Guest Post: Glen River parkrun 3rd Birthday! ...by Julie O'Leary

Saturday the 27th of November marked the 3rd anniversary of park run in the Glen River Park. 

The event is a free weekly timed 5km run every Saturday morning at 9.30am. It is entirely volunteer run, and nearly 200 people have volunteered at the event since its inception. Over 1,900 individuals have taken part since the beginning- average 85 each week. We have lots of regular attendees- as well as being our 3rd birthday Mary O'Halloran from Togher AC celebrated her 50th parkrun and Darren Curtin from Douglas his 100th!

Glen River has become known in parkrun circles for the challenging hill on the course and the friendly welcoming atmosphere. Highlights over the 3 years included visits from Sonia and Sophie O'Sullivan and from "the running Lord Mayor" John Sheehan (he took his chain off to run!)

The event has helped to bring attention back to the lovely wildlife park hidden away in the Glen and this year we plan to run events on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. All welcome!

Julie O'Leary 

If anyone would like more information about this 5k parkrun on the northside of Cork City, go to their website... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/

Guest Post: PWR Part 2 - The future

 ** PWR Part 2 - The future **

On Friday, I am retired from work. Yes, you did read that correctly but no panic, I'm still running. It is only the day job I'm giving up.

It is totally voluntary, as there was a redundancy offer open and as I'm not far from retirement anyway, it made sense and was a total no-brainer to walk.

Don't get me wrong, I had many years with co-workers and I can honestly say I enjoyed the most of it, so I will miss the companionship, laughs, stories and general fun.

I joined the Department of Post and Telegraphs in 1980, which became Telecom Eireann, then Eircom and I leave Eir a long time later. Enough of that, Chapter closed.
🙌

"There is a tide in the affairs of men. 
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune" Shakespeare. 
Take your opportunities when they arise and who knows where it could lead.... from my Secondary School English. Long time ago.
🤓

What is next?
Well I suppose the traditional presentation of the Gold Watch to bring home and sit with the pipe and slippers doesn't really fit my image. A Garmin GPS watch and a new pair of runners would be far better for me. Spare me the Nike fancy shoes as my hamstring doesn't move that fast anymore.
The new bike needs to get some road miles.

There are hills and roads to be walked, nice routes to run, coffee to be drank and plenty of time to do it. 
I must do some of the beautiful Greenways around the country and The Wild Atlantic Way is calling. Feel free to invite me.

I would love to add to my sporting academic qualifications so who knows what areas I will dabble in. Maybe also look at some Creative writing classes. Every day is a school day.
Plenty books to be read and a promise not to get out of bed any morning until it is bright.
I'm qualified for Seniors Golf (OMG) so we will strike a few balls.
When do I get the Free Travel Pass?
🏃

Hopefully things get better for us all next Year and I will resume my coaching and planning for anyone who is interested in some event and needs guidance. Let me know and we can chat.

I love helping in case it wasn't obvious 🤣
🏃

So have a lovely weekend, I'm keeping things very low key as not the time for big gatherings or parties. A few pleasures to be postponed until a more opportune moment. Could still do the long run with the gang tomorrow, if they don't mind running with a pensioner. 
🏃

Take care everyone and I promise to write about running again soon but then who will listen to an old retired fella? Answers on a Postcard and send to: S Claus, N Pole, D25 M12.🎅

🎼"Go easy on me, baby
I was still a child
Didn't get the chance to
Feel the world around me
I had no time to choose
What I chose to do
So go easy on me" 🎤 Adele

#pwr #keeponrunning 🎤🎼

Results of the Glenville 4 mile race - Sun 28th Nov 2021

The Glenville 4 mile race was held on Sunday the 28th of November and there were 351 finishers. While this is a healthy number for a local road race, it is 29% down on the figure for the last outing in 2019 when 495 runners crossed the finish line.

First 3 men & women...

1 Alan O'SHEA Bantry AC M M40 1868 19:40
2 Denis HEGARTY  Watergrass Hill AC M MS 593 20:16
3 John MEADE St Finbarrs AC M M40 1858 20:28
18 Rynne SHARON Kilmurry Ibrickane North Clare F FS 1714 23:34
24 Kealey TIDESWELL Clonmel AC F F35 1873 24:16
27 Linda O'SULLIVAN Watergrass Hill AC F F50 1782 24:29

The full results are up on the MyRunResults website HERE

Results of the Clonakilty Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 27th Nov 2021

There was a real nip in the air for this years Clonakilty Marathon with over 1000 runners taking part across the three events.

In the 10k, there were 250 finishers. As you can see from the chart above, this is well down on previous years for whatever reason. (Update: I'm told that the entry fee for the 10k was €50 which could well explain the drop in numbers)

Top 3 men & women...

