Guest Post: IRISH 10-MILE RANKINGS Q1 2022 ...by John Walshe

IRISH 10-MILE RANKINGS 2022

There is no doubting the popularity of the 10-mile distance, especially during the early months of the year when most of the high-profile events take place. 

As was done in 2018 and 2019, this is an attempt to compile an annual ranking list for men under 55:00 and women under 65:00 and will be updated each quarter.

The list, from January to March, shows the time (gun time), name/club/category, the race and finishing position, along with the date. Where an athlete appears more than once, just the surname is used after the initial listing.
 
Aoife Cooke – with her 54:19 effort at Dungarvan – leads the women from Michelle Finn who ran 55:09 at Mallow. Jake O’Regan went to the top of the leader-board for men with his 48:40 at Bundoran surpassing the 48:51 achieved by Hugh Armstrong the previous month at Dungarvan.

Dungarvan, with 16 under 55:00, saw the highest standard amongst the men with Trim, at 15 under 65:00, the leading race for the women. The most prolific racer is Tudor Moldovan with five performances, including two on successive days. 

Any additions or corrections are welcome and can be made on the comments section wherever this list appears and will be included in the next updated edition in three months time.

Footnote (or food for thought!): This list contains the names of 52 runners (51 men + one woman) who, over three months in 13 different races throughout the land, ran under 55 minutes for 10 miles.

Taking a look back all of 29 years, to March 7th 1993, the Ballycotton ‘10’ results show 71 finishers under 55:00. Allowing for 10/11 British competitors, it still meant that 60 Irish men ran sub-55:00 in one race on the one day – long, long before the era of ‘super shoes’!

MEN
48:40 Jake O’Regan (St Johns) Bundoran (1) Mar 05
48:51 Hugh Armstrong (Ballina) Dungarvan (1) Feb 06
49:31 Conor Duffy (Glaslough) Dungarvan (2) Feb 06
49:45 Tim O’Donoghue (East Cork) Dungarvan (3) Feb 06
50:06 David Mansfield (Clonmel) Dungarvan (4) Feb 06
50:36 Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe) Mallow (1) Mar 20
50:41 David McCarthy (West Waterford) Dungarvan (5) Feb 06
50:46 Martin Hoare (Celbridge) Trim (1) Feb 06
50:52 Ger Forde (KCH) Dungarvan (6) Feb 06
50:59 Eoin Mullan (Omagh) Bundoran (2) Mar 05
51:15 Hoare Ballyroan (1) Jan 23
51:21 Tudor Moldovan (Clonliffe) Ballyroan (2) Jan 23
51:43 Sean Hehir (Metro-St Brigids) Ballyroan (3) Jan 23
51:58 Conor McCauley (Leevale) Dungarvan (7) Feb 06
51:58 Moldovan Bundoran (3) Mar 05
52:09 Declan Reid (City of Derry Spart, M45) Derry (1) Mar 12
52:27 Kane Collins (Donore) Dungarvan (8) Feb 06
52:28 John Kinsella (Bilboa) Dungarvan (9) Feb 06
52:32 Alexander Wallace (St Cocas, M40) Trim (2) Feb 06
52:47 Aaron Brennan (GCH) Craughwell (1) Mar 20
52:49 Eoghan McGinley (Letterkenny) Bundoran (4) Mar 05
52:55 Pat Hennessy (West Waterford) Dungarvan (10) Feb 06
53:01 Mick Fogarty (Ferbane, M40) Ardagh (1) Feb 26
53:07 Moldovan Ardagh (2) Feb 26
53:08 Kinsella Mallow (2) Mar 20
53:13 Mark Walsh (Leevale) Ballyroan (4) Jan 23
53:14 Derek Griffin (unatt) Mallow (3) Mar 20
53:20 Collins Mallow (4) Mar 20
53:26 Kevin O’Leary (East Cork) Dungarvan (11) Feb 06
53:29 Brian Conroy (Clane) Trim (3) Feb 06
53:46 Moldovan Turgesius (W’Meath) (1) Feb 20
53:49 Moldovan Kinsale (1) Feb 27
53:49 Noel Murphy (Waterford) Mallow (5) Mar 20
53:51 Conal McCambridge (North Belfast) Larne (1) Mar 19
53:53 Mark McPaul (Milford) Bundoran (5) Mar 05
53:54 Allan Bogle (City of Derry Spart, M40) Derry (2) Mar 12
53:59 Alan O’Brien (Eagle, M40) Mallow (6) Mar 20
54:07 Mossy Bracken (Moycarkey-Coolcroo) Dungarvan (12) Feb 06
54:14 Toby Ruffer (Newbridge) Trim (4) Feb 06
54:15 Donal Coakley (Leevale) Dungarvan (13) Feb 06
54:16 Vivian Foley (Eagle, M50) Mallow (7) Mar 20
54:17 Griffin Tralee (1) Feb 12
54:17 James Hamilton (Ballymena Runners) Larne (2) Mar 19
54:20 Sean Lally (Monaghan Town) Trim (5) Feb 06
54:24 Foley Dungarvan (14) Feb 06
54:26 Jeremy O’Donovan (St Finbarrs, M40 Dungarvan (15) Feb 06
54:27 O’Donovan Kinsale (2) Feb 27
54:27 Brian Martin (Drogheda & Dist) Naas (1) Mar 06
54:27 Paul Smith (Drogheda & Dist) Naas (2) Mar 06
54:34 David Callaghan (Tallaght) Ballyroan (5) Jan 23
54:34 Matthew McLaughlin (Inishowen, M45) Derry (3) Mar 12
54:35 Brendan Heaney (Armagh) Dungarvan (16) Feb 06
54:37 Michael Morgan (St Finbarrs, M45) Kinsale (3) Feb 27
54:37 David Hamilton (North Belfast) Larne (3) Mar 19
54:41 Toby Ruffer (Newbridge) Naas (3) Mar 06
54:47 Killian Nolan(unatt) Trim (6) Feb 06
54:52 Ciaran McGonagle (Letterkenny, M40) Derry (4) Mar 12
54:53 Paul Minogue (Clonmel) Kilsheelan (1) Mar 17
54:55 Noel McNally (Road Runners, M40) Larne (4) Mar 19
54:58 Philip McHugh (Letterkenny) Derry (5) Mar 12
54:59 Marty Lynch (Milford, M40) Bundoran (6) Mar 05

