Results of the IMRA Claragh Mtn Trail Race - Sun 19th March 2023

The IMRA Claragh Mountain trail race near Millstreet in NW Cork was held on Sunday the 19th of March 2023 and attracted a field of 74 runners.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Nick Hogan 654 M40 33:30 Cork
2 Henry Browne 672 M40 34:50 West Muskerry AC Cork
3 Brian Mullins 108 M40 35:14 St. Finbarrs AC Cork
16 Carol Finn 611 F35 40:09 Cork
18 Mary Louise Ryan 1243 F40 41:11 Mooreabbey Milers Tipperary
22 Siobhán Dineen 2083 F45 41:53 Cork

Full results... https://imra.ie/events/view/id/2268

Cork runner Michelle Finn wins the 2023 Streets of Portlaoise 5k on St Patrick's Day

First place finish for Michelle Finn

One of the big races on St Patrick's weekend was the Streets of Portaloise 5k and a number of the top runners from Cork traveled north to it. A total of 609 runners crossed the finish line with 151 going under 20 minutes.

The first woman home was Cork runner Michelle Finn who won in an impressive time of 16m 01s.

Top 10 women...

26 1 Michelle Finn Leevale A.C. F 0:16:00 0:16:01  
32 2 Grace Lynch Dundrum South Dublin A.C. F 0:16:21 0:16:21  
37 3 Ide Dhomhnail west Limerick AC F 0:16:31 0:16:32  
41 4 Lizzie Lee Leevale A.C. F40 0:16:38 0:16:38  
59 5 Courtney Mc Guire Clonmel A.C. F 0:17:10 0:17:12  
71 6 Fiona Gettings Longford A.C. F40 0:17:25 0:17:26  
72 7 Eimear Maher Dundrum South Dublin A.C. Jnr F 0:17:26 0:17:28  
74 8 Aislinn Domhnall west Limerick AC F45 0:17:31 0:17:32  
77 9 Hannah Steeds Leevale A.C. F 0:17:35 0:17:36  
78 10 Noreen Brouder Sportsworld A.C. F40 0:17:36 0:17:38  

In the men's race, Michael Harty of East Cork AC was the 1st M40 in a time of 14m 59s.

1 1 Eoin Everard Kilkenny City Harriers A.C. M 0:14:36 0:14:36  
2 2 William Maunsell Clonmel A.C. M 0:14:37 0:14:37  
3 3 Jake O Regan St Johns AC M 0:14:44 0:14:44  
4 4 David Mansfield Clonmel A.C. M 0:14:49 0:14:49  
5 5 Jack Fenlon St Abbans A.C Jnr M 0:14:51 0:14:51  
6 6 William Fitzgerald Craughwell A.C. M 0:14:51 0:14:51  
7 7 Gerry Forde Kilkenny City Harriers A.C. M 0:14:54 0:14:54  
8 8 Killian Mooney Dundrum South Dublin A.C. M 0:14:56 0:14:56  
9 9 Conor Duffy Glaslough Harriers A.C. M 0:14:56 0:14:56  
10 10 Colin Maher Ballyfin A.C. M 0:14:57 0:14:57  
11 11 Michael Harty East Cork A.C. M40 0:14:59 0:14:59

Full results HERE

Photos HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 18th March 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 18th March 2023. Approximately 806 runners and walkers took part in the 9 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 216 this week, 215 last week. Long term average 286

First 3 men & women... 

1 Ciaran COSTELLO Male SM30-34 Piranha TC 17:47

2 Ben O'BRIEN Male JM15-17 Leevale AC 19:09

3 Fionn NEVILLE Male JM15-17 19:29

7 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 20:12

10 Niamh O'RIORDAN Female SW30-34 21:06

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

Ballincollig results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/268/

Tramore Valley Park: 167 runners took part in this event. 198 last week. The long term average is 169.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas MCCARTHY Male SM20-24 16:49

2 Aidan BENJACAR Male JM15-17 17:36

3 Arnaud BENJACAR Male VM50-54 Liffey Valley AC 17:36

8 Aoibhinn KEOHANE Female JW11-14 18:59

9 Mary OSHEA Female JW11-14 19:00

17 Jean KEYES Female VW40-44 21:18

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/49/

Glen River: 74 this week, 47 last week. The long term average is 76.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Sophie WOOD Female SW25-29 Sale Harriers Manchester 17:45

