Friday Jigsaw: Cheetah Run 2022

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from the Cheetah Run 5k at Fota Wildlife Park.

You can find the 204-piece jigsaw HERE

Results & Photos of the Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - 19th May 2022

A total of 712 runners turned out for this year's Cheetah Run 5k race in Fota Wildlife Park on what turned out to be a cool and windy evening in May.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Alan O'SHEA Bantry AC M M40 814 15:07
2 Sergiu CIOBANU Clonliffe Harriers M MS 483 15:18
3 Aidan NOONE Leevale AC M MS 733 16:02
18 Carol FINN Leevale AC F FS 540 17:49
22 Michelle KENNY Leevale AC F F40 632 18:06
25 Kealey TIDESWELL Clonmel AC F F35 869 18:25

Full results HERE

Photos to follow...

1) Mick Dooley has some pre-race photos HERE and some post race photos HERE

2) Joe Murphy has a large gallery HERE

3) Derek Costello as always has loads of photos...

pre start     https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQLkG

start            https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQLdE

3km part 1  https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQKmy

3 km part 2  https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQLuz

3km part 3    https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQMDH

3 km part 4   https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzQLyT

First man - Alan O'Shea of Bantry AC

Top women (L-R) Carol Finn 1st, Sharon Rynne 4th, Michelle Kenny 2nd & Mary Sweeney 1st F60

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k - Tues 17th May 2022

This years Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k race attracted a large field of 595 runners with participants coming from across Cork and Munster.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Niall SHANAHAN (#21) 00:14:42
2 Mark WALSH (#514) 00:15:16
3 Shane COLLINS (#35) 00:15:22
1 Sinead O'CONNOR (#37) 00:16:18
2 Carol FINN (#117) 00:17:38
3 Michelle KENNY (#492) 00:17:48

Chip timing results HERE

Cork BHAA results with categories HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE

2) Some pre-race photos from Mick Dooley HERE

First 3 men (L-R)... Shane Collins 3rd, Niall Shanahan 1st & Mark Walsh 2nd - Photo by Mick Dooley

First woman - Sinead O'Connor. Photo by Mick Dooley

Don't forget to hold onto your race number as it entitles you to a 20% discount in John Buckley Sports.

Website... https://johnbuckleysports.com/

Notice : The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 19th May 2022

The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park organised by Eagle AC is coming up on Thursday the 19th of May 2022 at 8pm. As well as there being the usual 5k race, there is also a one-mile race for juveniles (11-15 year olds).

Update 19th May 2022: SOLD OUT! It literally went down to the wire but the last of the 900 places sold out late on the evening of the 18th of May. 

Update 14th April 2022: The 1-mile race for juveniles is now full. After just a week, more than half of the entries for the 5k race have now gone. If you're interested then enter asap.

Update 18th May 2022 - 8am... Fewer than 40 places left now.

Enter HERE

Info from the organisers... Eagle AC together with Fota Wildlife Park and with the co-operation of the OPW, are delighted to announce the return of the Eagle AC Cheetah Run 5km race for 2022.

We are very grateful to our sponsors John Buckley Sports & Brooks for helping to make this possible.

Notice: Ballymacoda 4 mile road race in East Cork - Fri 27th May 2022

The annual Ballymacoda 4 mile road race is coming up on Friday evening, the 27th of May 2022 at 8pm. 

The entry fee is €10 and you can enter on the day.

From the organisers... "Excitement is building as we prepare to make this years event as enjoyable as can be for all that will be in attendance. All proceeds go to Kilcredan national school which this year is celebrating 50 years.

The route is a flat course ideal for experienced runners who wish to get a PB or for new comers who are just starting out running, this course suits everyone. 

If the weather is good, refreshments and prize giving will be outdoors and there is a bonus if course record broken for both men and women."

Located near Ballymacoda in East Cork, this one is easy to access from the east via Youghal and from the west via Castlemartyr and Ladysbridge...

The course takes in a loop to the north-west of the GAA grounds and like the surrounding countryside is pretty flat. 

Looking at the photos of the long straight sections and the Ordnance Survey map, I think this is a very fast 4 mile course.

Preview...A full preview of the course with directions and photos can be seen HERE

Results of the Surf Turf n Tar Half-Marathon & 10k in Rosscarbery - Sat 14th May 2022

The Surf Turn n Tar Half-Marathon & 10k made a return in 2022 with just over 600 runners taking part. 

In the half-marathon, there were 209 finishers which is the same as 2019. The numbers were down a bit in the 10k with 408 finishers compared to 525 in 2019.