1 Kieran MCKEOWN 00:34:45 5289 M Watergrasshill A.C.
2 Conor O'LEARY 00:35:44 5215 M
4 Craig HARRINGTON 00:37:35 5111 M Togher AC
3 Catherina MCKIERNAN 00:37:20 5284 F
12 Aileen O'MAHONY 00:42:27 5216 F
13 Pauline ROBERTSON 00:42:32 5267 F Brothers Pearse AC

In the Half-Marathon, there was 920 finishers which compares well to previous years.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Tudor MOLDOVAN 01:12:20 2382 M MS Clonliffe Harriers
2 Niall SHEIL 01:16:23 2127 M M40 St Killians AC
3 Kevin GILLEECE 01:17:02 8344 M M40 Kilfinane AC
28 Niamh CRONIN 01:29:23 2402 F F40 St Finbarrs AC
32 Aoife MAHONY 01:30:26 2015 F F40 Eagle AC
38 Selenia NOLAN 01:31:27 2308 F F40 Ennis Track AC

In the marathon, there were 417 finishers which again compares well to previous years.

1 Alexander WALLACE 02:32:00 730 M M40 St Cocas AC

2 Mick SILKE 02:46:46 8309 M M40

3 Ciaran HUGHES 02:49:00 385 M MS Dublin Runners

30 Tara MALONE 03:11:55 664 F F40 1Zero1

33 Colleen ROBINSON 03:12:59 712 F F40

38 Dolores DUFFY 03:15:11 830 F F50 Watergrasshill AC MCI

Full results of all three races on the MyRunResults website HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 27th Nov 2021

There seems to be a big drop for most of the 5k parkruns in the county on the 27th of November. I suspect that cold northerly wind may be a factor and not just other events taking place this weekend. 

Results of this weeks nine 5k parkruns around the county. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 214 this week, 299 last week. Long term average 299.

First 3 men & women...

1 Sean DINEEN Male SM25-29 Cork Triathlon Club 18:21

2 Unknown

3 Thomas GILMORE Male JM15-17 Ballincollig Athletic Club 19:18

25 Deirbhile O'KEEFFE Female SW20-24 21:56

27 Davina FENTON Female VW40-44 22:05

30 Ella COLLINS Female JW15-17 22:21

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/205/

Mallow Castle: 60 finishers this week, 103 last week. The long term average is 97.

First 3 men & women...

1 Tomás KIELY Male JM11-14 North Cork AC 18:44

3 James CROWLEY Male VM45-49 LOVE2RUN 19:06

4 John KELLY Male VM45-49 Mallow AC 19:39

2 Ailbhe MCDAID Female VW35-39 18:50

10 Máire MCKENNA Female VW40-44 22:03

14 Norah MCGLYNN Female JW15-17 22:54

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/12/

Glen River: 60 this week, 67 last week. The long term average is 85.

First 3 men & women...

1 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:42

2 Ben O'SULLIVAN Male JM15-17 19:25

3 Seamus LEDDY Male VM40-44 Abbey Runners Leeds 19:45

21 Imelda LYONS Female VW40-44 25:32

23 Claire PHILP Female SW30-34 25:54

25 Gemma FORDYCE Female VW45-49 26:15

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/81/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 55 this week, 75 for last week. The long term average is 82.

First 3 men & women...

1 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM40-44 19:31

2 Micheal CRONIN Male SM30-34 20:19

3 Tom O RIORDAN Male VM45-49 Watergrasshill AC 20:36

9 Janette O SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 22:34

16 Claire MURPHY Female VW45-49 25:28

21 Rose KINSELLA Female VW35-39 26:47

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/6/

Macroom Desmense: 44 this week, 65 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 20:29

2 Diarmuid HOLLAND Male VM45-49 20:34

3 Enda O'FLAHERTY Male VM35-39 20:49

12 Rachel KELLEHER Female JW15-17 24:20

14 Lisa KINGSTON Female JW15-17 25:57

16 Leah BRADLEY Female JW11-14 26:14

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castledemense/results/352/

Clonakilty: There was no 5k parkrun in Clonakilty due to the Clonakilty Marathon taking place.

32 this week, 29 last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/307/

Castlehaven: 23 finishers this week, 20 last week, long term average 31.

First 3 men & women...

1 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 22:36

10 Danielle SHEEHY Female SW25-29 26:39

15 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 31:25

2 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 22:37

3 Donal ODONOVAN Male VM40-44 23:17

4 Donnacha MC CARTHY Male VM35-39 23:23

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/231/

Bere Island: 17 this week, 21 last week, long term average of 47. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Gary O'DRISCOLL Male SM25-29 Beara AC 18:53

2 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 21:19

3 Jocelyn DUFÉTEL Male VM45-49 Beara AC 26:49

4 Laura WALSH Female JW15-17 29:18

5 Noelette BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 30:48

6 Joanne SULLIVAN Female VW50-54 30:49

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/310/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 38 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. Last week was 55, long term average is 58.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:53

2 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 20:56

3 Danny MANNING Male VM45-49 21:48

6 Maria JONES Female VW35-39 Sportsworld 22:12

7 Caroline KELLY Female SW30-34 London City Athletics Club 22:13

8 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:09

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/224/

Weather for the Clonakilty Marathon & parkruns on Sat 27th Nov 2021

The weather for the weekend is a bit of a mixed bag. On Saturday, it's going to be cold with a strong north-westerly wind during the morning. It is however likely to be sunny.