2 Laura Elizabeth BARBER Female SW30-34 Sale Harriers Manchester 19:18

20 Mags HASSETT Female VW45-49 Douglas Meet and Train 25:39

3 Cathal O'CONNELL Male VM55-59 St Finbarrs AC 19:33

4 Gary CUMMINS Male VM35-39 20:42

5 Ollie HUGHES Male VM40-44 Blayney Rockets 21:05

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/148/

Mallow Castle: 64 finishers this week, 53 last week. The long term average is 67.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Unknown 

2 Simon BERNARD Male VM40-44 Wimbledon Windmilers 18:03

3 Eoin O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:30

8 Gillian MURPHY Female VW35-39 Mt. Hillary AC 21:10

9 Sinead SEXTON RENTON Female VW45-49 21:29

14 Pauline SWEETNAM Female VW40-44 Mallow Tri Club 22:38

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/75/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 67 this week, 40 last week. The long term average is 62.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Conor SHERIDAN Male SM30-34 East Coast Athletic Club 19:45

2 Conor LUTTRELL Male SM25-29 20:37

3 James 0 MAHONY Male VM35-39 20:42

6 Éadaoin COLEMAN Female VW40-44 22:09

7 Susan DINEEN Female VW40-44 22:28

10 Susan BYRNE Female VW35-39 23:36

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/54/

Macroom Desmense: 50 this week, 32 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:28

2 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 19:33

3 Gary LYNCH Male VM50-54 22:43

7 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 23:48

9 Karen O' CALLAGHAN Female VW45-49 24:22

11 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:55

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/417/

Clonakilty: 28 finishers this week, 34 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women... No event this week due to a car rally using the showgrounds

Clonakilty results... 

Glengarriff Woods: There were 67 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 47 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Peter LITTLE Male VM45-49 19:11

2 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:10

3 Micheal COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:49

7 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:55

12 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 24:51

13 Caroline O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 25:50

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/288/

Bere Island: 68 this week, 34 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 23:07

6 Annie OSULLIVAN Female JW11-14 26:58

8 Emma FENTON Female JW11-14 27:49

2 Frank OSULLIVAN Male JM11-14 24:23

3 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 24:32

4 Seamus DUFFY Male VM50-54 24:48

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/378/

Castlehaven: 33 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 30 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 20:46

2 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 22:20

3 Stephen CONNOLLY Male VM40-44 22:54

5 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 23:54

6 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 24:12

7 Katie COOKE Female VW40-44 Cork Triathlon Club 24:56

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/299/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Work continues on the new walkway bridge over the South Ring Road in Cork City

Back in June of 2022, I updated a post about the plans for the new pedestrian bridge over the N40 South Ring Road in Cork City which will link the Tramore Valley Park to Frankfield and Grange.

Cork City Council have just released some photos which shows the bridge under construction at Thompsons of Carlow.

It is expected to be finished and installed at the end of April 2023.

As you can see from the photos, the bridge is four metres wide which leaves loads of space for pedestrians, runners and cyclists.

The planned completion date for the whole project is the Autumn so I'd suspect it will be maybe September or October before it is open to the public?

This will not only benefit local runners in terms of more routes but it was also aid with access to the 5k parkrun on Saturday mornings.

Sometimes these projects seem to move at a glacial pace but at least we can see the finish line with this one.

Link to previous post with maps... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2022/02/cork-city-council-announce-plans-for.html

Friday Jigsaw: Start of the 2023 Carrigaline 5-mile road race

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from Derek Costello of the start of the Carrigaline 5-mile road race which took place in February.

This one has 140-pieces and you can find it HERE

Ballinlough Junior 2k parkrun to start Sunday 26th March 2023

Finally after a long delay, the Junior 2k parkrun in Ballinlough is going to start on Sunday the 26th of March 2023! This had been due to start quite some time ago as outlined in a previous post.

The venue for the parkrun is the park next to the Gus Healy Swimming Pool in Ballinlough.

The key points...

1) It will officially called the Nursery Drive junior parkrun

2) It will be held every Sunday at 9:30am

3) As with all Junior parkruns, it's for 4 to 14 year olds

4) The course is 2kms which will be 4-laps of the Japanese Gardens and park. Map below.

