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Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Guest Post: Dublin Marathon - Autumn 2022 ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Autumn Marathon #DCM22 ** 

156 Days to go. - 22 Weekend Long runs left at most and that includes tapering.

How is your training going?

May is nearly gone and June is just around the corner.

Now is the time to question and remind yourself why you are doing this.

There is work ahead so be committed and prepared for it.

If you are going for it, then give it your best shot and don’t have regrets at mile 16 in October and asking yourself why I didn’t do more training for it.

Hopefully at this stage your weekly mileage is 20 to 25 miles and the body is getting used to time on the road. 

Weekly long run is KEY as you are training for a LONG RUN of 26miles.

It is still only June next week and no need for panic and by all means take a week off if you have completed some Half Marathon and want to rest before the next phase. A rest at this stage can be better than a forced bad run where you are tired. 

Enough of that in September.

Some say it is too early to be getting into Long runs of 13+.

My answer is to be ahead of the game. That allows weekends off and recharging later in the Summer. It also allows some juggle room if a domestic social event or an injury needs some time off.

If you leave it all to a late charge of training, what happens if something goes wrong.
You can still get by with 3 runs a week or 4 if the extra run is an easy few miles.
Don’t over train as you will get fed up in a few months when the real work should be starting.
Plan ahead so that you get your runs completed.
Get your rest and recovery each week and don’t forget to stretch.
If there are occasions that force you to miss a long run, compensate the week before and week afterwards.

Think about including a half marathon race in the next month or 2

It will give a focus and also give an early indicator of possible Marathon finishing time and how to set the pace for you weekly runs. 

Old fashioned but not far off. 

Predicted Marathon time = 2 x Half time + 13mins APPROX
Anyone looking sub 3.30 should be Half in 1.38
Anyone looking sub 4 should be Half in 1.53
Anyone looking sub 4.30 should be Half in 2.08
These are approx. and we are all different but just give some idea of where you are.
If you can’t break 2hrs in a Half how can you go sub 4. Just apply common sense.


Start planning out your weekends and long run distance
First 3 -4 miles slow and then pick it up a bit.
Get used to drinking and refuelling on the run.
Gels, Jellies, Bars, Lucozade sweets, energy drinks, Tablets in the water. Loads of options and see what suits you best. Race day is not the time to be guessing.

Mix up some shorter midweek local races instead of a Tempo / Interval session. It is good to get out and mix it up and meet some fellow runners and share a moan or 2.

There is a lot of help online, lots of training plans and ideas and support groups for encouragement. It is a big undertaking in terms of time, commitment and money. Give yourself every chance of succeeding and getting the best out of yourself and the day. 

Get help if you feel you need it and have someone else minding you to keep you on the right road and to help, encourage and advise.

Keep the spirit up, keep training. It isn’t easy but anything worthwhile never is. There is glory and lasting memories crossing the finishing line. 

Any questions pls msg. 🏃‍♀️

#PWR #KeeponRunning

Guest Post: DARRAGH SETS IRISH U23 RECORD – NOW SEVENTH ON ALL-TIME LIST ...by John Walshe


DARRAGH SETS IRISH U23 RECORD – NOW SEVENTH ON ALL-TIME LIST ...by John Walshe

Corkman Darragh McElhinney set an Irish U23 record for the 5000m of 13:17.17 on Saturday night when finishing fifth at the IFAM Outdoor meet in Belgium. This broke John Treacy’s previous record of 13:26.5 which was also set in Belgium all of 44 years ago.

More importantly, it now moves the Glengarriff native to seventh on the Irish all-time list – ahead of such distance legends as Eamonn Coghlan, Ray Flynn and Marcus O’Sullivan.

It’s also interesting to note that the average age of the six runners ahead of McElhinney – Alistair Cragg (13:03.53), Mark Carroll (13:03.93), Frank O’Mara (13:13.02), John Doherty (13:14.17), Brian Fay (13:16.52) and John Treacy (13:16.81) – was 27 when they achieved their fastest times whereas Darragh only turned 21 last November, the month before he finished second in the European U23 cross-country and led the Irish team to the gold medals.