Half-Marathon - top 3 men & women...

1 Deane Paul Clonakilty Road Runners   1:25:06 SM 659
2 O'Leary Conor Clonakilty 1:26:25 SM 843
3 Crowley Martin Killarney 1:28:00 SM 651
11 Walsh Karen Cork 1:36:58 SF 899
24 Perkins Emer Cork  1:43:25 SF 876
28 O'Donoghue Colette Watergrasshill AC   1:44:25 SF 817

Half-Marathon results

10k - top 3 men & women...

1 Alfie Davis Leevale AC     37:32 SM 128
2 Garret Lordan Clonakility Road Runners     37:52 SM 1483
3 Timmy Hawkins Carraig Na Bhfear AC     38:12 JM 204
16 Jane Peetersoo Cork     45:55 SF 512
23 Anna O'Neill Doheny AC     48:02 SF 470
25 Genevieve Collins Castletownbere     48:26 SF 1501

10k results

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 14th May 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 14th May 2022. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 270 this week, 239 last week. Long term average 298.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ronan HOARE Male VM35-39 17:44

2 Sean TWOHIG Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:45

3 Pablo HERRERA Male SM30-34 19:12

16 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:38

20 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 21:57

27 Deirbhile O'KEEFFE Female SW25-29 Raheny Shamrock AC 22:17

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/229/

Glen River: 58 this week, 53 last week. The long term average is 82.

First 3 men & women...

1 Henry MILWARD Male SM30-34 Midleton AC 19:19

2 Rian O LUASA Male JM15-17 Carraig na bhFear AC 21:28

3 Emmet POWER Male VM45-49 Balbriggan Roadrunners 21:42

18 Danielle Ó FLYNN Female VW35-39 25:35

19 Gisselle ESPINOZA Female SW30-34 25:51

21 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW50-54 27:18

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/105/

Mallow Castle: 47 finishers this week, 27 last week. The long term average is 78.

First 3 men & women...

1 Iain BUCKLEY Male JM11-14 18:58

3 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:20

4 Jamie STONE Male SM30-34 20:18

2 Emma FLYNN Female JW11-14 North Cork AC 19:10

12 Fiona MCGUINNESS Female VW40-44 25:07

20 Deirdre MCDONNELL Female VW50-54 29:30

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/34/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 34 this week, 37 for last week. The long term average is 69.

First 3 men & women...

1 Paul KEARNEY Male VM35-39 Aghada Running Club 18:26

2 Ian MURPHY Male VM50-54 21:51

3 Bruno ZAMORA Male SM30-34 21:54

10 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:38

12 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW10 25:56

14 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 26:28

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/30/

Macroom Desmense: 37 this week, 35 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:34

2 Simon NOLAN Male VM35-39 18:38

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 19:45

16 Mary LUCEY Female VW35-39 25:15

18 Lynda BRADLEY Female VW45-49 25:29

20 Jenny O SHEA Female SW30-34 26:37

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/374/

Clonakilty: 21 finishers this week, 22 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 18:51

2 Jeremy MOLONEY Male SM30-34 19:56

3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:57

8 Kathleen O REGAN Female VW35-39 25:16

11 Frances LYNCH Female VW55-59 Sanctuary Runners 27:02

14 Helen O'REGAN Female VW40-44 GoodGym 30:28

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/330/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 44 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 39  last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:23

2 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 21:47

3 Unknown 

13 Mary MINEHANE Female JW10 28:09

19 Lisa WHELAN Female VW55-59 32:11

22 Penelope O SULLIVAN Female JW10 33:31

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/246/

Bere Island: 32 this week, 37 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Nathann THORNTON Male SM30-34 Vegan Runners 21:01

2 Ciarán O'SULLIVAN Male VM55-59 22:36

4 Peter MOORE Male SM25-29 23:59

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:55

5 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:17

8 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:05

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/333/

Castlehaven: 18 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 23 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...

Castlehaven results... 

Results of the Buttevant 4-mile road race - Fri 13th May 2022

There was a big drop in numbers for this 4-mile road race with 173 taking part as compared to 302 back in May of 2019, a 43% reduction. 

2797 1 Andrew Sheehan Clonakilty Road Runners M 0:21:29
318 2 Jonathan Murphy Leevale A.C. M 0:21:54
365 3 Barry Twohig St. Finbarrs A.C. M40 0:22:07
283 14 Carol Finn Leevale A.C. F 0:23:45  
327 19 Linda O Connor F40 0:25:16  
337 25 Annette O Reilly Kilfinane A.C. F 0:25:58

Full results HERE 

Guest Post: Where have all the runners gone? ...by Pat Walsh

** Where have all the runners gone? **

Just a post wondering about a new trend emerging in local races.
3 quite big local races down by a third approx in numbers since the last full event in 2019. Some races that sold out in a day or 2 still have places available. What is happening or what has happened.