The map shows the situation on Saturday. There is a high pressure system out in the Atlantic rotating clockwise and there is a low pressure system over the North Sea going anti-clockwise.

The net result is like someone left the fridge door open and cold Arctic air flows down over Ireland and the UK.

On the plus side, that strong wind should prevent any frosts or ice on the roads and it should be a bright sunny morning. The only thing is that it's going to feel really cold.

A map of the half-marathon and 10k courses are shown below. Essentially, you will have the wind behind you for the first half and into your face for the second half for each race.

Over the years, the Clonakilty marathon has had more than its fair share of bad weather. This time around, it looks like it's going to be one of the better ones. There are some lovely scenic spots out along the marathon and half-marathon routes with expensive views over the Cork coastline.

Hills... For the 10k, there is a modest hill marked in Orange which starts around the 4.5 mile mark. It lasts about 0.7 miles. This hill is also near the end of the half-marathon course around the 11 mile mark.

For the half-marathon, there is a major hill at 4.7 miles which is about 2 miles in length. It's more of a long slog than being steep.

Gear???... I suspect it might be a day for the long sleeve with maybe a singlet over it. Only the fastest runners will opt for a singlet on its own.

5k parkruns... It should be a really good day for doing a parkrun, just wrap up!

Friday Jigsaw: Michelle Finn from Cork winning the 2021 Irish Senior Cross Country Championships

For this weeks jigsaw, we go back to last weekend when Michelle Finn from Cork won the 2021 Irish Senior Cross Country Championships in Dublin.

You can find the 121-piece jigsaw HERE

Age distribution of a recent 10 mile race in Waterford - Nov 2021

The Beat the Train for DSI 10 mile run was held last weekend on the Greenway in Waterford and attracted a field of 180 runners.

Unusually, they gave the year of birth of each of the runners in the results. Needless to say, I had to make a chart for it! 😄

As you can see, the finishers range in age from 17 to 70 with the vast majority between 35 and 50 years old.

It's interesting to note how few runners in their twenties took part. In most races, runners under 35 are listed as MS (Male Senior) or FS (Female Senior) and it's impossible to know what their exact age is.

This matches previous results which shows that the bulk of 'Senior' runners are in fact in their thirties with very few in their twenties. This is also reflected in the adult membership of most athletic clubs which are now up around 85-90% masters i.e. aged 35 and above.

Running or at least taking part in organised running events doesn't seem to attract many adults in their twenties.

Survey: Do you use miles or kms when you are running and training???

I have to admit that my brain is hardwired in miles and I've always used minute per mile and distances in miles when I was out running. 

When I started coaching, I had to adjust and use both kms and miles and use whatever the athlete was familiar with.

So my question is... what do you use when you are running? Miles or kms?

Fill out the short survey form and we'll see in a week what it looks like.

Click HERE

No Newmarket 10-mile road race in 2022

Duhallow AC have announced that there won't be any 10-mile road race in Newmarket in NW Cork in 2022. If it was going ahead then it would be held on the second Sunday of March, the traditional date of the now discontinued Ballycotton 10-mile road race which ended in 2017.

The chart below shows the numbers for the Newmarket 10-mile. From 2018 to 2020, it had been growing steadily. 

Undertaking two big races in a year is a big commitment for a small club so it probably shouldn't be a big surprise to see them drop one.

The question now is if someone else will pick up the old Ballycotton date?

Cork runner Michelle Finn wins the National Cross Country Senior Title - Sun 21st Nov 2021

Cork runner Michelle Finn of Leevale AC was this years winner of the Irish Senior Cross Country Championships which were held in Dublin.

1 Michelle FINN 00:27:22 77 F Senior Leevale A.C.
2 Sarah HEALY 00:27:34 145 F Senior F U23 U.C.D. A.C.
3 Roisin FLANAGAN 00:27:41 59 F Senior Finn Valley A.C.
4 Aoibhe RICHARDSON 00:27:42 71 F Senior Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.
5 Aoife COOKE 00:27:56 53 F Senior Eagle A.C.
6 Annmarie MCGLYNN 00:28:01 85 F Senior Letterkenny A.C.
7 Mary MULHARE 00:28:06 110 F Senior Portlaoise A.C.
8 Ciara MAGEEAN 00:28:13 15 F Senior City of Lisburn A.C.
9 Niamh ALLEN 00:28:30 32 F Senior Crusaders A.C.
10 Niamh KEARNEY 00:28:32 111 F Senior Raheny Shamrock A.C.

Full results HERE

Unlike the Cork County Senior Championships where the numbers were so bad that they couldn't hand out some team medals, the national event had much better attendance.

In the women's race there were 109 finishers with some of the best female runners in the country appearing in there.

In the men's race, there was an even bigger turnout with 192 taking part. The full results are on the MyRunResults website.

Interesting fact... While Michelle Finn won the women's race, the men's race was won by Hiko Tonosa. Both are coached by Feidhlim Kelly.

