-34 18:32
24 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 20:39
38 Karen SCULLY Female VW40-44 21:19
43 Mary SWEENEY Female VW55-59 St Finbarrs AC 21:44

Full results

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

Trends in Running Shoes for 2020...

It would seem that the big trend in running shoes for 2020 is bigger soles and more cushioning.

As you can see from the shoes above, some of the newer high end shoes from manufacturers have more cushioning and they also are curved upwards at the front to encourage more of a rocking motion from heel to toe.

As outlined in a previous post about the NIKE Vaporflys, those shoes really have seemed to shaken up the whole running shoe market and other manufacturers are now trying to follow the trend.

Notice: Dromina 10 mile & 10k road race in N Cork - Sun 19th Apr 2020

The Dromina 10 mile road race in its back back in the 1980's was as big as the Ballycotton '10' with large numbers for the time taking part. After a lapse of some thirty odd years, it returned in 2019.

After its reappearance last year, it is back again this year and it will take place on Sunday the 19th of April 2020.

Entry Link

The early bird entry fee is €20 (plus booking fee) up to the 31st of January. From the 1st of February, it costs €25 (plus booking fee). Entry on the day is €30.

The 10 mile race will start at 12 noon with the 10k starting at 12:30pm. The race HQ is in the local community hall which is on the north-east side of the village.

The village of Dromina is located in north Cork and is on the road between Charleville and Newmarket.

There is also a dry fit top as part of the entry. Details to follow when the design is finalised.

More info below.

Poll for the best races in Cork and Munster now open

The poll for the best races in Cork and Munster in 2019 is now open.

Click HERE

Please note that you will be required to answer several questions and you have to give your email address as you may be asked to confirm your vote.

You won't be put on a mailing list or anything like that. I just want to ensure there is no abuse of the poll and that the votes are genuine.

I'll close it off at the end of the month.

18-Week Programme for the 2020 Cork City Marathon starts 27th January

The 2020 Cork City Marathon is coming up on Sunday the 31st of May. I'll be running an 18-week training programme for it which will start on the 27th of January. Details below...

Please note that this is tailored for each individual person, it's not some sort of generic one-size fits all plan. The plan adapts according to the progress being made.

For it to be of value...

a) You'll have to answer questions initially so that a suitable programme can drawn up. This will be based on your current training and experience and how much time you have available. It's a plan designed to suit your life and work schedule as opposed to the other way around.

b) You'll also have to provide feedback every two weeks and the plan will be based on this.

c) You really do have to follow the plan. There is no point dipping in and out of it or be off running 5k races every weekend when you're supposed to be doing a long run. The plan can be adapted to accommodate the occasional race but they must be occasional.

The cost for the 18-weeks is €99.... from the cold dark evenings of January to the long Summer evenings at the end of May.

If interested, email: johndesmondrunning AT gmail DOT com

Cork City Half-Marathon... This 14-week programme will be starting on the 24th of February. Cost €69.

Cork City Marathon Relay... This 12-week programme will start on the 9th of March. Cost €59.

Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k - Sun 19th Jan 2020

Cloyne Commons 4k Series Race 3 -     Sunday 19 January 2020. 9:30 am

Provisional Results for All Competitors in finish order.    Pace    Race    Race
Place    Time    Name    Team    Race Age Category    min/mile       
1 0:12:28 O'LEARY, Kevin East Cork AC M 05:00.8 995  1
2  0:12:37 KELLEHER, Kenneth East Cork AC M40 05:04.5 796 2
3 0:12:56 MCKEOWN, Kieran Watergrasshill AC M45 05:12.1 873 3
4 0:13:21 GILTINAN, Donal    East Cork AC M    05:22.2    72    4
5 0:13:22    KELLY, Chris    East Cork AC M 05:22.6    798    5
6 0:13:24 HENNESSY, John Midleton AC M45    05:23.4    759 6
7 0:13:28 INCE, Ken Watergrasshill AC    M    05:25.0    779    7
8 0:13:30 CROWLEY, Tim    East Cork AC    M    05:25.8    77    8
9 0:13:33    GOGGIN, John    Unattached    M40    05:27.0    91    9
10 0:13:34 COLLINS, John Skibbereen AC  M 05:27.4 111 10
    11    0:13:35    MURPHY, Niall    East Cork AC    M    05:27.8    67    11
    12    0:13:38    DUGGAN, Paul    St Finbarrs AC    M50    05:29.0    702    12
    13    0:13:47    O'BRIEN, Billy    Skibbereen AC    M40    05:32.6    943    13
    14    0:13:57    COUGHLAN, Denis    St Finbarrs AC    M    05:36.6    109    14
    15    0:13:58    CASHMAN, Paul    Watergrasshill AC    M40    05:37.0    621    15
    16    0:14:01    KEARNEY, Paul    Aghada RC    M    05:38.2    789    16
    17    0:14:02    SANTRY, Fiona    East Cork AC    F    05:38.6    74    17
    18    0:14:05    DOLPHIN, Michael    Leevale AC    M40    05:39.9    684    18
    19    0:14:14    MEYLER, Shane    Ballymore Cobh AC    M45    05:43.5    884    19
    20    0:14:24    GRAB, Tobi    Leevale AC    M40    05:47.5    133    20
    21    0:14:26    GOGGIN WALSH, Jennifer    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    05:48.3    730    21
    22    0:14:30    CREMIN, Mike    Unattached    M    05:49.9    646    22
    23    0:14:44    MALONE, John    Youghal AC    M45    05:55.5    80    23
    24    0:14:46    COLLINS, Trevor    Naas AC    M40    05:56.3    634    24
    25    0:14:49    LEDDY, Seamus    Unattached    M40    05:57.6    79    25
    26    0:14:56    O`SULLIVAN, Linda    Watergrasshill AC    F45    06:00.4    940    26
    27    0:15:00    HANNON, Tim    Midleton AC    M40    06:02.0    746    27
    28    0:15:01    SMIDDY, Oliver    Unattached    M40    06:02.4    1088    28
    29    0:15:04    MINIHANE, Briain    Unattached    M    06:03.6    887    29
    30    0:15:05    RYAN, Don    Midleton AC    M45    06:04.0    1064    30
    31    0:15:08    FENNESSY, Kevin    Unattached    M40    06:05.2    710    31

Results of the Glen River Park 5k parkrun - Sat 18th Jan 2020

It's good to see the numbers for the 5k parkrun in the Glen in Cork City over the 100 mark again with 126 taking part this week.

1 Florent CHEVALLIER Male SM30-34 19:44
2 Aidan NOONE Male SM20-24 19:50
3 Liam MURPHY Male VM50-54 Watergrasshill AC 20:13
6 Katie HICKSON Female VW40-44 21:09
20 Edith O'DONNELL Female JW11-14 23:25
23 Sandra WALSH Female VW45-49 23:28

Full results

Photos...
1) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE

Results & Photos of the Ballincollig 5k parkrun - Sat 18th Jan 2020

A whopping 530 participants took part in this weeks 5k parkrun in Ballincollig Regional Park, the third highest ever!

The chart above shows the numbers since the start of January 2019. Between New Year's resolutions and Operation Transformation, the numbers are always up at this time of year.

1 Tim POWELL Male SM30-34 Serpentine RC 17:44
2 John O MAHONY Male VM45-49 17:53
3 Thomas NELSON Male SM25-29 Queens Triathlon Club 18:30
27 Sorcha KEARNEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:35
29 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW45-49 Leevale AC 20:42
31 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 20:44

Full results

Photos...
1) Colette Ryan has a gallery HERE
2) Joe Murphy has 20 photos HERE

Nominations for the best races in Cork & Munster in 2019

Now that we're into the New Year, it's time to vote for the best road races in Cork and Munster in 2019. First though, the nominations.

Leave a comment below and nominate the best 5k, 4 mile, 5 mile & 10k race in Cork and the best 10 mile and half-marathon in Munster in 2019. We'll open the poll then in a few days.

Update: Keep the nominations coming in, I'm updating the list every few hours.
Update Sun 19th Jan 11pm

By the way, check the lists below. There's no point nominating a race that has already been nominated.

Railway works cause temporary change to Mallow Town parkrun course

Please note that due to ongoing work on the railway, part of the western part of the Mallow Town 5k parkrun course has been closed off to the public. This closure is planned from Monday the 13th of January to Saturday the 8th of February 2020.

In the meantime, Cork County Council have given the organisers permission to used the section to the east which includes the newly surfaced paths by Castlelands.

The start and finish remain in the same spot.

Wheelchair athlete Jerry Forde hits 465 marathons!