5) And it is of course free

If anyone is interested in their children taking part in this event then they can get register and download a barcode.

More information on the new website... https://www.parkrun.ie/nurserydrive-juniors/

Notice: Cork BHAA PwC Anthony Reidy Memorial 5k in Cork City - Wed 12th Apr 2023

The Cork BHAA PwC 5k in Cork City is coming up on Wednesday the 12th of April 2023 at 7:30pm.

This was a very popular race in 2022 and should get a good crowd again as it's centrally located in the heart of Cork City and about as flat a 5k course as you can get. It's also the first evening race of 2023 in Cork!

First off, the race HQ is the PwC building at One Albert Quay. You can enter there on the evening of the race. As always, it's €5 for registered BHAA runners and €10 for non-registered.

From PwC... Following our successful inaugural event last April, we are pleased to inform you that we are again hosting the PwC Anthony Reidy Memorial 5k race, in association with the BHAA, this spring.  

Event details for your diary:
Date: Wednesday, 12 April 2023 
Time: 7.30pm 
Registration: from 6.00pm 
Location: One Albert Quay, T12 X8N6

We also welcome donations to our chosen charity for this year, Cork Simon.  
Please donate at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/PwCCorkSimon

For more information on the event, please go to: https://www.corkbhaa.com/races/pwc/ or contact PwC Cork on 021 425 4000. 

We look forward to hopefully seeing you on the evening. 

This race is officially called the PwC Anthony Reidy Memorial 5k. From the race organisers at PwC:

Anthony Reidy was an Assurance partner in PwC’s Cork office. He sadly passed away in July 2021. He was much beloved, well respected and well known amongst his colleagues, clients and around Cork. We are holding this race to commemorate him. Please donate at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/PwCCorkSimon

Course... A map of the course used in 2022 is shown below and it shows in the usual Centre Park Road / Monahan Road circuit.

It's likely that this will be changed for 2023 but it will still be in the same general area.

As in 2022, there will be refreshments post race in One Albert Quay, which is where the BHAA prize-giving will happen.

Is there an increase in the number of people running in Cork??

Last week, I updated the running event calendar on the site and after it, I just had a quick look at the number of pageviews it was getting. 

Comparing February 2023 to February 2022, the number of pageviews of the running calendar was up just over 21%. The number of pageviews for the blog overall was up just under 17%.

Now, there's always going to be some variability but I think that's enough of a jump to suggest something is going on.

If we look at some recent races then we see the Carrigaline 5-mile up 17% this year and the Cork BHAA MTU 5k was up 6%. Again, there is going to be some variability especially with the weather but the trend does seem to be up.

I don't think we'll get back to say 2014 when some of the race numbers were higher but will we get back to the numbers back in 2019 before the pandemic?

Obviously a lot of people stopped running or going to running events due to the pandemic lockdowns but is there a trickle of them coming back?

Are they new runners? People starting off for the first time?

I wonder if it's the same in Dublin or the rest of the country?

Notice: IMRA Claragh Mtn 7km Trail Race - Sun 19th Mar 2023

IMRA are holding a 7km trail race on Claragh Mountain near Millstreet on Sunday the 19th of March 2023 at 2pm.

When you're standing at the road junction at the west end of Millstreet, you can look up at Claragh Mtn and it's hard to imagine that a run up to the summit and back again is only 7kms. However, the 340m climb does compensate for the shorter distance.

This is a good event for anyone who has done a forest trail race already and would like to try a 'mountain event'. It should be noted that in terms of mountains, this one is really small, it's a good intro.

Enter here... https://imra.ie/events/view/id/2268

Details from IMRA....

COUNTY: Cork (Millstreet)
DATE: Sunday 19 March, 2023
TIME: 14:00
CLIMB (M): 340
DISTANCE (KM): 7.00
RACE MARKING: Only major junctions marked - Only major junctions marked
GPS ALLOWED: Yes
ENTRY CLOSES: 2023-03-18 18:00:00
ENTRY COST: €7 for seniors, €5 for over 65s and under 18s

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The race begins on Claragh Rd (just opposite the carpark) heading south. After about 800m, take a sharp left onto a narrow road, and after another 600m, take a right turn onto a path going through the forest. This path zig-zags up through the forest, until you go over a stile on your left that exits the forest. You now follow the path keeping the forest to your right, until you go through a gate on to the open mountain. You are now on a narrow path that swings to the right and then takes you to the summit. Turn left at the summit, and head straight back down to intersect the uphill route and then follow your route back to the finish.