Speaking at the River Lee hotel two weeks ago where he received the Cork City Sports Athletics Person of the Year Award for 2021, Darragh said the goal for the summer ahead was the European senior championships in Munich next August and his first priority was to get inside the qualifying time of 13:24 which he certainly did in style on Saturday night.

Now based in Dublin where he is coached by Emmett Dunleavy and competes with the UCD club, he explained that the Europeans and not the World Championships in July were the main focus. “At the start of the year we sat down and decided that I would be a lot more competitive at a European senior stage than on a world stage. As I’m still under 23, the aim is to make a European final this summer and then hopefully come back next summer and the summer after for the Paris Olympics with a bit of experience gained and to be fitter and stronger than I’m now.”

In presenting Darragh with his two awards – he was also the December winner - Liam O’Brien, Technical Director of the Cork City Sports and one of the judges, paid him the following tribute: “Darragh has shown great promise from a very young age. He was one of the youngest winners of these awards and is a great competitor, having won schools’ internationals and has come though the progression you would like to see a person coming through.

“I know he is not resting on his laurels because there is another step or two to go to where he can potentially get and there is no doubt in the world he’ll be getting more of these awards. He is an athlete that had promise and has now fulfilled that promise which he had shown.”

Prophetic words indeed.  

A list of previous guest posts from John Walshe can be seen HERE

Monday, May 30, 2022

Results & Photos of the Firmount National School 4-mile road race - Sun 29th May 2022

Winners of the 2022 Firmount NS 4-mile - Aidan Noone & Mags Murphy. Photo: Joe Murphy


The Firmount National School road race near Donoughmore was held on Sunday the 29th of May 2022. 

Top 3 men & women...
Aidan Noone 21.15 119
Tadgh O Sullivan 21.58 17
Barry Twohig 22.00 115
Mags Murphy 25.27 42
Mary Buckley 29.25 109
Sarah Creedon 30.16 43

Photos...
1) Joe Murphy has a nice gallery HERE
2) Firmount National School have some photos HERE

Full results below... Updated
Race Position Name Time Race No.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 28th May 2022


Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 28th May 2022

Ballincollig Regional Park: 234 this week, 287 last week. Long term average 297.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conrad WATT Male SM30-34 Magnolia RR 17:16
2 Eoin O KEEFFE Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:21
3 Sean TWOHIG Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 17:57
10 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:19
13 Gail MURRAY Female VW45-49 Belgooly AC 19:52
30 Ella COLLINS Female JW15-17 21:41


Glen River: 59 this week, 58 last week. The long term average is 82.

First 3 men & women...
1 Brian LINEHAN Male VM55-59 21:08
2 Colum RADFORD Male VM40-44 Wibbly Wobbly Wonders 21:32
3 Ciarán MURRAY Male VM40-44 21:45
6 Kath CARTY Female VW40-44 Northside Running Group 22:32
9 Gabrielle STACK Female SW30-34 Sanctuary Runners 24:01
12 Sheena FLEMING Female VW35-39 24:21


Mallow Castle: 97 finishers this week, 48 last week. The long term average is 76.

First 3 men & women...
1 Emma FLYNN Female JW11-14 North Cork AC 18:56
11 Máire MCKENNA Female VW40-44 22:15
15 Emma CAREY Female VW35-39 24:46
2 Darragh FROST Male SM25-29 19:10
3 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:32
4 John BROWNE Male VM40-44 20:41


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 68 this week, 54 for last week. The long term average is 67.