Like the rest of our lives, new patterns, new trends are emerging and we have to see where it all goes. It will take time. I can understand some of it. 

Runners stopped racing and have lost the habit.
Prices have increased to cover extra cost around hosting such as online entry and chip timing and other safety measures.
Some people are still slow and reluctant to meet in big crowds and that is a personal choice.
There are less people running.

Consequences
Clubs and charity will have limited profits and will have to question the reason for putting in huge effort organising and hosting the race in the future. These races were vital for fund raising.
We as runners will lose / forget the ability to race. If we don’t race how do we see exactly where our current fitness levels lie.

My thoughts 🤔
I think some runners have just got used to a lifestyle of meeting a few others for a run, then having a cuppa or a breakfast afterwards and are quite happy with that.
Give me a long Saturday morning run completed, Coffee and Eggs Benedict with the crew and it is as close to heaven as maybe I will ever get.

Prices have increased understandably and long term running multiple 5k to 5mile races locally at 15 to 20 euro per entry makes running an expensive hobby.

I saw 65euro+ for a half marathon recently. Madness

The fun is gone out of racing, when the after race mingling and socialising was prohibited last 2 years.

Running numbers have dropped considerably since 2019. We did great at start of covid but the poor performance of Athletics Ireland was of no help. People were looking for leadership and guidance and they were found wanting. I would love to see membership figures 2021 v 2019. Many ex-runners found new sports to interest them that they were able to continue with during the pandemic.

So I encourage you to race again.

I like a race every few weeks just to test myself. I was and still am a huge critic of over-racing and the damage it does but we have to test ourselves every so often.

The CRACK. Yes racing is hard but sharing the mile of a road with another who is suffering has helped me make many a friendship.

Where will you get good pics for your facebook page?
Support your local races. You will miss them if they are gone.

“I know we never been quite here before I wish I knew it when we lost it”…. Pink

7.30am in the morning I’m posting and heading out the door for a run . Like old times.

Have a lovely weekend. 😍
#PWR #Run

Friday Jigsaw: Glen River 5k parkrun - Sat 7th May 2022

For this weeks jigsaw, we have a photo that I took with Mick Dooley's phone at the Glen River 5k parkrun last weekend.

You can find the 204-piece online jigsaw HERE

West Waterford AC Road Race Series - May to July 2022

West Waterford AC are holding a series of road races which may be of interest to runners in East Cork.

There are six to choose from with distances ranging from 5k to 10k.

The entry fee for each race is €10.

More info HERE

Notice: Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race - Tues 17th May 2022

The annual John Buckley Sports 5k road race is one of the most popular races in Cork City and always attracts a large crowd. Organised in conjunction with the Cork BHAA, this race is suitable for all types of runner...from the serious to the more casual runner. The entry fee is only €5 for Cork BHAA registered runners or €10 for non-reg runners.

You can pre-enter this race by going to https://johnbuckleysports.com/

You can also enter on the night but it really helps if you pre-enter so that they can have everything ready.

Please note that the race HQ is at the LEE ROWING CLUB near the Pairc Ui Chaoimh stadium.

There will also be a draw for a free pair of NIKE Air Pegasus shoes for anyone who pre-enters! (...or similar in a brand of your choice)

Online entries will close around lunch time on Tuesday. Entries on the night close at 7:30pm so that they have time to input all the data.

Results of the Youghal 5k road race - Thurs 12th May 2022

It's good to see that there was a good turnout of 265 runners for this 5k road race in Youghal in East Cork. That's up 51% on the figure for the last outing in 2019.

Top 3 men & women...

1 James Ledingham KCH SM     15:42 142
2 Nick O'Donoghue East Cork AC SM     15:56 196
3 James Grufferty Lee vale AC SM     16:08 38
21 Breda Gaffney Mallow AC SF     18:10 216
27 Nadine Forde Leevale AC SF     18:29 155
29 Carmel Crowley Bandon AC SF     18:39 185

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) There is a nice gallery of photos from Dave O'Brien Photography HERE

Final results below (Updated 17th May 2022)

Notice: Doneraile 10k - Sat 11th June 2022

This 10k race organised by Doneraile AC is coming up on Saturday the 11th of June 2022 at 11am.