GETTING THERE: Millstreet, Co. Cork
Carpark and registration is opposite St. Patrick's Church on the main road going through the town (R582). OSI grid reference: W 268 902

Results of the IMRA Nagles Marathon & Half-Marathon - Sat 11th March 2023

The IMRA Nagle Mountains Marathon and Half Marathon was held last Saturday the 11th of March 2023 and a total of 172 runners took part.

These were two challenging events with 117 completing the half-marathon and 55 completing the full marathon.

The winning times of 1:49 for the half and 3:49 for the full give some idea of how tough the course was.

Full Marathon - Top 3 men & women...
1 Nick Hogan 654 M40 3:49:12 Cork
2 Donnacha Cassidy 1911 M 4:05:08 Kerry
3 Anthony Cahill 514 M45 4:12:36 Dublin
13 Deirdre O Gorman 311 F35 4:45:16 Watergrasshill Tipperary
17 Elaine Collins 323 F 4:55:28 Cork
21 Máiréad O' Keeffe 829 F45 5:03:06 Cork

Full results of the marathon... https://imra.ie/events/results/id/2270

Half-Marathon - Top 3 men & women...
1 Gavin Byrne 381 M35 1:49:00 Dublin
2 Eoghan Patrick O'Hara 984 M 1:55:18 Cork
3 Ian Harrison 694 M 1:55:45 Dublin
9 Carol Finn 611 F35 2:03:41 Cork
12 Elizabeth Wheeler 104 F45 2:04:08 TT Racers Dublin
15 Kath Carty 589 F40 2:07:39 N

Full results of the half-marathon... https://imra.ie/events/results/id/2267

Overall results of the Cloyne Commons Challenge 4k Series - Nov 2022 to Mar 2023

Now that the 5th and final race in the Cloyne Commons Challenge 4k Series is over, the overall results are shown below...

 Top 3 Male & Female
1st Aidan Noone Leevale AC 0:50:52
2nd Donal Giltinan East Cork AC 0:52:14
3rd Peter Howie Ballymore/Cobh AC 0:55:41
1st Vicky Spiteri Midleton AC 1:01:58
2nd Lisa Crowley Watergrasshill AC 1:03:39
3rd Eileen Leahy Midleton AC 1:04:44

Top Juniors
MJ - 1st Tony Hennessy Midleton AC 1:05:35
FJ - 1st Caoimhe Grey Walsh St Nicholas AC 1:06:00

Full results...

Results of the Cloyne Commons Challenge 4k - Sun 12th March 2023

Winners of the Cloyne 4k - Michael Harty & Vicky Spiteri

The 5th and final race in the Cloyne Commons Challenge 4k Series was held on Sunday the 12th of March and attracted a field of 198 runners.

First 3 men & women...
1 Michael Harty East Cork AC M40 00:11:34
2 James McCarthy East Cork AC M35 00:12:28
3 Aidan Noone Leevale AC M 00:12:44
26 Vicki Spiteri Midleton AC F35 00:15:40
31 Eadaoin Giltinan East Cork AC F35 00:15:56
33 Caoimhe Grey Walsh St Nicholas AC FJ 00:16:03

Race 5 - 12th March 2023

Overall Series Results of the 5 races HERE

Results Race 5

Place Name Club Category Time
1 Michael Harty East Cork AC M40 00:11:34
2 James McCarthy East Cork AC M35 00:12:28
3 Aidan Noone Leevale AC M 00:12:44
4 Tony Forristal Midleton AC M 00:12:47
5 Kenneth Kelleher East Cork AC M40 00:12:56
6 Donal Giltinan East Cork AC M40 00:12:58
7 Peter Hanrahan Togher AC M 00:13:06
8 Michael Furlong East Cork AC M 00:13:25
9 Cullen Lynch Togher AC M30 00:13:31
10 Stephen O'Brien East Cork AC M40 00:13:34