Guest Post: Bump ...by Pat Walsh

** Bump **

Found it hard to write a post this week. Am I the only one feeling that we have hit a bump in the road and there could be a few tough months ahead of us. The numbers aren’t great and not getting any better, so it is hard to make plans with any degree of certainty.
I for one am sick of this, same old narrative on the news and in the media, same voices preaching and no-one listening, enforcing regulations that don’t make sense. We need guidance with a firm voice and a clear message, not the shambles of the last week. Show us a path out of this. PLEASE..! 🥺

What can we do? 🏃
Keep running to give the mind and body a break from it all.
Keep in contact.
Keep looking after yourself.
Keep having the cuppas after the run, even if you need a coat and a hat.
Keep dreaming of a better 2022.
Keep following the plan and hope for a Christmas 10mile.
Keep up the positivity and self help.
Keep your eyes and ears open as we approach Christmas and see who is in need of help.
Keep out of Copper Face Jacks after midnight.
Keep up the strength and flexibility work for your long term running career.
Keep listening to music and watching funny videos.
Keep training.
Keep living your life, but be careful and have respect for everyone else.
Keep lacing up the runners and getting out. The 4 walls of home seem bigger when you return.
Keep the faith and believe in the future.
Keep caring.
Keep on Keeping on.

Have a nice weekend and stay safe. I'm hoping to run the "Beat the Train 10mile" in Kilmeaden Co. Waterford in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland 🚂🚂
Saturday Road Runners

“Gotta keep on going, looking straight out on the road
Can't worry 'bout what's behind you or what's coming for you further up the road
I try not to hold on to what is gone, I try to do right what is wrong
I try to keep on keeping on
Yeah I just keep on keeping on”😍 🎤🎤
My Silver Lining - First Aid Kit

#pwr #keeponkeepingon 🚂

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 20th Nov 2021

Results of this weeks nine 5k parkruns around the county...

Ballincollig Regional Park: 299 this week, 270 last week. Long term average 299.

First 3 men & women...

1 Alan O'SHEA Male VM40-44 Bantry Athletic Club 15:19

2 Nathan Ryan O HEHIR Male SM30-34 17:48

3 Mark MCCOLGAN Male VM35-39 East End Road Runners 17:55

12 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:54

18 Gail MURRAY Female VW40-44 Belgooly AC 20:32

33 Ella COLLINS Female JW15-17 21:46

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/204/

Mallow Castle: 103 finishers this week, 126 last week. The long term average is 96.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ailbhe MCDAID Female VW35-39 18:59

5 Elaine KELLEHER Female VW45-49 21:02

19 Norah MCGLYNN Female JW15-17 22:55

2 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:38

3 Jamie STONE Male SM30-34 20:25

4 John BROWNE Male VM40-44 20:35

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/11/

Glen River: 67 this week, 57 last week. The long term average is 86.

First 3 men & women...

1 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:51

2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 19:44

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 19:53

13 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:42

17 Jennifer CLERY Female SW25-29 24:09

24 Clare KEAVENEY JIMENEZ Female SW25-29 25:10

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/80/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 75 this week, 73 for last week. The long term average is 84.

First 3 men & women...

1 Padraig MAHONY Male VM45-49 18:16

2 Ciaran O MATHUNA Male SM20-24 18:42

3 Ben O'SULLIVAN Male JM15-17 18:52

11 Louise OBRIEN Female VW45-49 21:30

14 Deirdre ANSBRO Female VW40-44 22:11

16 Janette O SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 22:14

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/5/

Macroom Desmense: 65 this week, 39 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:36

2 Henry BROWNE Male VM40-44 18:41

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 20:12

10 Katie PURCELL Female JW11-14 23:08

14 Leah KEATING Female SW20-24 24:00

19 Lisa KINGSTON Female JW15-17 25:38

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castledemense/results/351/

Clonakilty: 32 this week, 29 last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 19:14

2 John LUCEY Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 20:22

3 Martin WHITE Male VM40-44 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 20:55

9 Holly FLEMING Female SW25-29 25:16 

11 Grainne MULCAHY Female SW20-24 25:36

14 Niamh RYAN Female VW35-39 28:43

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/307/

Castlehaven: 20 finishers this week, 19 last week, long term average 31.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 22:42

3 Mark SALTER-TOWNSHEND Male VM55-59 25:18

4 Danny SMITH Male VM60-64 25:27

2 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 25:00

6 Danielle SHEEHY Female SW25-29 27:04

7 Emma HORLER Female VW55-59 27:07

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/230/

Bere Island: 23 this week, 40 last week, long term average of 47. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Olan MURPHY Male JM15-17 22:22

3 Breandan MURPHY Male SM18-19 24:29

7 John WALSH Male VM50-54 Beara AC 30:01

2 Kristen CAHILL Female VW45-49 24:23

4 Carol HURLEY Female VW50-54 Beara AC 24:48

5 Laura WALSH Female JW15-17 28:30

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/309/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 55 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. Last week was 51, long term average is 58.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Davy BYRNE Male VM40-44 20:11

2 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:39

3 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:04

13 Stacey O SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 24:28

16 Jacquie O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 26:07

17 Majella O' MAHONY Female VW35-39 27:18

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/223/

Friday Jigsaw: Run Killarney Half-Marathon Start

For this weeks jigsaw, we go back to last weekend and the start line of the Run Killarney Half-Marathon. This one is a bit difficult as there are a lot of colour and not so many patterns. There are 150 pieces.