It takes place on a mixture of roads (first 5km) and paths (last 5km) within Doneraile Park. Entry is €22.50 and includes a medal and snood.

Enter HERE

Located just to the NE of Mallow, it can be easily accessed from the N20 or M8.

From Doneraile AC....Doneraile AC are hosting a 10km trail/road race on Saturday June 11th at 11.00am. 

This race will have plenty of variety as it will take in the scenic countryside & will also take in parts of the beautiful Doneraile Park. This route is guaranteed to be very enjoyable as the route has a mixture of flat,  a few inclines & a few downhills. 

We look forward to welcoming you all to Doneraile on the day. 

Design for the snood

Doneraile 10km Race Day Instructions

More info closer to the event

The course is AAI measured, fully insured and marshalled. We will have medical personnel on route (hopefully they won't be needed )

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 11th of June!!

Streets of Kilkenny 5k course found to be short

A few weeks ago, the Streets of Kilkenny 5k attracted a huge crowd including a lot of runners from Cork... see previous post.

The organisers Kilkenny Harriers AC have announced that the course was found to be short.

While it's probably a disappointment to some, it was still a race. The winners still finished first, the category winners still got placed first in their category, it's just that times for everyone were faster than they should have been.

Some people like to give the impression that course measurement is some sort of advanced science and all the courses with Athletics Ireland permits are exact. They're not.

Course measurers do a training course that lasts a few hours and they are shown the basics on how to measure a race course. What no-one will tell you is that each course measurer will come up with slightly different values for the length of a course. The hope is that is that they would all be close but it's certainly not exact.

The general principle is that a course should be slightly too long but it should never be too short. That's why a 5k course is never 5k. If it's slightly too long then everyone can be sure they ran at least 5k.

I don't know who measured the Kilkenny course but this only came to light because there were potentially new national distance records. I suspect that there are a lot of other courses which if audited would be found to be short as well.

Notice: Youghal AC 5k - Thurs 12th May 2022

This 5k race in the town of Youghal in East Cork is coming up on Thursday the 12th of May 2022.... 

The race will start at 8pm and the entry fee is €12.

Pre-enter online HERE

You can also enter on the day. 

The 5k parkrun in Tramore Valley Park in Cork City restarts in 2022!

Some good news! The 5k parkun in Tramore Valley Park in Cork City will be restarting in 2022.

This 5k parkrun started back in September of 2015 and just 15 events were held there. The final one in January of 2016 attracted a huge field of 533 runners thanks to the hype from Operation Transformation.

This in effect was the straw that broke the camels back as the park wasn't able to handle those numbers. The parkrun itself was fine but it was the sheer volume of cars that was the problem. With people unable to drive into the park, there were people running across the South Link Road to gain access and the City Council pulled the plug on safety grounds.

Now in 2022, things are different. 

1) There are now 5k parkruns in the Glen and in Ballincollig which weren't there back in 2016. That should help keep the numbers down.

2) The City Council have put in new pedestrian entrances from Douglas and from the Half-Moon Lane which will allow easier access.

What's next??? ...This is essentially a new 5k parkrun as previous team of volunteers have moved on to other things. 

A new team of volunteers will have to be put together and they'll probably have to get trained up at other parkrun events. All of this will take time.

I suspect it may well be the end of the Summer by the time it gets going but we'll have to wait and see. The main thing is that it is restarting.

If you want to help out with getting this event restarted then send an email to tramorevalley AT parkrun DOT com

Results & Photos of the Bweeng 5k - Sun 8th May 2022

(L-R) Michelle Kenny 3rd, Sinead O'Connor 1st & Jessica Coyne 2nd

The Bweeng 5k was held on Sunday the 8th of May 2022 with 258 finishers. This is down 36% on the 405 finishers back in May 2019.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Jake O'REGAN St Johns AC M MS 1258 14:22
2  James HAYES Cork Track Club M MS 511 15:20
3 Eric CURRAN Leevale AC M MS 519 15:31
12 Sinead O'CONNOR Leevale AC F FS 461 16:23
17 Jessica COYNE Leevale AC F FS 1289 16:41
27 Michelle KENNY Leevale AC F F40 622 17:34

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has a gallery of 80 photos HERE ... and 60 HERE

Cork BHAA Pfizers 6-mile for 2022 cancelled

The Pfizers 6-mile road race in Ringaskiddy was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday the 11th of May 2022 but it has now been cancelled.