WOMEN
54:19 Aoife Cooke (Eagle, F35) Dungarvan (1) Feb 06
55:09 Michelle Finn (Leevale) Mallow (1) Mar 20
55:42 Aoife Kilgannon (Sligo) Trim (1) Feb 06
56:53 Jessica Craig (North Down) Derry (1) Mar 12
58:04 Siobhan O’Doherty (Borrisokane, F35) Ballyroan (1) Jan 23
58:10 Ruth Fitzgerald (Waterford) Dungarvan (2) Feb 06
58:43 Isobel Oakes (Sigo) Trim (2) Feb 06
58:44 O’Doherty Dungarvan (3) Feb 06
58:54 Niamh Moore (Leevale) Mallow (2) Mar 20
58:58 Courtney McGuire (Clonmel) Dungarvan (4) Feb 06
58:59 Oakes Ballyroan (2) Jan 23
59:02 Catherine Whoriskey (CoDerry S, F35) Derry (2) Mar 12
59:13 Ciara Durkan (Skerries) Trim (3) Feb 06
59:25 Sarahjane Cooke (Victoria P & C, F40) Larne (1) Mar 19
59:30 Hannah Steeds (Clonmel) Dungarvan (5) Feb 06
59:42 Natalie Hall (Victoria Park & C) Trim (4) Feb 06
60:16 Caroline Donnellan (Edenderry, F45) Trim (5) Feb 06
60:21 Jennifer Montague (Leevale, F35) Ballyroan (3) Jan 23
60:34 Kate Kelly (Athlone AIT) Ballyroan (4) Jan 23
60:40 Rachel Birt (Killgarry RC) Trim (6) Feb 06
61:10 Montague Kinsale (1) Feb 27
61:11 Maria McCambridge (DSD, F45) Trim (7) Feb 06
61:20 Ava Costello (Trim, FJ) Trim (8) Feb 06
61:39 Steeds KIlsheelan (1) Mar 17
61:55 Emma Murphy (St Finbarrs, F35) Mallow (3) Mar 20
61:58 Adrienne Jordan (Crusaders, F45) Trim (9) Feb 06
62:02 Edel Gaffney (Trim) Trim (10) Feb 06
62:06 Niamh Devlin (DSD) Dungarvan (6) Feb 06
62:12 McCambridge Naas (1) Mar 06
62:18 Angela McCann (Clonmel, F50) Dungarvan (7) Feb 06
62:20 Neasa de Burca (GCH, F40) Craughwell (1) Mar 20
62:20 Siobhan Lee (GCH) Craughwell (2) Mar 20
62:42 Catherine Thornton (Crusaders) Craughwell (3) Mar 20
62:51 Fiona Gettings (Longford, F40) Trim (11) Feb 06
62:53 Linda O’Sullivan (Watergrasshill, F50) Dungarvan (8) Feb 06
63:06 Karen Alexander (Christian Runn, F40) Derry (3) Mar 12
63:15 O’Sullivan Mallow (4) Mar 20
63:19 Catherine O’Connor (Sli Cualann) Naas (2) Mar 06
63:38 McCann Kilsheelan (2) Mar 17
63:41 Sabrina Keogh (Dunboyne) Trim (12) Feb 06
63:45 Alexander Larne (2) Mar 19
63:50 Sinead O’Reilly (Donore, F40) Trim (13) Feb 06
63:54 Sharon Leetch (Ballymena R, F45) Larne (3) Mar 19
64:02 Julie Kirwan (unatt, F40) Dungarvan (9) Feb 06
64:05 Joan Flynn (Mullingar, F40) Trim (14) Feb 06
64:08 Niamh Clifford (Star of the Laune) Tralee (1) Feb 12
64:22 Catherine Murphy (Eagle, F45) Mallow (5) Mar 20
64:27 Susan Glennon (Mullingar) Trim (15) Feb 06
64:40 Breda Gaffney (Mallow, F45) Mallow (6) Mar 20
64:44 Jean Lucey (unatt) Mallow (7) Mar 20
64:48 April Clarke (North Belfast) Derry (4) Mar 12
64:49 Tara Kennedy (Raheny, F45) Dungarvan (10) Feb 06
64:53 Eimear Gormley (Letterkenny) Bundoran (1) Mar 05
64:54 Flynn Ardagh (1) Feb 26
64:57 Murphy Dungarvan (11) Feb 06

12-Week Couch to 5k Running Programme for Beginners - Q2 2022

This 12-week running programme is designed with beginners in mind and get them used to running on a regular basis. The programme is tailored for each individual person and it's not some sort of generic one-size fits all plan. The plan is dynamic in that it adapts according to the progress being made.

The problem with fixed plans is that they are not going to suit everyone. Every person is different and each person progresses at their own rate.

With the 12-week plan, some people will able to run say the 5k distance early on in the programme. In that case, the remainder of the programme is used to move beyond the 5k distance. Others might take 12-weeks to get to their 5k distance. The priority is that each person is making gradual progress at their own rate.

This is how it works...

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

b) An email is sent to you every week with your individual training programme. You'll have to provide feedback every week and the following weeks 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 doing other things every weekend when you're supposed to be doing a training session. The plan can be adapted if training days are missed but they should be occasional.

d) The plan is targeted at someone who can't make the more typical Couch to 5k classes on offer and needs something more flexible.  

The cost for the 12-weeks is €69.

While the 12-week programme officially starts on the 11th of April 2022, the dates are flexible as it is tailored for each individual.