You'll find the online jigsaw HERE

Cork City Greenway Map - Q4 2021

Cork Cycling Campaign recently released a map of Cork City showing all of the cycle paths and Greenways. As can be seen from the image above, it is done very much of of the style of the London metro system which makes the layout as simple as possible.

While the purple cycling parts are only of interest to cyclists, some runners may find the Greenway parts of interest which are shown as Green lines. It might give runners in the city a few ideas for new routes.

Cork Cycling Campaign have the map up on their website as a PDF document and you can zoom in for a closer loop. You'll find the map HERE

Blog update - November 2021

At the start of September, I had a post up about how the blog was gradually coming out of hibernation as the restrictions were beginning to ease. This is an update for mid-November.

As you can see from the image above, the traffic to the blog has continued to grow as the various races and 5k parkruns got going again. In October of 2021, the site got just over 76,000 pageviews for the month.

On Facebook, the numbers are up as well. After the Eyeries 5 mile race, the race director Mark Gallagher sent me a photo of the first three women in the race.

I posted this on the Running in Cork Facebook page and as of this morning, it had reached over 20,000 people.

The thing about 'pageviews' is that one person coming back to the site day and day will generate a lot of pageviews. The Facebook figure is a bit more specific as each one is an account. 

It just seems funny that a photo for a race with 174 finishers should reach more than 100 times that number on Facebook.

It obviously helps that the Running in Cork Facebook page has over 17,000 followers to start up and the increased rate of posting has woken up the Facebook algorithm a bit and reminded them about the page.

Calendar update... I did a big trawl last week and I updated the race calendar, see HERE 

It certainly isn't choc a block with races but a lot of the major 10-mile & half-marathon races have put up notices for races well into the second half of 2022.

Overall... The race scene does seem to have gone off the boil a bit and this can be seen in some of the lower numbers at some races of late. It's almost as if a lot of people have got out of the habit of attending races or might have different interests now.

There was a time about a decade ago when you could do as many races as you liked in a week... €5 here, €7 there. Now it has become an expensive pastime at €15-€20 per race and people are more likely to pick and choose which ones they do.

I do get the overall impression that the race scene is gradually changing and the lockdown just accelerated that change. The various club races are getting more expensive while the number of free weekly 5k parkruns are on the increase. 

We'll have to wait and see what happens but I suspect some of the smaller club races may feel the pinch in the next year or two.

Notice: IMRA Trail Half-Marathon & Marathon in Co Kerry - Sat 11th Dec 2021

The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) are holding their final event in Munster for 2021 at the Glanageenty Woods in Co. Kerry. This is just north of the main road between Castleisland and Tralee.

There are a choice of three trail courses on Saturday the 11th of December... 

1) Trail Marathon -8:30am - 42.2 kms & 1300m of ascent - limit of 100 entries - €45 - Enter HERE

2) Trail Half-Marathon - 9:30am - 21.1 kms & 650m of ascent - limit of 150 entries - €35 - Enter HERE

3) Trail 9.1k - 10:30am - 9.1kms & 318m of ascent - €25 - Enter HERE

As with all IMRA events, annual membership costing €10 is required.

Guest Post: 10-Mile ...by Pat Walsh

 ** 10 mile **

It was a mixed bag of a year and it would be nice to finish it off with a flourish. Go out in style by running 10 miles.

Not a Virtual but an actual 10 mile planned by yourself, for yourself (and buddies) at a time and place of your own choosing to round off the year in style. The 'Champagne Santa Run'

If you can find some event to tie in with it, that would be fantastic.
It will keep you training next few weeks and give you something to look forward to over the holidays. Of course there will be excess of food and drink so time does not matter just commit to doing a 10mile once during the Christmas Season.

If you are currently doing a 10 mile anyway then just run it somewhere special or with some good friends.
I will hold a competition around that time and there will be spot prizes.
🏃

Think about this:
If you can run 10 miles in late December then the “World is your Oyster” for 2022.
Confidence will be high, you will be in a good place, good shape and raring to go.
Nice little block of training now for the next few weeks will allow some guilt-free indulging when Christmas comes round.
🏃

Be kind to yourself and no pressure. There is enough of that from other sources.
Enjoy your run and congratulate yourself (and buddies) when finished.
Don’t be worried about the watch. Have a cuppa and share stories how wonderful you actually are.
🏃

I have no idea what next year will bring on a personal or public level but all I will try to do is put myself in the best possible situation to enjoy it. This Pandemic is refusing to just go away and there are still a few twists and turns on the road ahead. 

It is said our “Health is our Wealth” so if you can run 10 miles then you are doing well. Legs and lungs in good condition and that is a great help.