The Cork BHAA write... "The Pfizer 6 mile race has been cancelled for 2022 due to Covid concerns. We hope to have this race back on our calendar next year."

This follows on from the BHAA UCC 10k which was also cancelled a few weeks ago.

Hopefully both races will be back in 2023 although the construction work for the new N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway should be in full swing by this time next year. 

This new road goes right through the middle of the Pfizers 6-mile course so that may cause its own problems.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 7th May 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 7th May 2022. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 239 this week, 254 last week. Long term average 298.

First 3 men & women...

1 Kevin O'SULLIVAN Male SM30-34 18:42

2 Seamus AHERN Male SM25-29 19:28

4 Tim HEALY Male VM55-59 19:34

3 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:28

15 Ella COLLINS Female JW15-17 21:04

16 Emily CRUSHER Female SW20-24 Giffnock North AAC 21:12

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/228/

Glen River: 53 this week, 63 last week. The long term average is 82.

First 3 men & women...

1 Toby BENHAM Male SM25-29 Crusaders A C Dublin 19:18

2 Cathal O'CONNELL Male VM55-59 St Finbarrs AC 19:53

3 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 19:56

6 Aoife BUTTIMER Female SW30-34 21:40

12 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 22:33

16 Jennifer CLERY Female SW30-34 24:59

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/104/

Mallow Castle: 27 finishers this week, 37 last week. The long term average is 79.

First 3 men & women...

1 David O'CONNOR Male VM55-59 20:35

2 John BROWNE Male VM40-44 20:39

3 Nick DARMODY Male VM45-49 Mallow AC 21:03

13 Debbie BUCKLEY Female VW35-39 28:15

16 Gillian GROEGER Female VW40-44 28:43

17 Deirdre MCDONNELL Female VW50-54 29:04

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/33/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 37 this week, 51 for last week. The long term average is 70.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael WALSHE Male VM35-39 18:41

2 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 19:51

3 Ian MURPHY Male VM50-54 20:50

5 Caroline GEARY Female VW40-44 20:55

8 Stephanie ILSLEY Female VW60-64 22:04

10 Lucy BARRY Female SW30-34 22:34

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/29/

Macroom Desmense: 35 this week, 37 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:38

2 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 20:23

3 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 21:33

7 Katie PURCELL Female JW11-14 West Muskerry A.C. 23:13

8 Chloe LEHANE Female JW11-14 24:26

10 Marie CONDRON Female VW35-39 25:49

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/373/

Clonakilty: 22 finishers this week, 32 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Willie WALSH Male VM45-49 Carraig na bhFear AC 18:24

2 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 19:24

3 Rían FITZGERALD Male JM11-14 21:40

7 Anna O'NEILL Female VW50-54 22:38

11 Ciara RIDGE Female VW40-44 26:11

12 Margaret TWOHIG Female VW55-59 Midleton AC 26:40

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/329/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 39 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 44  last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:35

2 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 20:43

3 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:11

7 Alice COPPINGER Female VW40-44 Bantry Athletic Club 23:16

10 Fleur HINDLEY Female VW55-59 24:56

13 Jacquie O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 25:40

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/245/

Bere Island: 37 this week, 47 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Niall HOWARD Male VM35-39 21:45

3 Robbie HILLIARD Male VM45-49 23:44

4 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 23:58

2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 23:01

5 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:09

8 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:21

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/332/

Castlehaven: 18 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 23 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...

1 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 23:04

3 Unknown

4 Michael WILSON Male VM50-54 25:28

2 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 24:33

5 Danielle SHEEHY Female SW25-29 27:11

7 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 28:20

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/253/

Guest Post: Musing, thinking or just being daft ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Musing, thinking or just being daft ** 🌤

Why do we run?
What we get from running? 
What we hope to get from running?
And why we don’t always get what we want from running?

Lots of people are running for various reasons, running for fun, friendship, headspace, social scene, health issues, just to get out of the house. Covid upset many of us but time to regain our roads.

There is also the very competitive section who train hard, race hard and fair play to them.

This is all fantastic but it does bring it share of problems. Why don’t we always get what we think we are capable of.

* Unrealistic expectations

You cannot take up running or return after a long break and set the bar too high. Running a Marathon after a few months is a recipe for disaster. 

Injuries, illness from fatigue, mental stress and taking too much out of the body will lead to loss of form and maybe stop running altogether.

By the same token you cannot be competing in shorter races at the front of the field in a few months. 

Most people up front have given years of planning and good coaching to get there.

The modern society thinks we can do anything, achieve anything in a short period of time. Sadly running does not conform to this. Be patient

* Improving too much, too soon and ending up injured.