If interested, email: johndesmondrunning AT gmail DOT com

No East Cork Harbour Marathon in 2022

The organisers of the East Cork Harbour Marathon have announced that it will not go ahead this year. The event which consists of a full marathon, a half-marathon and a 10k was due to be held on the 6th of August 2022.

In a statement, the organisers said... "Whilst we all acclimatise to the slow unravelling of national restrictions, it’s great to see events re-emerge on the racing calendar.

With regard to ECHM 2022, it was our sincere intention to be able to host you all again this August. Unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, we regret to announce that we are unable to do that this year.

We want to wish everyone well in their training and to reiterate our gratitude for all the support you have given us since our first event in 2016.

May we meet again at the start lines in the near future!

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir,

ECHM Team"

This event was last held in August of 2019 when there were 91 finishers in the marathon, 354 in the half-marathon & 626 in the 10k. Results & photos HERE

Results of the Bishopstown Lions Club 5k charity Run - Sun 27th March 2022

A smallish crowd of 135 runners took part in this 5k charity run in Bishopstown.

Top 3 men & women...
575 Pat Hennessy West Waterford M 0:15:42 0:15:42  
2068 Eric Curran Leevale A.C. M 0:16:00 0:16:01  
2112 Conrad Watt Cork Track Club M 0:17:16 0:17:17
2111 Rachael Walsh Grange/Fermoy A.C. U20 F 0:20:07 0:20:08  
2255 Gail Murray Belgooly A.C. F40 0:20:31 0:20:31  
2071 Catherine Finch F40 0:21:02 0:21:03

Full results HERE

Guest Post: New time, New start, New you ...by Pat Walsh

 ** New time, New start, New you **

Clocks spring forward this weekend Saturday 26th and our evenings get longer and brighter.

I think this a better time of the Year to make a new start than the traditional 1st Jan.

It’s the ideal time to start (or re-start) a running routine. If you have been off the road, then now is the time to shake it up a bit.

The key to all this is GET OUT THE DOOR. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

* Nights are brighter, the weather is better and it is easier to get a run in the evening. 

You will have a lot less excuses for not going out. You have used them all up. Time for action

*Go to the Countryside and enjoy a bit of nature. See the plants blooming, the animals in the fields, feeling the sun on your back, breeze hitting your arms and legs for the first time in months. 

* Nice short races coming up to target and use as a goal and test the state of your current fitness. No need to go mad. Just take part and enjoy the run.

* It is much easier to be healthy with food at this time of year. A nice salad in April is more appetising than in the depths of January when all you want is warm comfort food. If you eaten your bodyweight in chocolate since last Autumn then maybe give it a break until the Easter Eggs.

* When you are doing speed work / interval training you do not cool down (Freeze) 20 seconds after you stop, so it is much easier to do these sessions. Running is so much more enjoyable. 

* For weekend long runs maybe go somewhere different where you have not run for a while and keep changing routes to somewhere nice.

* It is great not be searching for multiple layers, gloves, hat and maybe a dry pair of runners before you run. 

You can wear shorts and a t-shirt again and cut 10mins off your preparation time unless you feel the need to apply the fake tan.

You might even recognise your running buddies and remember what they once looked like.

**** Big one 

A nice jog with a few friends on a good morning / evening is better than all the medication and counselling that are available. You will feel better about yourself and life in general. 

The healthier, fitter, stronger you are especially with regards to lungs and aerobic fitness, then the better chance you have of staying healthy. There are no guarantees but try to stack the odds in your own favour.

Don’t beat yourself up with regards to how far or how fast, just get out there. Enough bad stuff going on, we need a run with the buddies. 

GET OFF THE COUCH

Just get going. Ask yourself WHY NOT…!!

#pwr #KeeponRunning #luvukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 26th Mar 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 26th March 2022. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 244 this week, 234 last week. Long term average 299.

First 3 men & women...

1 Shane COONEY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 17:10

2 Diarmaid NOLAN Male SM30-34 17:12

3 Liam RYAN Male VM40-44 17:50

11 Teresa MURPHY Female VW40-44 Kent AC 19:23

19 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 20:25

22 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:42

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/222/

Glen River: 59 this week, 64 last week. The long term average is 83.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas HEISING Male SM30-34 18:38

2 Seamus LEDDY Male VM40-44 Abbey Runners Leeds 18:51

3 Brandon FEINEN Male VM35-39 18:57

7 Sonia O'SULLIVAN Female VW50-54 Glenhuntly AC 22:03

11 Niamh SHEEHAN Female SW30-34 Togher AC 22:52

13 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:17

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/98/

Mallow Castle: 57 finishers this week, 51 last week. The long term average is 85.

First 3 men & women...

1 Daire O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 17:29

2 Iain BUCKLEY Male JM11-14 18:32

3 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 18:43

15 Aine QUANE Female SW30-34 23:32

17 Nicole O'CALLAGHAN Female JW11-14 23:40

24 Muireann MURPHY Female JW10 25:24

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/28/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 44 this week, 60 for last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ben O'SULLIVAN Male JM15-17 17:38

2 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM45-49 19:17

3 Ger LYNCH Male VM35-39 21:30

4 Janette O SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 21:56

8 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:26

17 Patricia DALY Female VW45-49 West Waterford 25:54

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/23/

Macroom Desmense: 33 this week, 41 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:29

2 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 20:25

3 Diarmuid HOLLAND Male VM45-49 20:39

14 Isla YORE Female JW11-14 24:48

19 Mairead MURPHY Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:53

20 Marie MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 27:25

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/367/

Clonakilty: 29 finishers this week, 0 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 18:39

2 John SANTRY Male VM35-39 Dell EMC Running Club 21:42

3 Barry CRONIN Male VM40-44 22:01

10 Louisa BORKENHAGEN Female SW20-24 26:23

13 Fiona COTTER Female VW35-39 27:22

14 Lorraine PENDLEBURY Female VW40-44 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 27:24

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/323/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 55 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 70  last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Thomas GILMORE Male JM15-17 Ballincollig Athletic Club 20:11

2 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 20:18

3 Sean O'SHEA Male JM15-17 22:01

5 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:54

7 Breda MCELHINNEY Female VW55-59 24:20

9 Mary LAWTON Female VW50-54 Durrus Athletic Club 25:22

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/239/

Bere Island: 30 this week, 64 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...