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 11th March 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 11th March 2023. Approximately 720 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

It looks as if the number were down this week with the damp weather with the exception of Tramore Valley Park which was up.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 215 this week, 279 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 

1 Alan O'SHEA Male VM40-44 Bantry Athletic Club 15:41

2 Adrian QUINN Male VM45-49 19:34

4 Gonzalo DEL PRISCO MIGUEL Male SM25-29 19:59

3 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:40

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

18 Niamh O'RIORDAN Female SW25-29 21:38

Ballincollig results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/267/

Tramore Valley Park: 198 runners took part in this event. 175 last week. The long term average is 168.

First 3 men & women...

1 Sean TWOHIG Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 16:32

2 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:18

3 Ciaran DOHERTY Male SM30-34 17:29

9 Ann MOORE Female VW55-59 Leevale AC 19:11

12 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:41

17 Fionnuala DESMOND Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:58

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/48/

Glen River: 47 this week, 76 last week. The long term average is 76.

First 3 men & women... 

1 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:23

2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 19:45

3 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 19:54

9 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 24:07

16 Danielle Ó FLYNN Female VW35-39 26:30

17 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 27:03

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/147/

Mallow Castle: 53 finishers this week, 77 last week. The long term average is 67.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Martina KIELY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 18:38

11 Aoife MCSWEENEY Female SW20-24 24:58

12 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW40-44 25:26

2 Conor NAGLE Male VM40-44 19:27

3 Maurice O'BRIEN Male VM40-44 20:20

4 Ken DEANE Male VM40-44 20:54

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/74/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 40 this week, 55 last week. The long term average is 62.

First 3 men & women... 

1 James MAHER Male SM30-34 18:01

2 Jason TRAVERS Male VM45-49 West Waterford AC 18:20

3 Shane GREENE Male VM40-44 18:39

4 Robyn BUCKLEY Female SW18-19 20:46

7 Susan DINEEN Female VW40-44 22:09

10 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 24:19

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/53/

Macroom Desmense: 32 this week, 53 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:28

2 Padraig SHEAHAN Male VM55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 21:46

3 Gary LYNCH Male VM50-54 22:40

9 Marie CONDRON Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 24:26

12 Leah KEATING Female SW25-29 25:33

14 Maria NEVILLE Female VW50-54 West Muskerry A.C. 26:10

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/416/

Clonakilty: 28 finishers this week, 34 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...

1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 18:27

2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:23

3 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 20:55

8 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 25:02

9 Claire MC MANUS Female VW65-69 Greater Boston Track Club 25:26

10 Helen O'LEARY Female VW60-64 25:46

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/372/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 47 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 78 last week, long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Danny MANNING Male VM45-49 21:19

2 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 21:40

4 Cormac WHOOLEY Male SM30-34 22:41

3 Anna TOWNS Female JW15-17 21:54

7 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:50

8 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 25:00

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/287/

Bere Island: 34 this week, 32 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Ben MURPHY Male VM40-44 21:35

2 Denis BROWNE Male VM60-64 Eagle A.C. 22:25

5 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 24:57

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 23:44

4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:31

6 Kamila JAKUBOWSKA-SWITAJ Female VW45-49 Fota Island Running Club 26:49

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/377/

Castlehaven: 30 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 32 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...

1 Harry SLINGER Male SM30-34 23:45

3 Mikie O'SULLIVAN Male SM30-34 24:44

5 Declan RICE Male VM40-44 25:13

2 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 24:35

4 Siobhan COURTNEY Female VW35-39 24:44

6 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 25:20

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/298/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Guest Post: The Year Moves On ...by Pat Walsh

 ** The Year moves on **

Last Thursday was the 9th of March 2023.

The year is moving on fairly rapidly at this stage. In a few more weeks we will have long evenings and some evening races to compliment the full schedule of weekend runs that are already happening. 

Have you any idea what the year has in store for you and even the slightest hint of a plan to achieve it? 

There will always be a few pitfalls but we can overcome those if we have some strategy of working to our goal.

Run, Run. First and foremost in any plan is you need to be running. Get the miles in, but make sure there is enough slow runs to help recovery and prevent burnout. Look forward to a run and meeting people. Do not resent it or in any way try to avoid it. Live it -Love it.