With enthusiasm, energy and lots of training we can improve from a low base fairly quickly. All very good but it will come at a price on the Physio couch as our bodies (legs) cannot adapt quickly enough to match our goals.

Only by careful steady planning, slow improvement in pace and distance can we become runners without a litany of injuries.

You can cheat this get injured, come back, improve again, get injured again – or else – take it nice and easy, improve and increase slowly and you will still be in the same place in 3 years’ time with less Physios and having enjoyed it a lot more.

* Constant chasing PB’s

We all hear after a race. Did you get a PB? This is destroying some races and enjoyment from it.

People are avoiding hilly races as no PB, they won’t run unless feeling a 100% as no PB, they won’t use shorter races as a tempo guideline for form for another race down the road in case their friends think that is the best they have. Mad stuff

Run every race whatever way you want. You paid the entry fee, do what you like.

If it is hilly you won’t PB so promise to return next year to same course and beat that time then.

Better to finish with a smile for the camera, rather than kill yourself and have the horrible pic all over the internet. 📸📷

* I will be in trouble for next 2 but will say it anyway 

1. Couch to 5K in 6 weeks is dangerous. You cannot be inactive for years and get to 5K in 6 weeks without problems. Couch to 5K in however long it takes is the answer.

2. A Marathon needs a Year of steady training to build a base and the 6 months to fine tune the Marathon side. If you are running with a few Years then you have the base.

Fine if you want to walk / jog or take part in some challenge, but if you want to do it, enjoy it and not get injured or shattered then take your time and build to it.

* Think why you started running and are you still on that path?

Yes it is good to push it a bit. Get your times down, run your Marathon but please do it in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and sustainable and don’t lose the love of running and have to drag yourself out the door. Will you still be running in 30years? 👍🕺

If it was to just run, lose a bit of weight and have some fun then don’t be losing sight of that.

Be grateful for the Health to run. YOU ARE LUCKY.

Drive on, don’t despair, “nil desperandum” and don’t lose enjoyment. 

#PWR #keeponrunning

Friday Jigsaw: 2022 Midleton 5-mile road race

For this weeks jigsaw, we have a group of runners in the 2022 Midleton 5-mile road race which was held on Thursday 5th of May.

Photo by Derek Costello. You can find the 216-piece online jigsaw HERE

Results of the Midleton 5-mile road race - Thurs 5th May 2022

A total of 363 runners turned out for the 2022 Midleton 5-mile road race on what was a lovely Summer's evening.

Following on from his victory in the recent Ballintotis 4 mile, Michael Harty was once again the first man across the finish line with a time of 24m 21s.

Top 5 men & women...

1 Michael HARTY (#282) 00:24:21 40-44 (1) Male  (1)
2 Mark WALSH (#320) 00:25:41 SM (1) Male  (2)
3 Vivian FOLEY (#508) 00:26:11 50-54 (1) Male  (3)

4 Barry DONOVAN (#227) 00:26:21 SM (2) Male  (4)

5 Donal COAKLEY (#199) 00:26:37 SM (3) Male  (5)

25 Breda GAFFNEY (#404) 00:30:18 45-49 (1) Female  (1)
28 Rosaleen MACKEOWN (#80) 00:30:24 45-49 (2) Female  (2)
32 Carmel CROWLEY (#233) 00:30:52 50-54 (1) Female  (3)

39 Catherine MURPHY (#131) 00:31:36 45-49 (3)  Female  (4)

42 Tamzin MULDOWNEY (#165) 00:31:52 SW (1) Female  (5)

Full results HERE

First 3 men (L-R) Vivian Foley 3rd, Michael Harty 1st & Mark Walsh 2nd

First 3 women (L-R) Rosaleen MacKeown 2nd, Breeda Gaffney 1st & Carmel Crowley 3rd

Photos... 

1) Mick Dooley has two galleries... Start Line ... and Finish

2) Derek Costello has five nice galleries...

Pre Start    https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNwfB
Mile 1         https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNw84
Mile 4 part 1   https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNwq6
Mile 4 part 2   https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNwe6
Mile 4 part 3    https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNyar

3) Joe Murphy has a large gallery HERE

Sanctuary Runners in the Cork City Marathon 2022

See the message below from the Sanctuary Runners who are looking for people to run for them in the 2022 Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon & Relay...

For this year's Cork City Marathon we're planning on having over 1,000 Sanctuary Runners registered, creating the most diverse and biggest Marathon team ever!