First 3 men & women...
1 Ciaran O MATHUNA Male SM20-24 18:34
2 Keith BARRY Male VM45-49 St Catherines AC 19:01
3 Ronan O'SHEA Male VM50-54 19:16
10 Stephanie ILSLEY Female VW60-64 22:14
14 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 23:27
19 Kellie FAUL Female VW35-39 24:26


Macroom Desmense: 32 this week, 37 last week. Long term average is 53.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:38
2 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 19:22
3 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 20:15
12 Noreen STEWART Female VW40-44 25:34
15 Sarah NEVILLE Female JW11-14 West Muskerry A.C. 27:37
16 Sinead TWOMEY Female VW35-39 27:50


Clonakilty: 29 finishers this week, 30 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...
1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 19:11
2 Rían FITZGERALD Male JM11-14 21:38
3 Richard CASEY Male VM50-54 21:44
5 Anna O'NEILL Female VW50-54 22:59
6 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 23:06
9 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:30


Glengarriff Woods: There were 44 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 54  last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Seamus LEDDY Male VM40-44 Abbey Runners Leeds 20:10
2 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 20:36
3 Cormac WHOOLEY Male SM30-34 21:14
7 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 23:32
8 Marian MINEHANE Female VW35-39 23:56
9 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:00


Bere Island: 26 this week, 35 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...
1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:44
3 Maria WATSON Female VW35-39 23:46
6 Joanne SULLIVAN Female VW50-54 28:17
2 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 23:31
4 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 25:55
5 Tony HIGGINS Male VM55-59 Tralee parkrunners on Tour - TpoT 27:24

Castlehaven: 17 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 21 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...
1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 21:11
2 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:51
3 Mark SWEENEY Male VM35-39 Thames Valley Harriers 22:04
5 Rachel NOLAN Female VW35-39 24:26
6 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 25:35
10 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 29:09

Friday, May 27, 2022

Results of the Ballymacoda 4-mile road race - Fri 27th May 2022

There was a nice turnout of 174 runners for this years Ballymacoda 4-mile road race in East Cork.

The first man home was Nick O'Donoghue who also set a new course record.

Top 3 men & women...

1 NICK O DONOGHUE EAST CORK AC M 20.30
2 KEITH KELLY YOUGHAL AC M 40 20.48
3 KIERAN MCKEOWN GRANGE FERMOY M45 21.16
1 MICHELLE KENNY LEEVALE F40 23.51
2 CARMEL CROWLEY BANDON  F50 24.09
3 REBECCA MCEVOY ST FINBARRS F 24.22

Full results below...

372 NICK O DONOGHUE EAST CORK AC M 20.30
420 KEITH KELLY YOUGHAL AC M 40 20.48
317 KIERAN MCKEOWN GRANGE FERMOY M45 21.16
383 PAUL CASHMAN WATERGRASSHILL A M40 21.24
422 KEN INCE EAGLE AC M 21.31
345 SEAMUS O GORMON UNATTACHED M 22.19
386 PAUL COTTER EAGLE AC M45 22.22
384 JOHN SPELLMAN EAST CORK AC JM 22.30
471 SEAMUS MCSWEENEY ST NICHOLAS M50 22.34
388 DONAL GILTINAN EAST CORK AC M 22.41
423 MARTY O REILLY ST FINBARRS M45 22.43
394 ALAN LYONS UNATTAHCED M40 22.44
425 JOHN O BRIEN ST FINBARRS M50 22.48
460 STEPHEN O BRIEN EAST CORK AC M 23.00
373 KILLIAN BUTTERMER GRANGE FERMOY M 23.12

Friday Jigsaw: Start of the 2022 Cheetah Run


For this weeks jigsaw, we have a big one with 300-pieces! The photo taken by Derek Costello shows the start of the 2022 Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park.

You can find it HERE

Notice: IMRA 8km Trail Race in Curragh Woods nr Midleton - Sun 29th May 2022


This 8km trail race in Curragh Woods near Midleton is coming up on Sunday the 29th of May 2022 with an 11am start.

These type of IMRA races are ideal for someone who wants to try a trail race but would find the mountain races too tough or too long. This is essentially a 8k run in the woods where most people will walk the steep sections but there is some lovely running on the soft trail routes. At times, it feels like you're running on carpet.

Annual membership of IMRA is required (€10). Entry is €7 and you must pre-enter.

Curragh Woods is the north-west of Midleton and is on the road to Lisgoold.