Get some regular (weekly) speed work. It is impossible to just rock up to a race and perform if you have not put some appropriate speed into your legs during training. 

Stretching, flexibility and mobility work are important in any plan and if like me you are vintage then they are absolutely necessary to keep you moving. Get a routine that you can do at home most days, plus add some extra before and after runs. Maybe attend some yoga / pilates classes or some aerobic class that has a stretching part to it. 

I could waste another year and wonder where did it go, or I can look forward from today to a very rewarding 2023. Reward means participating for me, there is no mention of PB’s, prizes or times. Running a race is showing to myself that I’m alive and healthy. Prizes are for the elite, running a race and enjoying the occasion is for the special people. 

It is only when you look back and see how fast time moves on that you must remind yourself to do better and not waste any more days. Where did the last 20 years go, when I look at my Ballycotton mug and t-shirt for 9th March 2003? I remember that particular day like it was yesterday. Classic race, sadly missed but time waits for no-one so what are we waiting for? 

Make new memories of your own that you can cherish. 

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -C. S. Lewis.

#pwr #KeeponRunning

Friday Jigsaw: Mick Dooley & Seamus Cahill at the MTU 5k

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from the Cork BHAA MTU 5k last weekend by Mick Dooley of Mick Dooley! You can find the 96-piece jigsaw of Mick & Seamus HERE

Notice: Banteer 5 mile road race - Sun 14th May 2023

This 5-mile road race organised by Mount Hillary AC is coming up in the village of Banteer to the west of Mallow on Sunday the 14th of May 2023 at 10am.

Entries HERE

You can also enter on the morning of the race.

From Liam Murphy – Race Director... “Mount Hillary AC with our Main Sponsor , Tarrant’s Skoda Banteer, are delighted to Launch the Banteer 5 Mile Road Race which will take place on Sunday 14th May 2023 at 10am. 

We are offering a fast 5-mile course on a scenic route . Runners will receive a warm welcome and enjoy tea , coffee and treats after you cross the finish line.  

We have cash prizes for Senior, Juvenile (15-17), O40 , O50 , O60 & Wheelchair . Banteer has a proud history in Athletics with it being the birthplace of two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Dr. Pat O’Callaghan. We would like to continue this rich tradition by providing a quality road race.”

Course: This is a pretty fast 5-mile course with lots of flat running at the start and over the last three miles.

Banteer is located about 20kms to the west of the town of Mallow in N Cork. It's just 1km south of the N72 Killarney to Mallow road.

The distance from Cork City is about 54 minutes and it's probably quicker to go via the main N20 road to Mallow and then take the N72 west. The alternative R579 route via Cloghroe and up over the hills to Nad might be shorter but it has a lot of twists and turns.

Banteer is also centrally located for any runners in Kerry or S Limerick.

Banteer 5-mile course... The route follows a figure of 8 pattern and it's shown above.... Yellow arrows for the first half and Green arrows for the second.

The first mile is mostly flat. 
The second mile has an ascent of about 35 metres or 110ft but that is spread out over the whole mile.
The third mile is a bit like a mirror image of the second mile in that there's a drop of about 30 metres spread out over a mile.
The fourth and fifth miles are pretty much flat and fast.

It looks like a reasonably fast course and the key is to get to the 2-mile mark in one piece so that you can take advantage of the last three miles.

Race Preview by Mt. Hillary AC...

Banteer, Co. Cork Sunday 24 th April 10 am - Fast PB Course - 40 Minutes Drive from Cork City - 30 Minutes Drive from Killarney

Notice: Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile race in Cobh - Sun 2nd April 2023

This years Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile in Cobh is coming up on Sunday the 2nd of April 2023 with a 10:30am start.

Enter HERE

Update 8th March 2023: This is the race mug...

From the organisers....The countdown is on!!! Where else would you see a race like this???

The race that literally has it all!!!

Notice: CUH Charity Triathlon in Farran Wood - Sat 27th May 2023

The CUH Charity Triathlon is coming up in Farran Wood on Saturday the 27th of May 2023 at 2pm.

For those into triathlons, there is a choice of two courses...