1 John LENEHAN Male VM35-39 16:00

2 Adrian J.P. BYRNE Male VM65-69 23:21

5 Colin GLEESON Male VM65-69 Beara AC 24:12

3 Deirdre HARRINGTON Female VW35-39 West End Runners 23:34

4 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 24:02

7 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:15

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/326/

Castlehaven: 17 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 25 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:39

2 James WHITE Male VM35-39 22:53

4 Aidan HOLLAND Male VM35-39 24:28

3 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 23:01

5 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 25:15

8 Frances LYNCH Female VW55-59 Sanctuary Runners 29:29

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/247/

Friday Jigsaw: Leevale at the Mallow 10-mile - March 2022

For this weeks online jigsaw, we go back to the start line of the Mallow 10-mile road race last Sunday. The image above shows some members of Leevale AC waiting to the start of the race.

You can find the 204-piece jigsaw HERE

JUST UNDER 1-MONTH TO GO TO BALLINTOTIS RACE DAY: APRIL 21st 2022

From the organisers: The countdown is now accelerating to the this year's Ballintotis Road Race which takes place on Thursday April 21st.

A huge thanks is extended  to sponsors and athletes  who attended the recent photocall by the lakeside in Ballintotis, 

Picture shows - Barry Hennessy of Castlemartyr Resort with Sylvie O Mahony and Kieran O'Sullivan of the Ballintotis 4-mile race committee.  Once again the mens and ladies winners in 2022 will scoop the top prize of an overnight stay for 2 at the Resort.

 Over 650 online entries have been received.  Intending participants are encouraged to enter today at the following link

https://www.myrunresults.com/events/ballintotis_4_mile_road_race/4360/details

A reminder that the big race begins at 8pm, whilst the usual Walk will start at 6pm. Entry for the walk will only be taken from 5pm onwards on the day of event.

In total nearly 1,300 people ran in the 10th anniversary race in 2019 whilst close on 150 took part in the community walk. All indications suggest another big entry will take part this year.

More info in this previous post... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2022/02/notice-ballintotis-4-mile-road-race.html

Cork BHAA: No UCC 10k this weekend, Cork to Cobh unlikely in October

Up to 2020, the Cork BHAA calendar looked pretty much the same every year with the same races on at the usual time of year every year. It looks as if 2022 will see some changes.

One of those is the UCC 10k which was always held at the start of April or the end of March every year and is one of the oldest races on the calendar. It was due to be held next weekend on Sunday the 27th of March 2022 but it has now been cancelled.

Someone asked why the UCC race can't go ahead when the MTU 5k did go ahead at the start of March, what's the difference? That's up to the organisers to decide but hopefully it will be back next year. As far as I know, the UCC ace which goes out the Lee Road and back in the Straight Road has been going since the early 1980's and it would be a shame to lose it.

As for other changes, there's talk that the annual Cork to Cobh 15-mile road race won't go ahead this year. Even though parts of the route can now go on a partial Greenway, it does cause major traffic congestion at the Dunkettle roundabout and near Cobh.

Again, this is another race with a long tradition but it started out again I think in the early 1980's when traffic volumes were way way lower.

There is some talk of another long distance BHAA race around that time so we'll have to see what happens. I'm sure the Gardaí would prefer a route that is way out in the countryside and away from any busy junctions.

One other change is that the annual Stryker 4-mile road race is now pushed out to the end of August. This was usually held at the end of April every year but at least it's going ahead.

On a positive note, there is one new race with the PWC 5k which is going to be on the usual Centre Park Rd / Monahan Rd circuit in April.

As always, the Cork BHAA races are just part of what is on offer to runners in the Cork area, there are plenty of events to choose from. The race calendar of events can be seen HERE

Notice: Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile race in Cobh - Sun 3rd April 2022

This years Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile in Cobh is coming up on Sunday the 3rd of April 2022.

Enter HERE

The race costs €27.50 to enter and the race itself will start at 10:30am.

There is a slight change in the course this year with the runners coming in along the top road rather than the lower road but it's a minor change.

Race Mug for 2022!! 😍😍😍

From the organisers....Ballymore Cobh Athletic Club are excited to host the  'Sonia O’Sullivan Cobh 10' Road Race on 3rd April 2022 at 10.30am 

The race was formerly known as 'The Great Island Road Race' and is as a fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society. 

Our 2022 race will be a fundraiser for the Breakthrough Cancer Research and the further development of Ballymore Cobh AC’s Juvenile facilities, Irelands future athletes! 

Real entry fee =25 euro plus 2.50 postage

Entry includes, chipped race number & mug.

Virtual entry fee = 10 euro

Both entries have an optipn to purchase event t-shirt posted. T-shirts will be posted out in batches by size / date ordered the week before event with remaining after event.

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

Part of the entry fee goes towards Breakthrough Cancer Research...

Presentation of the cheque for the 2019 event

Results & Photos of the Mallow 10-mile road race - Sun 20th March 2022

A total of 962 runners took part in this years Mallow 10-mile road race on what turned out to be an  overcast and cool day.

Cork runner Michelle Finn is the first woman home in the 2022 Mallow 10-mile road race

Top 10 men & women...