More info HERE

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.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Cork runner Lizzie Lee wins the Ashling Murphy 4-mile


Just catching up on some races last weekend. The Ashling Murphy 4-mile in Tullamore, Co Offaly attracted a field of 535 runners and the first women home was Lizzie Lee from Cork.

Top 3 women...
601 Lizzie Lee    Leevale A.C. F40 0:22:30 
1783 Sinead Whitelaw  Mullingar Harriers A.C. F 0:23:36 
1569 Fiona Gettings   Longford A.C. F40 0:23:47 
 

Full results HERE

Long term weather forecast for the 2022 Cork City Marathon

Thurs 26th May 2022: With 10-days to go, it is impossible to make any really type of accurate prediction of what the weather will be like for the 2022 Cork City Marathon on the 5th of June. We can however look at computer models and trends and see what they suggest for the long term.


The image above shows the position of the Jetstream on the 26th of May. This strong westerly airflow acts like a conveyor dragging in a succession of low pressure weather systems across the Atlantic.

We can see this from the current conditions... cool and windy for the end of May.

The current computer models show this changing for the end of next week though.


The model suggests that a high pressure system will become established up by Iceland while a low pressure system will be the dominant feature down by the Azores. This is the reverse of the usual situation.

The Purple arrows show the general air flow of these systems and is generally in a westerly direction. In effect, the Jetstream will become a lot weaker and will start to meander. The 'conveyor' will stop dragging low pressure systems directly towards us.

This suggests that...

1) The winds for the 5th of June are likely to be lighter.

2) The weather will become more settled.

3) The temperatures are expected to rise.

It's a good sign for people that want to enjoy the Bank holiday weekend but it means that it may be very warm for running a marathon or half-marathon.

By the 31st of May, we should have more accurate forecasts as it will be only five days out at that stage. In the meantime, be sure to plan for running in warm weather.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Notice: IMRA Coillte Trail League - May to Oct 2022


The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) are holding a series of trail races in various woods in counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary from May to October 2022.

These are easier than the usual type of IMRA mountain race and would make for a good introduction to trail running for experienced runners.

IMRA membership for 2022 is required (€10) for insurance purposes.

There are 8 races in the trail league and they are...

1) Cork... Sun 29th May 2022... IMRA Curragh Woods 8km... €7... 

2) Cork... Sun 12th June 2022... IMRA Kilworth Wood 7km... €7... 

3) Limerick... Sun 10th July 2022... IMRA Keeper Hill 6km... €7... 

4) Tipperary... Sun 24th July 2022... IMRA Sliabhnamuck 7km... €7... 

5) Cork... Sun 31st July 2022... IMRA Garryduff Woods 7km... €7... 

6) Tipperary... Sun 28th August 2022... IMRA Scarragh Woods 7km... €7... 

7) Limerick... Sat 17th September 2022... IMRA Cannon Sheehan 14km... €7... 

8) Cork... Sun 2nd October 2022... IMRA Curraghbinny Woods 5km... €7... 

For more info and to enter, go to https://imra.ie/events/

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Results of the Barry O'Sullivan Memorial 5k in Dromahane - 21st May 2022

 Results of the Barry O'Sullivan Memorial 5k in Dromahane - 21st May 2022

Top 3 men & women...

1 Alan O Shea     15:13     15:13 SM 356
2 Eric Curran Leevale AC     15:37     15:36 SM 59
3 Trevor Woodgate     17:25     17:22 SM 306
6 Martina Kiely     17:50     17:49 SF 393
11 Carol Finn     18:42     18:41 SF 386
15 Kathy Jean Horgan Casey     19:30     19:27 SF 330

Full results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 21st May 2022


Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 21st May 2022

Ballincollig Regional Park: 287 this week, 270 last week. Long term average 297.