Our general health and mental well-being has never been more important. Taking control of your own situation, managing what you can do and relaxing about things we can't do. You can always run.
-- Don't wait, the time will never be just right. --
🏃

Be good, be kind, be safe. 
#pwr

Results of the Thomas Kent 10k - Sun 14th Nov 2021

There were 431 finishers in this 10k race n Castlelyons, a drop of 14% on the last outing in 2019. This is the second lowest number since its inaugural event in 2016.

 1 CONOR MCCAULEY 00:32:01 
2 PAT HENNESSY 00:33:09 
3 ANDREW SHEEHAN 00:33:49
24 ROISIN MCLAUGHLIN 00:39:28 
33 LINDA O'CONNOR  00:40:26 
47 RACHAEL WALSH 00:41:52

Full results from the Race Timing Guy HERE

Photos...

1) Ger Broderick has two galleries... Album 1 ... Album 2...

Corks oldest 5k parkrun hits 350 events - 13th Nov 2021

The 5k parkrun in Macroom hit a new milestone last Saturday with the 350th running of the event!

The first 5k parkrun in Dublin was in Malahide in November of 2021 and the Macroom event was the first one in Cork starting just six months later on the 18th of May 2013.

Behind that figure of 350 events is a huge amount of work done by the various volunteers over the years and all for free.

There are now nine 5k parkruns in Cork with the event in Youghal being the newest one starting just a few weeks ago in October of 2021. I'd expect in time, we'll see more several more 5k parkruns around the county.

You can find links to all of the 5k parkuns in Cork HERE

Results & Photos of the Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 13th Nov 2021

First 3 women in the 2021 Run Killarney Half-Marathon

The Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k was held on Saturday the 13th of November 2021 and attracted a field of almost 1200 runners.

In the Half-Marathon event, there were 624 finishers. In the men's race, the first three were from Cork while the winner of the women's race was Hannah Steeds who won the Eyeries 5-mile race in West Cork only a week earlier.

Half marathon

Male
Pos Cat Name Gun Time 
1 All Ages Vivian FOLEY (#2152) 01:12:09 
2 All Ages Michael MORGAN (#1915) 01:13:26 
3 All Ages Alan O'BRIEN (#2522) 01:15:33 
Female
Pos Cat Name Gun Time 
1 All Ages Hannah STEEDS (#1594) 01:20:41 
2 All Ages Sarah FLANAGAN (#2246) 01:27:18 
3 All Ages LINDA O Sullivan (#2022) 01:27:30 

Half-Marathon results HERE 

First 3 men in the 2021 Run Killarney Half-Marathon

10km

Male
Pos Cat Name Gun Time 
1 All Ages Gavin O'ROURKE (#919) 00:31:29 
2 All Ages Mike NEVILLE (#230) 00:36:26 
3 All Ages Thomas MORAN (#551) 00:36:55 
Female
Pos Cat Name Gun Time 
1 All Ages Ann MACPHAIL (#971) 00:40:39 
2 All Ages Siobhan DALY (#953) 00:40:57 
3 All Ages Catherine O SULLIVAN (#561) 00:41:27 

10k results HERE 

Photos...

1) Andy O'Rourke has a number of galleries... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3 ... Album 4 ... Album 5 ...

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 13th Nov 2021

Results of this weeks nine 5k parkruns around the county...

Ballincollig Regional Park: 270 this week, 301 last week. Long term average 299.

First 3 men & women...

1 Joe CUNNINGHAM Male VM50-54 16:36

2 Unknown   

3 Barry MEADE Male VM35-39 16:49

31 Josephine KELLEHER Female VW35-39 21:29

36 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:39

40 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 21:53

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/203/

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE

Mallow Castle: 126 finishers this week which is well up on the 111 last week. The average of the 10 events at Mallow Castle is 93.

First 3 men & women...

1 Unknown 

2 Unknown  

3 Patrick O KEEFFE Male VM50-54 Mt. Hillary AC 19:44

21 Norah MCGLYNN Female JW15-17 23:54

25 Liz LEONARD Female VW55-59 Marathon Club Ireland 24:59

26 Eileen KENNELLY Female VW55-59 Tralee parkrunners on Tour - TpoT 25:00

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/10/

Glen River: 57 this week, 69 last week. The long term average is 86.

First 3 men & women...

1 Brendan HEALY Male VM35-39 19:35

2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 20:08

3 Ciarán MURRAY Male VM40-44 20:56

9 Sally-Ann LYNCH Female SW30-34 23:50

18 Mary O'HALLORAN Female VW50-54 Togher AC 26:03

21 Yan ZHANG Female SW30-34 Sanctuary Runners 26:45

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/79/

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has a few photos HERE

Youghal: The new Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 73 this week, the same as the 73 for last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM40-44 18:08

2 Tom O RIORDAN Male VM45-49 Watergrasshill AC 19:33

3 Eoin COYNE Male SM30-34 20:12

7 Stephanie ILSLEY Female VW60-64 21:18

9 Janette O SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 21:26

15 Claire MURPHY Female VW45-49 23:10

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/4/

Macroom Desmense: Two in a row for Jude Murphy. 39 this week, 57 last week. Long term average is 54.