1 Sergiu CIOBANU 00:50:56 00:50:56 147 M M35 Clonliffe Harriers AC
2 John KINSELLA 00:53:08 00:53:08 1307 M M40 Bilboa AC
3 Derek GRIFFIN 00:53:13 00:53:13 415 M M35
4 Kane COLLINS 00:53:18 00:53:18 168 M MS
5 Noel MURPHY 00:53:49 00:53:49 5373 M M35 Waterford AC
6 Alan O'BRIEN 00:53:59 00:53:59 818 M M40 Eagle AC
7 Vivian FOLEY 00:54:16 00:54:16 372 M M50 Eagle AC
9 Damian KENNEALLY 00:55:46 00:55:46 1582 M MS
10 Donal COAKLEY 00:55:54 00:55:54 154 M M35 Leevale AC

11 Kieran MCKEOWN 00:56:13 00:56:13 702 M M45 Watergrasshill AC
8 Michelle FINN 00:55:09 00:55:09 5381 F FS Leevale AC
20 Niamh MOORE 00:58:53 00:58:54 723 F FS Leevale AC
63 Emma MURPHY 01:01:50 01:01:55 776 F F35
73 Linda SULLIVAN 01:03:08 01:03:14 5366 F F50 Watergrasshill AC
87 Catherine MURPHY 01:04:16 01:04:21 1530 F F45
90 Breda GAFFNEY 01:04:30 01:04:39 1568 F F40
94 Jean LUCEY 01:04:33 01:04:44 605 F F35
111 Irene EIGHAN 01:05:23 01:05:34 1505 F F40 St Finbarrs AC
116 Linda O'CONNOR 01:05:43 01:05:54 852 F F45 Cork Tri Club
125 Kathy Jean HORGAN CASEY 01:06:46 01:06:55 499 F F45

Full results are available on the MyRunResults website HERE

Photos...

There are loads of photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page

...a) Start

...b) Finish - Album 1 of 9 - 50:56 to 1:06:19

...c) Finish - Album 2 of 9 - 1:06:19 to 1:12:59

...d) Finish - Album 3 of 9 - 1:12:59 to 1:1:18:52

...e) Finish - Album 4 of 9 - 1:18:52 to 1:22:25

...f) Finish - Album 5 of 9 - 1:22:25 to 1:26:35

...g) Finish - Album 6 of 9 - 1:26:35 to 1:31:16

...h) Finish - Album 7 of 9 - 1:31:16 to 1:36:20

...i) Finish - Album 8 of 9 - 1:36:20 to 1:45:52

...j) Finish - Album 9 of 9 - 1:45:52 plus

Joe & Anne Murphy have several galleries...

a) Mile 1 - Part 1 & Part 2

b) Mile 9 - Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

New start line for the Mallow 10 mile road race - 20th March 2022

Weather Update: Note that there is going to be a strong headwind for the second half of the race. This is likely to be a major factor for roughly the last 3 miles.

Other than that, it should be overcast, dry and mild. In terms of gear, a singlet or short sleeved dry fit running top should be enough.

***

There are some important changes to this years Mallow 10 mile road race which are important to anyone taking part.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 19th Mar 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 19th March 2022. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 234 this week, 295 last week. Long term average 299.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jer O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 17:31

2 Eamon RYAN Male VM40-44 18:40

3 Brian CARROLL Male VM40-44 Crusaders Athletic Club 18:41

17 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 20:58

19 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:02

25 Ella COLLINS Female JW15-17 21:36

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/221/

Glen River: 64 this week, 58 last week. The long term average is 83.

First 3 men & women...

1 Willie WALSH Male VM45-49 Carraig na bhFear AC 19:08

2 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 19:31

3 Alan SMITH Male SM30-34 Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC 20:29

9 Helen WALSH Female VW45-49 Togher AC 23:23

17 Jennifer CLERY Female SW30-34 24:39

19 Misha PANKHANIA Female SW30-34 24:47

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/97/

Mallow Castle: 51 finishers this week, 93 last week. The long term average is 86.

First 3 men & women...

1 Iain BUCKLEY Male JM11-14 19:06

2 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:39

3 Barry O CONNELL Male VM50-54 19:48

8 Deirdre BYRNE Female SW20-24 22:50

11 Aine QUANE Female SW30-34 23:36

13 Nicole O'CALLAGHAN Female JW10 23:54

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/27/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 60 this week, 62 for last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ben O'SULLIVAN Male JM15-17 18:26

2 Brendan LYNCH Male VM45-49 19:51

3 David QUINN Male SM30-34 20:18

5 Caoimhe BOURKE Female JW11-14 21:55

11 Deirdre ANSBRO Female VW40-44 23:35

13 Caitriona DE PAOR Female VW35-39 24:06

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/22/

Macroom Desmense: 41 this week, 91 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:45

2 Diarmuid HOLLAND Male VM45-49 20:47

3 Matt MURPHY Male JM15-17 21:19

14 Anna ROCHE Female VW35-39 25:35

15 Chloe LEHANE Female JW11-14 25:59

16 Brid MEAGHER Female VW40-44 26:27

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/366/

Clonakilty: 38 finishers this week, 26 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

NO PARKRUN THIS WEEK

Clonakilty results... 

Glengarriff Woods: There were 72 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 99 last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Dylan MURPHY Male JM15-17 Tara Athletic Club 20:09

2 Simon BERNARD Male VM40-44 20:11

3 Jonathan O'LEARY Male VM35-39 21:14

10 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 23:24

12 Marian MINEHANE Female VW35-39 24:23

16 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 25:39

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/238/

Bere Island: 32 this week, 22 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Eamonn O'DONNELL Male SM25-29 21:39

3 Colin GLEESON Male VM65-69 Beara AC 25:00

4 Breandan MURPHY Male SM18-19 25:33

2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 24:06

5 Olivia MCEVOY Female SW25-29 26:38

6 Stella KUIT Female VW35-39 26:51

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/325/

Castlehaven: 15 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 18 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...

1 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 23:11

4 Eva O'KEEFFE Female SW20-24 29:08

5 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 29:15

2 Aidan HOLLAND Male VM35-39 24:04

3 Declan RICE Male VM40-44 26:24

6 Mark LANGFORD Male VM50-54 30:38

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/246/

Cork runner Aoife Cooke wins the 2022 Streets of Portlaoise 5k - 17th Mar 2022

With a lull in events locally, a contingent of the faster runners from Cork traveled up the M8 to take part in this year's Streets of Portlaoise 5k on St.Patrick's Day.