The main man Jerry Forde with Paddy Rodgers who helped out on the bike

A few weeks back, I had a post up about how Jerry Forde was looking for a cyclist to help him out for an MCI marathon in Blackrock in Cork City on Saturday the 4th of January. Big shout out to local runner Paddy Rodgers who answered the call!

When Jerry first told me about needing a cyclist for the marathon, I asked him was that the one at the Blackrock Castle car park. 'Ya ya, that's the one' said Mr Forde and he duly told me the date and start time.

Grand says I, I'll turn up and do the first of five laps with Jerry and then hand over to Paddy for the other four.

So I cycled from home that morning and turned up just before 8:30am at the Blackrock Castle car park. Not only was there no sign of Mr Forde but there was also no sign of any race! I was wondering at this stage if I had got the times and date wrong.

I cycled on the loop on what would be the opposite direction to the runners and eventually spotted Bernice Glavin. After a quick chat, Bernice tells me that she had started early and the start was in St.Michaels GAA grounds in Mahon, a small detail Mr Forde had forgotten to tell me!

Eventually we got going about half an hour late with an official start time. After a chilly first lap, I then handed over to Paddy who did the honours for the remaining four.

Amazingly, this was Jerry's 465th marathon! I spoke to Jerry during the week and I have now updated his marathon list... https://jerryforde.wordpress.com/list-of-marathons/

Fingers crossed, he hopes to hit the 500 mark sometime in the middle of 2021.

Thanks also to Alan who also offered to help. Alan, you never left your email address in the original post so I couldn't contact you.

Notice: MMRA Corin Hill Trail Race nr Fermoy - Sun 19th Jan 2020

The MMRA are holding their a trail race on Sunday the 19th of January 2020 at Corrin Hill to the south-west of Fermoy. This is a good introduction to trail running for anyone starting off.

Note that MMRA membership is required which costs €10 for the year.

More info on the IMRA website... https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/1841

More info on the 2020 MMRA events HERE

MMRA training event for 15-19 year olds - Sat 25th Jan 2020

Notice : Locha Lua Half-Marathon in Ballingeary in West Cork - Sat 11th Apr 2020

This popular Half-Marathon is coming up in Ballingeary in West Cork on Saturday the 11th of April 2020.

Entries
Regstration online / Clárú: Click HERE

Registration: Half Marathon €25 // Half Marathon Relay (2 Person Team 9km/12km) €30 per team // Walk €20

Option to purchase event technical t-shirt @ €7.50

The Event : This is the second Locha Lua half marathon - based in the Muskerry Gaeltacht in Ballingeary Co Cork and will take place at 10am on Easter Saturday 11th April 2020. It follows a relatively flat course winding along the shores of Locha Lua in the stunning Lee Valley.

Runners will first head east on the R584 from Ballingeary turning right in Inchigeelagh village and returning on the scenic South Lake Road to complete the circuit of the lakes which is an exact half marathon distance. There is also a relay option with the change point in Inchigeelagh Village.

The section between Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh is pretty flat. There are a number of climbs in the second half but note that the ascent is never more than 100 feet or 30 metres.

It really is a stunning location and the elevated parts of the course have some nice views.

The race has an AI permit and was measured by Jones Counter. It will also be chip timed.

Registration: https://eventmaster.ie/event/Rv4CL5h76

To contact the organisers, use lochalua19 AT gmail DOT com

Half-Moon Lane entrance to Tramore Valley Park likely to remain closed for 2020

Gate at the Half-Moon Lane entrance in Dec 2019

Back in early 2019, Cork City Council finally opened the Tramore Valley Park in Cork City to members of the public. The most northerly entrance to the park at Half-Moon lane has remained closed however.

This has led to the ironic situation whereby the people that are living closest to the park like in Turners Cross can't get access to it.

In a response to a query from Cllr. Mick Flynn, Cork City Council have said that the Half-Moon entrance will remain closed for at least another 12 months!

The reasons cited were...

a) The volume of traffic going to Christ King Girls Secondary School, a number of commercial premises, including the ESB, a pitch & putt club, one residential property and a large City Council Depot.

b) There is also no public footpath on the laneway, while the junction at the end of the 250m stretch is completely blind in both directions when exiting and does not have traffic lights.

In an answer, the City Council Director of Operations said... “It is also important to note that providing an access to the park from Half Moon Lane will also attract visitors arriving by car and, given that there is no dedicated parking area, cars are likely to be abandoned along the narrow lane creating a serious obstruction for other vehicles using the lane to access their premises and for parents dropping and collecting school children.”