It was also the 350th running of this event in Macroom!

First 3 men & women...

1 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 20:14

2 Rory MCELROY Male JM11-14 West Muskerry A.C. 20:19

3 Ciaran SLATTERY Male VM35-39 20:46

11 Rachel KELLEHER Female JW15-17 25:21

13 Lisa KINGSTON Female JW15-17 26:08

14 Mairead MURPHY Female VW45-49 26:14

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castledemense/results/350/

Clonakilty: 29 this week, 29 last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Paul GAIMSTER Male VM45-49 Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC 18:50

2 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM35-39 19:32

3 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 19:49

6 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:50

9 Grainne MULCAHY Female SW20-24 25:42

11 Grainne CROWLEY Female VW45-49 26:01

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/306/

Castlehaven: 22 finishers this week, 25 last week, long term average 31.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 21:16 

2 Brian MINIHANE Male SM25-29 22:14 

3 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 22:25

4 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 23:41

10 Frances LYNCH Female VW55-59 Sanctuary Runners 27:26

11 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 31:26

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/229/

Bere Island: 23 this week, 40 last week, long term average of 47. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female JW15-17 23:30

2 Laura O' SULLIVAN FENTON Female VW35-39 Beara AC 24:38

4 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 25:55 

3 Breandan MURPHY Male SM18-19 25:04

7 Rory MCCARTHY Male VM60-64 28:12

11 Unknown

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/308/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 51 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. Last week was 56, long term average is 58.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:28

2 Ciaran O'SULLIVAN Male JM15-17 21:58

3 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 22:06

8 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:03

12 Stacey O SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 24:41

14 Breda MCELHINNEY Female VW55-59 24:48

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/222/

Notice: RNLI Reindeer 5k Run in Fota - Sun 5th Dec 2021

The RNLI have a number of marine rescue stations stationed on the coastline of Cork and they are holding their annual 5k Reindeer Run in Fota on Sunday the 5th of December 2021 at 11am.

The funds raised will support the work of the Ballycotton, Youghal and Crosshaven Lifeboat Stations.

Entry link HERE

From the RNLI.... Grab your antlers. Lace up those hooves. Be a lifesaver. Reindeer Run is a fun, festive way to be an RNLI lifesaver and raise vital funds to help support Ballycotton, Youghall and Crosshaven Lifeboat Stations. This years Cork run will be 5km at Fota on Sunday 5 December and to get involved please register here  RNLI.org/FotaReindeer

Note that the event is also open to walkers.

RNLI Crosshaven

Grab your antlers, lace up those hooves – help save lives at sea by getting on your running shoes for the RNLI’s Reindeer Run at Fota House and Gardens The RNLI is calling on the people of Cork to do their bit and join the RNLI’s 5K Reindeer Run at Fota House and Gardens at 11am on Sunday 5 December to help raise vital funds to support volunteer crews in their mission to save every one.

 
RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews across Ireland launched 945 times last year, coming to the aid of 1,147 people, 13 of whom were lives saved. That was an average of three people aided each day - rescues which were only possible because of the donations made to the charity by supporters.

It is hoped hundreds of people will don a pair of antlers or festive attire and join mascot Rookie the Reindeer to raise funds for the charity. All those participating will receive a medal. Runners, who must register (see below), and buy tickets for the event in advance, are encouraged to raise sponsorship which will go towards saving lives on the water.

Every time an RNLI crew launches, they are determined to save every one. But they can’t do it without people like you. Raising money through the Reindeer Run is a fun and festive way to get active and be a lifesaver, because you’ll be raising the vital funds that power the crew. It helps the RNLI recruit and train volunteers and could fund the kit they need to protect themselves. It helps ensure a lifeboat is ready when the call comes, and it helps deliver water safety advice far and wide.

RNLI Ballycotton

Eolan Walsh, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain says: ‘The Reindeer Run is more important than ever this year. We always have to be ready in case the pagers go at Christmas, but it’s a big boost to know the Reindeer runners have been giving their support at this busy time of year to help ensure we can launch.

‘It can be hard on our family and friends if we disappear halfway through Christmas dinner, but the sea and the dangers it can bring never takes a holiday, so nor can we. Fundraising events are our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to fund our rescues and kit that helps keep the crews safe when they risk their lives for others.’

To register for the Reindeer Run at Fota House and Gardens or to set up your own
virtual one, please visit RNLI.org/FotaReindeer

RNLI Youghal

Friday Jigsaw: Rebel Run 10k - First 3 men

Following on from the Rebel Run last weekend, the jigsaw this week is of the first 3-men in the 10k.

You can find the 300-piece jigsaw HERE

12 & 14-week training programme for the Dungarvan 10-mile on the 6th of Feb 2022

The John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile road race is scheduled to go ahead Sunday the 6th of February 2022. Website HERE

The entries will open to Athletics Ireland members on the 24th of November with the remainder being open to everyone from the 1st of December. This race will probably sell out reasonably fast.