First 3 men & women...
1 Karl MITCHELL Male VM35-39 Leevale AC 18:07
2 Sean TWOHIG Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:39
3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM35-39 18:50
27 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:49
32 Mairead PEREZ Female VW45-49 22:10
41 Regina COMBER Female VW35-39 Leevale AC 22:42


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

First 3 men & women...
1 Cian MCCAFFERTY Male SM30-34 19:50
2 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 19:57
3 Michael NAUGHTON Male VM50-54 Wibbly Wobbly Wonders 21:39
8 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:42
12 Anna HOGAN Female VW45-49 UCC Staff Athletics Club 24:17
17 Bebhinn KELLEHER Female SW25-29 25:24


Mallow Castle: 48 finishers this week, 47 last week. The long term average is 77.

First 3 men & women...
1 Brian O'KEEFFE Male VM40-44 Buttevant RC 17:57
2 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:33
3 Andrew O HALLORAN Male SM30-34 21:59
5 Eimile BROWNE Female JW11-14 22:56
6 Aine QUANE Female SW30-34 23:11
8 Eleanor RYAN Female SW30-34 24:43


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 54 this week, 34 for last week. The long term average is 68.

First 3 men & women...
1 Shane KEARNEY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:52
2 Shane GREENE Male VM35-39 21:28
3 Steven BATES Male VM40-44 21:53
6 Muirna WALSH Female VW45-49 22:48
7 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 22:57
9 Roisin RONAYNE Female VW45-49 23:06


Macroom Desmense: 37 this week, 37 last week. Long term average is 53.

First 3 men & women...
1 Jude MURPHY Male JM11-14 19:57
2 Padraig SHEAHAN Male VM55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 20:12
3 Enda O'FLAHERTY Male VM40-44 21:45
10 Mary LUCEY Female VW35-39 25:24
12 Margaret KELLIHER Female VW65-69 26:08
13 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 26:15


Clonakilty: 30 finishers this week, 21 finishers last week. Long term average 37.

First 3 men & women...
1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 19:27
2 Ronan FOOLKES Male VM35-39 20:26
3 John SANTRY Male VM35-39 Dell EMC Running Club 22:05
11 Karina JONINA Female SW25-29 25:16
14 Katie HARTE Female SW30-34 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 27:40
15 Karin CONNOLLY Female VW50-54 Bishopstown Orienteering Club 28:52


Glengarriff Woods: There were 54 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 44  last week, long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 20:53
2 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:24
3 Cormac WHOOLEY Male SM30-34 21:29
11 Breda MCELHINNEY Female VW55-59 24:24
12 Fleur HINDLEY Female VW55-59 24:52
15 Jacquie O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 25:38


Bere Island: 35 this week, 33 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women...
1 Jose CHAPA Male VM50-54 Sportsworld 22:38
2 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 23:07
3 G DUFFY Male VM50-54 23:22
4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 23:47
6 Olive FOGARTY Female VW45-49 Sportsworld 24:36
8 Michele TIGHE Female VW40-44 26:38

Castlehaven: 21 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 11 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...
1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 21:06
2 Michael JESTON Male SM30-34 21:49
3 Conor SHERIDAN Male SM30-34 East Coast Athletic Club 22:55
5 Aoife O'SULLIVAN Female SW18-19 Bishopstown Orienteering Club 25:39
7 Niamh O'DRISCOLL Female SW25-29 27:49
8 Emma HORLER Female VW55-59 28:06

Guest Post: Running Strength ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Running Strength ** 

Rewrite of a post from a few years back. Hope it will be of help and maybe put you thinking. Thanks for so many kind comments last week about running and racing. 

We all need strength to keep us fit, healthy and active as runners, but how much do we need and what time should be spent on our strength training.

Strength training exercises will not only help you prevent injury, but it will also make you a stronger, faster, and more efficient runner. . 

* We need leg strength to power our legs to finish the run.
* We need leg strength to get up those hills that Races sometimes throw at us.
* We need core strength to keep our posture and perform as efficiently as possible.
* We need upper body strength to keep our arms working and the head erect for proper breathing and running form.

But how much do we need?

Runners need a different strength-training program than your standard gym plan. Instead of big single muscle exercises such as bicep curls, leg extensions, and bench presses, runners should focus on targeting the key muscles that will keep them balanced and moving forward.