Triathlon (Swim + Bike + Run)
Short: 500m + 32K + 3K solo/relay
Long: 1000m + 32K + 6K solo/relay

What's nice is that there is also a relay option for a team of 3... one swimmer, one cyclist and one runner.

It costs €40 per individual or €110 for a team of 3.

As this is a charity fundraiser, participants are asked to raise sponsorship as well with a suggested target of €500.

Entry link... https://www.njuko.net/cuh-triathlon/select_competition

Event link... https://www.cuhcharity.ie/triathlon23/

Info from CUH Charity... Further info: The CUH Charity Triathlon will be held on 27 May 2023 to raise funds for Cork University and Cork University Maternity Hospital.

The money will go where it is most needed with the aim to provide a wide range of life-changing and life-saving equipment, facilities and services for patients attending both hospitals.

This event is the only triathlon to take place in beautiful Farran Wood. With both long and short races available, you can enter as a solo participant, or in a team of three.

The fundraising target this year is €500 per participant.

The event venue is at Farran Woods which is about 18kms west of Cork City or 10kms from Ballincollig.

The swim takes place in the lake by the National Rowing Centre, the run is within Farran Wood and the cycle route is shown below...

The cycle route goes from Farran Wood to Coachford... to Carrigdrohid... and then under the new Macroom Bypass. It then returns on the main N22 before taking a left and onto a quieter country road back to the woods. No huge hills but plenty of small pulls.

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA MTU 5k road race - Sun 5th Mar 2023

First 3-men in the BHAA MTU 5k (L-R) Shane Collins 2nd, Conor McCauley 1st & Eric Curran 3rd

The Cork BHAA MTU 5k road race was held on Sunday the 5th of March 2023 on what was a dry but cool day. A total of 379 runners took part, a slight increase of 6% on the figure for 2022.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Conor McCauley M1 00:15:13 Apple M-A-1
2 Shane Collins M2 00:15:33 Apple M-A-1
3 Eric Curran M3 00:15:47 Merck
25 Michelle Kenny 0/40F F1 00:17:42 Dept of Ed
47 Linda O'Sullivan 0/50F F2 00:18:58 HSE F-A-1
50 Carmel Crowley 0/50F F3 00:19:04 Stockhealth

Full results HERE

Photos...

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

2) MTU Staff Athletics have a gallery of the start HERE and the finish line HERE. Prizegiving photos HERE

First two women (L-R) ...Michelle Kenny & Linda O'Sullivan

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 4th March 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 4th March 2023. Approximately 890 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 279 this week, 255 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 

1 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM35-39 18:34

2 Eoghan O'HARA Male SM25-29 18:38

3 Gerald DONAGHUE Male VM45-49 19:08

7 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:45

8 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:51

39 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 22:57

Ballincollig results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/266/

Tramore Valley Park: 175 runners took part in this event. 199 last week. The long term average is 168.

First 3 men & women...

1 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 17:30

2 Alan HAYNES Male VM35-39 17:31

3 Briain MADDEN Male SM25-29 17:45

7 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:00

8 Orla DRUMM Female VW35-39 Crusaders A C Dublin 19:13

29 Laura MAYE Female SW30-34 22:34

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/47/

Glen River: 76 this week, 89 last week. The long term average is 76.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Michael CORBETT Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:06

2 Cathal O'CONNELL Male VM55-59 St Finbarrs AC 19:06

3 Thomas PINKHAM Male VM35-39 Marlow Striders 20:04   

5 Anita LOCKE Female VW35-39 St Finbarrs AC 20:57

13 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 22:44

28 Hannah LUCK Female SW30-34 Handy Cross Runners 26:41

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/146/

Mallow Castle: 77 finishers this week, 69 last week. The long term average is 67.

First 3 men & women... 

1 Tomás KIELY Male JM11-14 North Cork AC 17:53

2 Thomas BROWNE Male JM15-17 18:41

3 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:52

10 Regina SHEEHAN Female VW45-49 21:14

15 Aine QUANE Female SW30-34 22:30

16 Máire MCKENNA Female VW40-44 22:53

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/73/

Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 55 this week, 47 last week. The long term average is 63.

First 3 men & women... 