We're a solidarity through sports initiative that brings asylum seekers, refugees and the wider Irish public together as part of one running team. This year will be even more important to us, in light of the emerging refugee crisis from Ukraine.

We are looking for runners/walkers/joggers who would be interested in running a leg of the relay with us. Or the half or maybe even the full marathon!

We hope to create a strong blue wave of solidarity during the marathon - anyone running with us on the day will receive a free running top.

This is not a fundraiser - our initiative is about solidarity rather than charity.

The link below will lead directly to our Registration Guide: https://linktr.ee/TheSanctuaryRunners

We also have a dedicated email address for any questions regarding the marathon: srcorkcitymarathon2022@gmail.com.

Anyone already registered for the marathon just needs to log back into the Marathon registration page on Eventmaster and select ‘Sanctuary Runners’ in the club dropdown menu. Then contact the email address above for their free running top.

Cork runner Jessica Coyne wins the Great Limerick Run 6 mile

The big running event last weekend was of course the Great Limerick Run with thousands taking part.

In the 6 mile race which had around 3200 participants, Jessica Coyne of Leevale AC in Cork was the first woman home in a time of 35m 20s.

First 3-women in the 6 mile race...
12099 Jessica Coyne Female 1 FSEN LEEVALE A.C. 00:35:20

9001 Ciara Peelo Female 2 F35+ CLONLIFFE HARRIERS A.C. 00:40:31
13509 Clodagh Galvin Female 3 FSEN CLONLIFFE HARRIERS A.C. 00:40:37

In the half-marathon, Cork runners Tim O'Donoghue and Conor McCauley finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

6452 Tim O Donoghue Male 2 M35+ 1 EAST CORK A.C. 01:05:06
5188 Conor Mc Cauley Male 3 M35+ 2 LEEVALE A.C. 01:08:24

Links to all the results HERE

Notice: Midleton 5 mile road race - Thurs 5th May 2022

The annual Midleton 5 mile road race is coming up this year on Thursday the 5th of May 2022 at 8pm. This is organised by Midleton AC and is always a popular race with runners in Cork.

Online Entry fee €15. Race entry fee on the night is also €15.

Entries... https://midletonathleticclub.niftyentries.com/Midleton-5mile-Road-Race

Notice: Charity 21km Run & Walk from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh - Sun 19th June 2022

This charity event is on Sunday the 19th of June 2022 at 10am and I think it might be of interest to a lot of runners and walkers in the Cork area. .

The entry fee is €10. Entry link and info HERE

First off, this is not a race. This is a charity event where participants run or walk the 21kms from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork City. This is pretty much the same as doing a half-marathon.

What caught my interest with this event is that it's different. There a lot of runners who have zero interest in running races and this is a non-competitive run from Haulbowline to Cork City.

It would also make a nice excuse for a club or group to do a training run with a difference.

The route is shown above. 

a) The section from Haulbowline to Shanbally is all on a good footpath.
b) Shanbally to Raffeen is on road but it's reasonably quiet.
c) Raffeen to Murph's Pub. This is the worst section. Normally this is a dangerous section and it's not really suitable for walkers or runners. However, the traffic should be a lot slower with the event stewards and the number of people on the road.
d) Murph's Pub to Passage West is all on footpath.
e) Passage West to Blackrock Castle is on a scenic Greenway.
f) Blackrock Castle to Páirc Uí Chaoimh is on a footpath.

Charity... This event is organised by the Down Syndrome Centre Cork.

Entry fee... This is €10 but you can always contribute more.

The organisers write... "To support our work, we are asking all those that join us for Challenge 21 to aim to raise €21 from 21 people before walking the 21 km. Of course, we would be delighted with any funds raised, but it is always good to have a goal in mind 🙂"

For more info, go to https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/challenge-21-tickets-239909424547

As this is a linear run/walk going from point A to point B, you'll probably have to arrange your own travel arrangements.

Guest Post: May Bank Holiday 2022... by Pat Walsh

 ** May Bank Holiday 2022**

Year is flying by and sorry I didn’t post with a while. Like so many others in the last 2 years I eventually tested positive and had to rest and isolate for a little while.

It wasn’t pleasant but I’m glad my general health and fitness was good beforehand as it definitely made a difference.

There was some lingering tiredness to deal with but I think that is nearly all behind me at this stage. I am back doing a few miles and I find there is still some buzz missing but it is improving.

It was such a huge part of our lives for the last 2 years but some sense of normality seems to be finally taking hold.