Update 11th Nov 2021: 12 week programme starts Mon 15th Nov.

A 14-week training programme for newer runners who might need a bit more time to get ready. This starts on the 1st of November 2021 and costs €79.

A 12-week training programme for more seasoned runners and this starts on the 15th of November 2021 and costs €69.

This will suit anyone who is getting ready for this 10-mile event and wants to optimize their training. Each programme is sent out weekly and is tailored for each individual. Weekly feedback by email is required.

If interested, send an email to johndesmondrunning AT gmail DOT com

Notice: Online Sports First Aid Courses - 17th Nov & 1st Dec 2021

Cork Sports Partnership are organising two online Sports First Aid courses and these may be of interest to any running group, parkrun organisers or club.

Register HERE

From Cork Sports Partnership: Online Sports First Aid Course Dates 📣
This Sports First Aid Online Training is advisable for those who are involved or participate in sport ie coaches, parents, teachers, physical activity leaders etc
📆 Wed 17th Nov
📆 Wed 1st Dec
📍 Online Via Zoom
⏰ 7-9pm
✅ €25pp
ℹ️ www.corksports.ie/sports-first-aid

Event Description: Delivered online via zoom this online sports first aid training course is an interactive course delivered by Doctors & Paramedics from ER Training. It is advised that particpants complete a practical course face to face when restrictions allow. Please note that there is a limit of 6 members from any one club/association per course
Course Content: Asthma, Choking, Winding, Team Resuscitation, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR
Defibrillation, Respiratory Emergencies, Airway Management, Spinal Injuries, Concussion, Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains & Strains, Bleeding, Care of the unconscious patient
Certification: ER Training Sports First Aid Introduction Certification

Notice: Liberty Virtual Race in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association - 2nd to 5th Dec 2021

This virtual race is coming up at the start of December 2021. The money raised through the Liberty Race in Ireland will go to Irish Wheelchair Association.

Info... https://en.carreraliberty.es/

Info from organisers: The Liberty Race is a virtual race of all ages and abilities to support and promote an inclusive society for people with functional disabilities.

The theme of this year’s race is ‘allyship’; by running, walking or rolling in the race, individuals of all abilities can show their allyship with people with physical disabilities, and in doing so, help raise funds for Irish Wheelchair Association.

Participants are encouraged to donate to the Irish Wheelchair Association. In parallel, to demonstrate Liberty’s value of putting people first, Liberty Insurance will also make a €1 donation to the IWA for every participant that completes the race, to a maximum of €5000.

This is the first year of the Liberty Race in Ireland. The race is in its 14th year in Spain, with thousands of people participating annually.

Participants can register for one or all of the 3 distance categories: 1km, 5km and 10km, and compete from anywhere they want.

More info below...

Reminder that the Cobh & Ballincollig 2k junior parkruns have restarted...

I know a lot of runners that are parents read this blog and this is just a reminder for them that the free weekly 2km parkruns for 4-14 year old's have restarted.

There are two in Cork... one in Ballincollig Regional Park and one at Carrignafoy in Cobh.

Last Sunday, the Ballincollig event had 66 finishers while the Cobh one had 48.

These events are open to children aged from 4 to 14 years old and are held every Sunday morning at 9:30am.

These are the links to the respective parkrun websites... 

Ballincollig junior parkrun... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincolligregional-juniors/

Cobh junior parkrun... https://www.parkrun.ie/cobh-juniors/

Guest Post: 2021 Lanzarote Marathon Cancelled ...by Alex O'Shea

The 30th anniversary edition of the Lanzarote marathon has been cancelled a few weeks before runners and organizers take to the start line.

While runners count the cost of flights accommodation and the missed opportunity to run a Marathon with only a month to go. 

For many this will echo memories of all the canceled events over the last while due to various outside pressures placed on event organizers.

I can only imagine this is a huge upset for all parties involved and would not be a decision that was taken lightly by the organizers after all this was not just any year this was to be the 30th anniversary of the Lanzarote marathon.

For anyone that has participated in this event in the past you will know the organizing committee and army of volunteers put 110% into this event hosting various distances 10km 1/2 marathon marathon  with even races for the kids as they get to run down the iconic finishing straight. It is the energy & passion of the organizers that makes this a great event  (and the winter sunshine of course) because of this, it has for many become an annual pilgrimage.

I can only imagine the work that they put in to keep the event on track up to the final hour as it were.

I know this year they scaled it back to just a marathon event to comply with various conditions. They had to meet and overcome condition after condition for an event to happen and finally given the current climate it became no longer possible to ensure they could host a safe fun enjoyable event. I am sure the cancellation was done after every possibility to hold a safe event was exhausted.

Again I know this is not a decision anybody wants to make and the team are no doubt feeling deflated and upset. I have ran this event a few times and  the volunteers endlessly cheered us all on applauded each and everyone and  shared the highs they lived for race day to see our dreams come true. 

So today I say thank you to each and everyone of the team that tried so so hard to host this year's event  and hopefully we will share some more amazing memories soon.

Hopefully we will see this event back in the future.