Top 5 women in the Streets of Portlaoise 5k (L-R)... Ann-Marie Mc Glynn 2nd, Aoife Kilgallon 3rd, Aoife Cooke 1st, Sinead O Connor 4th & Lizzie Lee 5th

This was a big race with a total of 553 finishers with Aoife Cooke from Eagle AC in Cork taking the women's title in a time of 15m 54s and broke the women's course record in the process!

Top 3 & Cork runners under 19m...

27 Aoife Cooke Eagle A.C. F 0:15:54 0:15:56  
30 Ann-Marie Mc Glynn Letterkenny A.C. F40 0:16:00 0:16:02  
38 Aoife Kilgallon Sligo A.C. F 0:16:18 0:16:19  
44 Sinead O Connor Leevale A.C. F 0:16:30 0:16:32  
46 Lizzie Lee Leevale A.C. F40 0:16:35 0:16:37  
56 Jessica Coyne Leevale A.C. F 0:16:45 0:16:47  
96 Michelle Kenny Leevale A.C. F40 0:18:05 0:18:05  
102 Carol Finn Leevale A.C. F 0:18:20 0:18:23

In the men's race, Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC also set a new course record to win with a time of 14m 14s.

Top 3 men & Cork runners under 16 minutes... 

1 Sean Tobin Clonmel A.C. M 0:14:13 0:14:14  
2 Paul O Donnell Dundrum South Dublin A.C. M 0:14:17 0:14:17  
3 William Maunsell Clonmel A.C. M 0:14:35 0:14:35  
4 Kieran Jackson Ferrybank A.C. M 0:14:41 0:14:43  
5 Michael Harty East Cork A.C. M40 0:14:48 0:14:49  
6 Rory O Connor North Cork AC M 0:14:50 0:14:51  
10 Shane Collins Leevale A.C. M 0:15:10 0:15:12  
11 Mark Walsh Leevale A.C. M 0:15:17 0:15:18  
13 John Shine Leevale A.C. M 0:15:26 0:15:27  
16 John Durcan Togher A.C. M 0:15:37 0:15:37  
20 Bernard O Hanlon Leevale A.C. M 0:15:44 0:15:46  
25 Donal Coakley Leevale A.C. M 0:15:51 0:15:52

Full results HERE

Sweaty Snaps has 370+ photos HERE

Friday Jigsaw: Killeagh 4 mile - March 2022

For this weeks 176-piece online jigsaw, we go back to the Killeagh 4 mile road race last weekend and the first three men.

You can find the jigsaw HERE

Guest Post: Balance in Training ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Balance in training ** 

Hard at times to get the head straight with all going on in the world at the moment. War is cruel on ordinary people and sometimes I feel helpless.

Just something to read and think about. To be honest if you are moving at the moment that is great but maybe it might help.

What training do you do on an average week?

Is it balanced properly for you to achieve your best and get you to your GOAL whatever that may be.

Have you a balance between easy miles / hard miles?
Have you some variety of easy, interval/ hill / tempo, long on a given week?
Have you some kind of plan to recover and balance hard weeks with slightly easier weeks on occasions so you are not burnt out?
Have you a balance of continuing to train easily after a Goal race to allow yourself to maintain your fitness and still recover?
Have you a balance of time spent stretching appropriate to the amount of mileage per week?
Important. Have you a balance of Stress / Calm?
If running is your calmness and headspace then don’t wreck it with pressure.
Have you the right balance of running partners that push you but still make it fun to go running with? 
.
Lots of questions and some not easy to answer
.
* Balance
 You cannot train hard every time you go out. An easy run after very hard session or a long run can be beneficial.

*You cannot train easy every time you go out or you will get nowhere.
.
A few ideas of mine to get some balance in your training. (Elites need more and beginners maybe less but just a rough idea.) 

* Training 3 times a week
1. Easy run Mon / Tues
2. Tempo or Interval speed session or a hill session Wed / Thursday 
3. Long Run weekend where start is done easy pace and finish nearer race pace. Roughly half easy/hard
If you have at least day recovery from the long run then the midweek sessions can be juggled around.

* Training 4 times a week
1. Easy run Mon / Tues
2. Tempo or Interval speed or hill session, Tues / Wed / Thurs 
3. Easy run Thurs / Fri
4. Long Run weekend 
This can be done at a harder pace but still start easy for mile or 2 to give yourself a chance.

- OR -

Alternative Training 4 times a week
1. Tempo or Interval speed or hill session, Mon / Tues
2. Easy run Tues / Wed
3. Tempo or Interval speed or hill session Thurs / Fri (different session to earlier in the week)
4. Long Run weekend 
Start at easy pace and only finish last few miles nearer race pace.

..
Please note if you are starting to up your mileage for a Goal race in the future.
Increasing you mileage per week should be kept to 10-15% to avoid injury.
Maybe 1 week in 4 cut back on mileage to give the body a chance to adapt.
.
Get the Balance right of getting there and doing your best, but in a way that can be maintained and improved upon. Killing yourself is not enjoyable, counter-productive and has no long term future for you and running. 😍💞💘

Feck life is precious and we are going through some turmoil so in the absence of clear guidance  just keep running,

#PWR #Keeponrunning

Results & Photos of the Killeagh 4-mile road race - Sun 13th March 2022

Top 3 men in the Killeagh 4 mile (L-R): Donal Coakley 2nd, John Meade 1st & James McCarthy 3rd

Just under 200 runners turned out for this years Killeagh 4-mile road race on what turned out to be a lovely sunny morning.

Top 5 men & women...

1 John Meade St Finbarrs AC     20:40 SM 186
2 Donal Coakley Leevale AC     20:48 SM 17
3 James McCarthy East Cork AC     20:59 SM 200
4 Michael Herlihy North Cork AC     21:02 M40 153
5 Aidan Noone Glounthaune     21:02 SM 96
15 Jennifer Montague Leevale     23:58 SF 211
16 Sharon Rynne Cork City     23:58 SF 135
24 Nadine Forde Cork City     25:18 SF 37
32 Eileen Leahy Midleton AC     26:00 SF 210
33 Lucy O'Keeffe Youghal AC     26:05 SF 230

Full results are on the Premier Timing website HERE 

Top 3 women (L-R): Sharon Rynne 2nd, Jennifer Montague 1st & Nadine Forde 3rd.