Do we need a weekly (or twice weekly) Hour session in a Gym 

NO

Footballers play football, Body builders lift weights, Runners Run 

If you finish a race and your legs are just tired, some lactic acid in the muscles and a bit stiff the day after, then by and large you are ok. The running itself will help leg strength, some hill repeats also works wonders (ahhhh..!!) and some squats or lunges at home can help build the strength required.

If you die on hills but recover soon after then your cardio side is fine but you do need to work on leg strength. This should be planned out and put into a weekly program otherwise you will always dread the hilly routes. It can be sorted but you will have to be patient and give it time.

Regular leg work (3 times a week at home for 5 minutes) plus a weekly hill session (ahhhh again..!!) should do the trick.

We need core strength to maintain posture and form during a race. Some simple core exercises such as the Plank or one of the many that can be got from any yoga search can be done at home again a few times per week.

We all complain sometimes of aches in the shoulders and neck late into long runs and again these can be helped by some work at home. Shoulder Press, Press up or many others will help this area.

Doing forget to stretch this area as well as maybe tension or lack of flexibility could also be the problem.

* So 3 areas, legs, core and upper body can all be helped and improved by developing a 5 minute routine for each (total 15mins) and do this at home few times per week.


Squats or Lunges with an overhead dumbbell action are full body exercises that are much more beneficial. 

Try to be smart and do it on days when the running session isn’t too hard.

These exercises can be done at home a few times a week with little disruption to domestic life and give you more time for running. 

Examples for some simple exercises that can be done at home, just “google” them, and there is loads of help and advice available. No need for expensive equipment.

If you do feel you need some serious strength work then try to plan a few weeks where you are recovering from a previous race and nothing coming up in the next month or 2. 

Get the strength up and then a light maintenance routine will hold that gain.


Lifting a huge barbell in a chest press is of no use to a distance runner as the muscle gained has to be carried around the run. Far better to use body weight for press-ups or some light dumbbells for Chest-Fly or other exercises

Core work, and body weight exercises should be a consistent part of your training to ensure you stay strong and athletic. If you’re a runner who’s more likely to get hurt, 5-10 extra minutes of strength work will go a long way in keeping you healthy, consistent, and ultimately, faster. 

Runners Run. 

Have a nice weekend. 🏃‍♀️

#pwr #keeponrunning



Friday, May 20, 2022

Results of the John Hartnett 10k in Ballyhooly - Fri 20th May 2022

147 runners turned out for the John Hartnett 10k in Ballyhooly on Fri 20th May 2022

Top 3 men & women...
1 196 Hennesy Pat Male West waterford  00:32:47  00:32:46
2 200 Herlihy Michael Male north Cork  00:33:37  00:33:36
3 138 Longan John Male St. Finbarr's AC  00:35:49  00:35:47
12 158 Gaffney Breda Female Mallow ac  00:38:45  00:38:45
14 84 McLaughlin Róisín Female Grange Fermoy  00:39:47  00:39:46
17 114 Eighan Irene Female St Finbarr's AC  00:40:25  00:40:23

Overall Place (by chip time) Bib # Last Name First Name Sex Team Name Finishing Time Chip Time
1 196 Hennesy Pat Male West waterford 00:32:47 00:32:46
2 200 Herlihy Michael Male north Cork 00:33:37 00:33:36
3 138 Longan John Male St. Finbarr's AC 00:35:49 00:35:47
4 198 Greene David Male Grange Fermoy A.C. 00:36:23 00:36:23
5 130 Maher david Male Carrig na BhFear 00:36:37 00:36:35

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

Thursday, May 19, 2022

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

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

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.

Saturday, May 14, 2022

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Castlehaven: 11 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 18 last week. Long term average 30.

First 3 men & women...
1 James WHITE Male VM35-39 24:19
2 John CASEY Male VM55-59 Togher AC 24:52
3 Danny SMITH Male VM60-64 27:19
4 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 28:42
6 Martha HALBERT Female VW35-39 33:35
7 Ciara BUCKLEY Female VW35-39 34:32

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, May 13, 2022

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.