The Council said that consultants will undertake a traffic assessment and survey of the lane. They will then prepare draft improvement proposals to address the issues.

Following this, a Part 8 application will be made and should that get the green light, a detailed design, tender and contract will follow.
 

From a running point of view, this news would seem to put a damper on the 5k parkrun in Tramore Valley Park starting up anytime soon.

MMRA calendar for 2020 now updated...

The Munster Mountain Running Association (MMRA) have put on a large calendar of events for 2020 and there is something there for everyone. They have nice trail races on tracks though woods all the ways up to the more extreme events on mountains.

The MMRA page on the blog is now updated with the full list of 2020 fixtures and you can view it HERE

Guest Post: RECALLING THE YOUGHAL ROUND-THE-HOUSES ROAD RACES... By John Walshe

RECALLING THE YOUGHAL ROUND-THE-HOUSES ROAD RACES
By John Walshe, Youghal News, 08/01/2020

Running a road race from one year into the next is a popular way to spend New Year’s Eve in a lot of countries. And for many people it will bring back fond memories of a similar spectacular that took place on many occasions around the streets of Youghal over the past five and more decades.

The first Youghal Round-the-Houses race took place on the night of December 31st, 1966. It would go on for another 10 years before moving to New Year’s Day up to 1985 with a further two races taking place at an earlier hour on New Year’s Eve in both 1986 and 1987.

Where the original idea came from is hard to tell, although long-time Youghal athlete and administrator Willie O’Mahony [who provided the attached images] recalls attending meetings of Youghal AC in Paddy Maher’s Bar in Tallow Street where such an event was no doubt discussed.

Maybe someone there had heard of the famous Brazilian San Silvestre race in Sao Paulo which had started in 1925. Over the years this has featured legendary runners such as Emil Zatopek and Paul Tergat and the most recent race a week ago  – it’s now held in the afternoon over 15km – saw world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei winning the women’s section.

That San Silverste event was the inspiration behind a similar midnight race first held in 1958 in a small town in the Welsh valleys by the name of Mountain Ash. Known as Nos Galan, the event was the brainchild of a local teacher named Bernard Baldwin who died two year ago at the age of 91. Bernard was a man ahead of his time, a feature of the midnight race being a mystery runner each year who ran down from a nearby mountain carrying a blazing torch.

It’s unlikely there were blazing torches in Youghal on that New Year’s Eve of 1966, although no doubt they would have been welcome. According to the Evening Echo of the follow Monday, the temperature in Cork on the Sunday night was 17.8 Fahrenheit (- 8 Celsius). The Echo also reported that a ‘large crowd’ of 30 runners set off from the GPO over three laps which totalled almost four miles. The clear winner was 18-year-old local man Stephen Hennessy with John O’Brien of Ballymore just beating Jack O’Callaghan from Hilltown for second. The Grange club easily won the team race from Youghal. Two schoolboy races also too place with victories going to Charlie O’Neill (U14) and Eddie Crowley (U16).

Results & Photos of the Ballincollig 5k parkrun - Sat 11th Jan 2020

There were 410 participants for the 5k parkrun in Ballincollig on Saturday 11th Jan 2020.

1 Nick HOGAN Male VM35-39 Sanctuary Runners 17:33
2 Shane COONEY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 18:03
3 Clive KERRISK Male VM40-44 18:39
32 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 21:33
43 Karen SCULLY Female VW40-44 22:20
51 Aideen KEHOE Female SW30-34 22:29

Full results

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

Results of the Cork BHAA FMC 5k in Little Island - Sun 12th Jan 2020

 A grand total of 429 runners took part in the Cork BHAA Dupont-FMC 5k race in Little Island on Sunday the 12th of January 2020.

As the chart shows above, this BHAA race in Little Island in January has a long history and this years numbers were almost identical to last year. The race reached its peak back around 2012-2015 and declined a bit since then.