Photos...

1) There are three galleries up on the Running in Cork Facebook page

...a) Start HERE

...b) ~3.4 mile mark - sub 32:00 finish - Approx 96 photos HERE

...c) ~3.4 mile mark - 32:00 plus finish - Approx 70 photos HERE

2) Mick Dooley has two galleries

...Start line HERE

...Finish line HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 12th Mar 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 12th March 2022. 

Ballincollig Regional Park: 295 this week, 312 last week. Long term average 299.

First 3 men & women...

1 David BUCKLEY Male VM40-44 17:15

2 Pablo HERRERA Male SM30-34 18:33

3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM35-39 19:07

14 Dearbhla COX Female SW30-34 Annadale Striders 19:58

31 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW40-44 21:39

34 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:49

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/220/

Glen River: 58 this week, 69 last week. The long term average is 83.

First 3 men & women...

1 Roman BORKOWSKI HOGAN Male JM15-17 North Cork AC 19:40

2 Carlo SCAGLIA Male VM55-59 20:49

3 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 21:30

15 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:32

22 Orlaith MCAULIFFE Female SW25-29 26:32

28 Mary O'HALLORAN Female VW50-54 Togher AC 27:36

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/96/

Mallow Castle: 93 finishers this week, 55 last week. The long term average is 86.

First 3 men & women...

1 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 17:37

2 Daire O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 17:48

3 Gary WALSH Male VM40-44 Bweeng Trail Blazers 18:00

17 Jd MURPHY Female VW40-44 22:49

18 Kayla O'MAHONEY Female JW11-14 23:10

19 Lynda O'GORMAN Female VW45-49 23:16

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/26/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 62 this week, 61 for last week. The long term average is 76.

First 3 men & women...

1 Eoin COYNE Male SM30-34 20:56

2 Garry MOLONEY Male SM25-29 21:06

3 Daniel MOLONEY Male SM20-24 21:32

9 Chloe MCCARTHY Female JW10 Youghal AC 24:04

12 Claire MURPHY Female VW45-49 25:10

13 Kellie FAUL Female VW35-39 25:15

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/21/

Macroom Desmense: 91 this week, 57 last week. Long term average is 54.

First 3 men & women...

1 Henry BROWNE Male VM40-44 18:39

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:40

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 19:44

9 Sinéad HEALY Female VW45-49 Tralee parkrunners on Tour - TpoT 22:47

18 Aoife DOWNEY Female JW15-17 24:33

19 Lisa KINGSTON Female JW15-17 24:34

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/365/

Clonakilty: 38 finishers this week, 26 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...

1 Simon NOLAN Male VM35-39 18:06

2 John COLLINS Male SM30-34 Skibbereen AC 18:47

3 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 19:13

4 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 20:41

15 Anna INGENLATH Female JW15-17 25:32

18 Grainne CROWLEY Female VW45-49 26:30

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/322/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 72 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 99 last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:10

2 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 21:46

3 Sean O'SHEA Male JM15-17 22:03

4 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 23:18

6 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:43

9 Breda MCELHINNEY Female VW55-59 24:40

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/237/

Bere Island: 32 this week, 22 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 21:51

2 Finnian LYNCH Male VM50-54 23:15

4 Colin GLEESON Male VM65-69 Beara AC 25:00

3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:28

6 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:48

7 Suzanne O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 Beara AC 27:13

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/324/

Castlehaven: 15 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 18 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:47

2 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 Castlehaven GAA 24:57

3 James MCCULLAGH Male VM55-59 27:30

5 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:52

7 Frances LYNCH Female VW55-59 Sanctuary Runners 29:08

8 Ruth MCCULLAGH Female VW50-54 30:11

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/245/

Friday Jigsaw: Cork BHAA MTU 5k - March 2022

For this weeks online jigsaw, we go back to the Cork BHAA MTU 5k.

This photo taken by Mick Dooley shows Carol Finn, Tobi Grab & John Meade before the start of the race.

You can find the 252-piece jigsaw HERE

Notice: Killeagh 4 mile road race - Sun 13th March 2022

This 4 mile race in East Cork is organised by Killeagh Community Healthy Clubs Project in association with Youghal AC. It will be held this year on Sunday the 13th of March 2022 at 11am.

The organisers are keeping the entry fee at €11.90 (€10 & fees).

Online entries HERE

From the organisers... We are encouraging entry online but will also have registration on the day those that register on line are in with a chance to  in some great spot prizes.

Notice: Donoughmore 5k charity Run - Sun 13th March 2022

This might be of interest to anyone to the west of Cork City and not going to the Killeagh race.

From the organisers... No entry fee. No prizes. Donation box. No catering. Give what you can. Cash only - no goods. All welcome run-walk. All proceeds go directly to United Nations High Commission for Refugees. UNHCR. 

Notice: Carrigtwohill GAA Club 5k Paddy Trot to support Mick Murphy - Fri 18th March 2022

From Carrigtwohill GAA... CARRIGTWOHILL GAA CLUB’S PADDY TROT: A CHARITY WALK/RUN TO SUPPORT MICK MURPHY

Carrigtwohill local, Mick Murphy, who has a young family, has advanced metatastic bowel cancer. It is in the liver, and inoperable.  Mick will need to continue treatment and chemotherapy as a means of palliative maintenance.  He is unable to return to full-time or even part-time employment.

Carrigtwohill GAA Club will hold their family friendly 5k Paddy Trot on Friday, 18th March.  It is open to all ages.  There is no entry fee; instead you can make a donation on the day.  All monies raised will go the Murphy family.  We are asking GAA clubs to partake in walking, running or jogging 5k and to wear their club colours on the day. 