Races, Matches, Concerts and many more events that we were deprived of are now back taking place. Ed Sheeran conquered Cork. Limerick and Belfast Marathons this weekend and a full fixture of great hurling matches.

So it is time to take your place again in the running world at training and races. Many have slipped and if that is you then you are not alone.

May we never go through a time like it again, so try to get back to where we once were. I am firmly convinced that my running fitness has helped me mentally and physically for the last 2 years. I am not elite just an ordinary runner but our fitness levels are higher than general population. I think most runners will feel the same.

We were used to digging deep, we had good running buddies that helped us through the worst of it.

I hope to get back with some decent posts and inspiration in the future and many thanks for all  your kind messages. 

Thoughts..

Running can be hard, living without a run is harder still.
No buddy like a running buddy, we share.
My health is key to living and surviving. Running helps this.
Fresh air. There is nothing better
Goal setting, it improves out lives having something to aim at and look forward to.

Best of luck to some buddies in Limerick Marathon today. Also best wishes to the Saturday Road Runners who are in the middle of a 32 county 5k in each challenge this weekend for charity. Saturday Road Runners Run Ireland in 72 Hours

Insanity is brilliant as reality can sometimes be boring. 🤣

I was lucky that my isolation and sickness period finished just in time for a foreign holiday we had planned..

No sarcastic comments please…!! I needed a break. 😍⛱⛱

#pwr

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 30th Apr 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 30th April 2022. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 254 this week, 277 last week. Long term average 298.

First 3 men & women...

1 Diarmaid NOLAN Male SM30-34 17:41

2 John HERLIHY Male VM40-44 17:46

3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM35-39 18:58

20 Karen SCULLY Female VW40-44 21:30

26 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 21:48

33 Mary O CONNELL Female SW25-29 22:19

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/227/

Glen River: 63 this week, 66 last week. The long term average is 83.

First 3 men & women...

1 Barry WALSH Male VM35-39 19:28

2 Cian MCCAFFERTY Male SM30-34 19:38

3 Henry MILWARD Male SM30-34 Midleton AC 19:43

9 Gabrielle STACK Female SW30-34 Sanctuary Runners 23:19

14 Cherie TURNER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:53

17 Susan KILLOUGHERY Female VW50-54 24:38

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/103/

Mallow Castle: 37 finishers this week, 54 last week. The long term average is 81.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick MAHER Male SM30-34 19:08

2 Anthony MAHER Male JM10 21:03

3 Carl HOWARD Male VM45-49 21:15

12 Nicole O'CALLAGHAN Female JW11-14 24:33

16 Emma CAREY Female VW35-39 26:25

20 Cecelia CREMIN Female VW50-54 Dromahane Roadrunners 27:58

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/32/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 51 this week, 55 for last week. The long term average is 71.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ger LYNCH Male VM35-39 20:30

2 Ian MURPHY Male VM50-54 20:43

3 Shane GREENE Male VM35-39 21:07

5 Stephanie ILSLEY Female VW60-64 22:36

10 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:05

15 Patricia DALY Female VW45-49 West Waterford 26:01

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/28/

Macroom Desmense: 37 this week, 38 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jean LUCEY Female VW35-39 19:38

9 Mags DESMOND Female VW45-49 23:42

13 Jenny O SHEA Female SW30-34 26:05

2 Diarmuid HOLLAND Male VM45-49 20:26

3 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 21:46

4 Unknown 

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/372/

Clonakilty: 32 finishers this week, 35 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Naoise Ó FLAITHEARTAIGH Male SM20-24 16:25

2 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 19:07

3 Unknown 

6 Anna O'NEILL Female VW50-54 22:22

15 Ciara RIDGE Female VW40-44 25:21

21 Niamh RYAN Female VW40-44 28:35

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/328/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 44 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 53  last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 20:46

2 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:34

3 Unknown

6 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:51

9 Mary LAWTON Female VW50-54 Durrus Athletic Club 24:56

10 Lydia HAMER Female SW30-34 24:57

 

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/244/

Bere Island: 47 this week, 51 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...

1 John DUNNE Male VM40-44 21:56

3 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 22:59

4 Adrian J.P. BYRNE Male VM65-69 22:59

2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:52

6 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 23:52

7 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:05

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/331/

Castlehaven: 23 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 16 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...

1 Lochlainn CONNOLLY Male VM35-39 Annadale Striders 18:20

2 Brian MINIHANE Male SM25-29 23:07

5 Joseph GARVEY Male SM25-29 26:13

3 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 24:29

4 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 25:37

6 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 29:16

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/252/