1 Eric Curran M1 00:15:43 Merck
2 Joe Cunningham 0/45B M2 00:15:50 Eli Lilly
3 Ken Kelliher 0/40A M3 00:16:19 Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard M
26 Breeda Gaffney 0/45J F1 00:18:15 Ellen's Cakes F-A-2
27 Jennifer Goggin Walsh 0/35H F2 00:18:20 Novartis F-A-1
30 Carol Finn F3 00:18:29 Carol Finn Physical Therapy
Full results HERE

Results & Photos of the Glen River 5k parkrun - Sat 11th Jan 2020

There were 110 participants for this weeks 5k parkrun in the Glen in Cork City. As you can see, the numbers at the start of last year were about the same level and then died off in late Febraury. We'll have to wait and see what happens this year.

1 Craig HARRINGTON Male SM30-34 Togher AC 19:05
2 Andy GOULDING Male SM30-34 Watergrasshill AC 19:17
3 Kevin GLEESON Male VM35-39 19:38
19 Eileen DUFF Female SW30-34 Stubbington Green Runners 23:20
24 Ruth O CONNOR Female VW35-39 Watergrasshill AC 24:28
25 Jayne O'BRIC Female VW40-44 24:35

Full results

Photos...
1) The organisers have a gallery HERE
2) Mick Dooly has a small gallery HERE

Dublin Marathon organisers release an additional 2,500 places

The organisers of the 2020 Dublin Marathon have announced that they are allocating an additional 2,500 places. This now raises the limit from 22,500 to 25,000.

In a statement, the organisers said... “There are over 35,000 interested in participating in the 2020 event. 16,200 entries have been received from runners who had participated in any of the 2017, 2018 & 2019 editions of the event, who were guaranteed a place in the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon.

1,000 entries are allocated to sponsors and tour operators, with a further 1,300 allocated to ‘Good for Age’ Athletics Ireland members.”

16,100 applications were made for the remaining 6,500 places available through the lottery. Today, the successful applicants will be informed and they have until 31st January to claim their place.

Any places left unclaimed at the end of January will be allocated to lottery entrants from the 7th of  February. A third round of allocations will take place on the 1st of August, accounting for spaces vacated by runners who have withdrawn and taken a partial refund at that point.

Unsuccessful lottery entrants can claim their €15 refund after 14th February.

Notice: Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile race in Cobh - Sun 5th April 2020

This years Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile in Cobh is coming up on Sunday the 5th of April 2020.

Entries >>  Enter HERE

The race costs €27 to enter and the race itself will start at 9:30am.

One of the BIG attractions this year is the draw to win flights for 2, hotel for 2 and VIP entry to the 2020 Great North Run!

From the organisers....One of our main sponsors is putting up this amazing prize. One finisher on the day will be drawn by by raffle and they will win...

Return flights from any airport within Ireland to Newcastle, 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION and a GREAT NORTH RUN September 13th 2020. VIP RACE ENTRY package, including TRANSFERS to the race start and back from the finish to the hotel in Gateshead for 2 people . Relax after crossing the finish line in the VIP tent and MINGLE WITH SOME OF THE WORLD'S BEST ATHLETES AND CELEBRITY RUNNERS IN THE VIP RACE TENT.

All you have to do is register 
( https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/SoniaOSullivanCobh102020 ), 
complete the SOS Cobh 10 mile and one lucky finisher's number will be drawn at the post race prize ceremony at 12:30pm.


Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10 Shopping List 📃:

The legendary Sonia O'Sullivan to hand ✔
Unique race mug & goodie bag for finishers ✔
25% of entry fee to Breakthrough Cancer Research ✔
Race number posted to your home (up to 26-03-2020), so all you need to do is rock up to the start line on race day ✔
Fully chip-timed from start to finish ✔
FREE entry to Inter-Club or Open Team races also ✔
Renowned home-baked after-race refreshments ✔
Major sponsors providing oodles of prizes, including a draw for a VIP WEEKEND AWAY & entry to The GREAT NORTH RUN in Newcastle ✔
Spot prizes for down the field finishers ✔
Complimentary shuttle from finish line to after-race HQ ✔
Athletics Ireland approved event ✔
Cobh Zero Waste are onboard - #refillnotlandfill ✔
Jaw-dropping harbour & rural scenery ✔
Majority of race on quiet country roads ✔

Race Mug!! 😍😍😍

The 10-mile course loops around Great Island and has some impressive views out over Cork Harbour...

25% of the entry fee goes towards Breakthrough Cancer Research...

Presentation of the cheque for the 2019 event

Full size 400m athletics track planned for Mallow

Big news for runners in North Cork. It looks as if planning permission is being sought for a full size 400-metre athletics track in Mallow.