Alternatively, please donate as generously as possible to Mick, Denise, Caoimhe, Dermot and Cormac on their GoFundMe page, where you can read more about Mick’s story:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mickmurphy

Guest Post: THE ENGLISH ‘NATIONAL’ – AND THE IRISH CONNECTION ...by John Walshe

THE ENGLISH ‘NATIONAL’ – AND THE IRISH CONNECTION

(By John Walshe)

Once regarded as ‘The Greatest Cross-Country Race in the World’, the English National C-C recently took place at Parliament Hill in London. Now held over 12km, up to around 20 years ago the distance was nine miles and also served as selection race for the World (and before that, International) C-C Championships.

It has been said unless you were capable of covering the opening half-mile (800m) in around two minutes, you could wave goodbye to any chance of mixing it with the leaders. Former winners include runners the calibre of Dave Bedford, Brendan Foster, Mike McLeod and Bernie Ford – all who competed in Fermoy during the great days of the Grange International – along with such icons of the sport as Ron Hill, Basil Heatley and Gordon Pirie from an earlier age.

In the mid-1990s, Irishman John Downes was a regular finisher in the top six: fifth in 1993, third in 1994, fourth in 1996, fourth again in 1997. Of course you had to be a member of an English club to run and back then the Limerick native was competing for London-Irish AC.

Another Irish link worth noting is the fantastic achievement of Martin McGann of the East Cheshire club who three years ago ran the race for the 50th consecutive time. Originally from Kiltale in Co Meath, Martin is a brother of 1972 Olympian and former Irish marathon champion Des McGann.

This year there was a Cork interest in the performance of East Cork’s Frank O’Brien who is now attending St Mary’s College in Twickenham. Competing for Newhan & Essex Beagles and running the longest race of his career, the 20-year-old finished a highly commendable 53rd

Fifty years ago last Saturday – March 4th, 1972 - a ‘National’ was held that has gained a place in the chequered history of the famous race not so much for the competitive element but for the horrendous conditions that prevailed. And amongst the 888 finishers that day was a man who is still very much an active part of the running scene here in Cork.

Held at Sutton Park, north of Birmingham, the day started off in bright sunshine but it soon turned to rain, then sleet and finally as the nine miles of the senior race progressed, to snow, with the temperature plummeting. Conditions underfoot were treacherous with few of the near 1,000 who started managing to stay on their feet. There was a biting cold with an icy wind blowing against the runners at the end of each three-mile lap. 

As Athletics Weekly magazine reported: “The scene in the officials’ marquee after the race was gruesome as runners staggered in seeking shelter from the raging snowstorm outside. With icicles in their hair they shivered uncontrollably and speechless as helpers tried to massage their frozen bodies. These were the ‘lucky’ ones; others were whisked off to hospital or were left to make their own way back to the changing rooms about one-and-a-half miles away.”

While Malcolm Thomas of Thames Valley Harriers coped best in the conditions to become the first Welsh athlete to win the ‘National’, some of the other big names weren’t so lucky. Trevor Wright, winner two years before, was heading for a place in the top 10 before his limbs seized up with a few hundred yards to go, eventually finishing 23rd. Ron Hill, one of favourites for that summer’s Olympic marathon, lost around 30 places when he fell headlong into the ice-cold water. “My only feeling was one of shock from the cold. I scrambled up, but felt nearly paralysed. I couldn’t get going again,” said the 2:09:28 marathon man.

Amongst the ‘survivors’ that day was Richard Piotrowski who now lives near Macroom and runs with Eagle AC. Looking back a half-century, he recalls what it was like that day: “I drove up with Martin Duff and Geoff Biscoe, left our gear with the team manager and ran the two miles to the start. It deteriorated as the race went on, very bad conditions with sleet and snow, and on the last lap I probably overtook 20 or 30 people. I had a very good race; the conditions didn’t really get to me, apart from the cold.”

Richard Piotrowski with copies of the Athletics Weekly coverage of the 1972 English ‘National’

But not alone did Richard finish a fine 57th – four places behind Ron Hill - he was also the third scorer on the Reading team who took the bronze medals behind Tipton and City of Stoke. The team comprised of Gerry Stevens (seventh), Geoff Biscoe (52nd), Richard Piotrowski (57th), Martin Duff (69th), Derek Dipper (73rd) and Ron McAndrew (79th).

“We had a very good team at the time; there were four steeplechasers in the club who were all internationals with sub-8:40 times to their credit. I was ranked fifth with a best of 8:52.” Some of Richard’s other PBs include 4:16.4 (one mile), 23:50 (five miles) and 48:50 for 10 miles (in a race where he only finished fifth).

The training that brought him to such a level can be seen from this extract from his training diary of February 20th, 1971, when he was aged 24: Sunday, 20 miles steady with the lads; Monday, five miles lunch-time and eight in the evening; Tuesday, five and 11 miles; Wednesday, five and 10 miles; Thursday, 11 miles evening; Friday, 15 miles easy over rough terrain; Saturday, fast 10 miles in 52 minutes. “When I was with Belgrave Harriers, we used to run 10 miles around Wimbledon with the North brothers (Gerry and Geoff), plus all the other internationals, in 53/54 minutes in a full tracksuit,” he recalls.

After a prolonged break from running while working in Nigeria (where he played squash for 25 years), Richard has been living in Ireland for the past two decades. During that time he has been virtually unbeaten in his age-group, winning many Irish titles on the track and over the country.

Moving up to the M75 category in a few weeks time, unfortunately injury means he will now be out of action for a number of months as he needs a hip replacement. This is disappointing, considering he ran 73:05 for 10 miles in Dungarvan back in January which gave him nine minutes to spare over the second-placed M70 runner.

But as he waits to get back into competition, Richard Piotrowski can look back with pride to that infamous ‘National’ in Sutton Park 50 years ago. And surely there is no other runner who won a medal that day who is still managing to compete at the highest level as a master as he has been doing up to one month ago.

Addendum: All of John Walshe's previous posts can be viewed HERE