1 James COADE Male SM30-34 19:37

2 James 0 MAHONY Male VM35-39 21:02

3 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 21:35

8 Nuala MURPHY Female VW40-44 23:30

9 Susan BYRNE Female VW35-39 23:34

11 Lisa COLLINS Female SW30-34 24:03

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/52/

Macroom Desmense: 53 this week, 54 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...

1 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:15

2 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 20:21

3 Darren CREED Male SM30-34 20:36

14 Lisa KINGSTON Female SW18-19 24:29

16 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 24:45

17 Rachel KELLEHER Female JW15-17 25:21

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/415/

Clonakilty: 34 finishers this week, 35 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...

1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 17:57

2 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 19:51

3 Rían FITZGERALD Male JM11-14 20:21

14 Katie HARTE Female SW30-34 26:16

15 Lucy CRONIN Female JW11-14 26:44

16 Kathleen O REGAN Female VW35-39 26:51

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/371/

Glengarriff Woods: There were 78 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun in Glengarriff Woods. It was 71 last week, long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:03

2 Unknown

3 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:19

16 Meave QUINLAN Female VW35-39 25:56

18 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 26:19

27 Stacey O SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 28:40

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/286/

Bere Island: 32 this week, 34 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Dave CARR Male SM30-34 19:44

2 Unknown       

3 Rob CONROY Male VM35-39 20:47

4 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 23:31

6 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female Beara AC 24:51

7 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:19

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/376/

Castlehaven: 32 finishers this week in Rineen Woods. 34 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 20:53

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

3 James WHITE Male VM35-39 23:46

8 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 25:20

14 Siobhan RYAN Female VW40-44 2018 Operation Transformation 28:52

16 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 28:55

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/297/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Friday Jigsaw: Start of the 2023 Killeagh 4-mile road race - Sun 26th Feb 2023

On my way to the Killeagh 4-mile road race last Sunday, I heard my mobile phone make its ominous 'beep' to indicate that the battery was nearly empty and it was shutting down. Just before the start of the race, I turned it on, took this photo and then it promptly died again.

As I didn't get a chance to use the photo on the day, I thought I'd give it an airing as this weeks jigsaw. It has 96-pieces and you can find it HERE

Notice: The Great Railway Run 25km - Sun 16th Apr 2023

The annual Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline will be held this year on Sunday the 16th of April 2023. 

The 25K run will start at 9:30am in Centre Park Road and follow the old railway line that skirts the shores of Cork Harbour. The race will finish in Carrigaline at the Lions Youth Centre on Church Road.

Entries: You can enter online HERE

Route... The run will roughly follow the route of the old Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway which ran from 1850 until 1932.

For a large part of the run, the route will follow the old railway line that skirts the shores of Cork Harbour. The big change this year is the finish. An extra section will be added in after Shanbally so that the race finishes at the Carrigaline Youth Centre.

You can find details of the 2023 route HERE

More details on the event website.

There are two things that stand out for me about this event.

1) Point to Point... Most race routes take the form of some sort of loop where the start and finish points are near each other. This is one of the very few that goes from point to point. There's something special about starting an event in Cork City and ending up down in Carrigaline.

2) Prep for the Cork City Marathon... The Great Railway Run comes about 7-weeks before the Cork City Marathon and it's a good opportunity to try out your planned marathon pace. Do a short warm up before the event and then run the 25kms are your marathon pace. You should be reasonably comfortable by the time you get to the finish line. If not, you might need to revise your plans. It's also a great training session as part of your marathon preparation.

25K Prizes...

€3000 in prize money sponsored by Phelans Pharamacy. Prizes will be awarded for best overall placings as well as for age categories. Strictly one prize per entrant. The Joe West perpetual trophy will be awarded to the fastest male and female in the 25K race. Cash prizes will be as follows:

Men Overall: 1st €500, 2nd €250, 3rd €120, 4th €75

Men Categories: Wheelchair, M40, M45, M50, M55, M60, M65 - 1st in each category €50

Women Overall: 1st €500, 2nd €250, 3rd €125, 4th €75

Women Categories: Wheelchair, W40, W45, W50, W55, W60, W65 - 1st in each category €50

The prize giving will be held after the race at approximately 12:45pm in the Carrigaline Lions Youth Centre on Church Road.

Notice: Cork BHAA MTU 5k - Sun 5th March 2023

The Cork BHAA MTU 5k is coming up on Sunday the 5th of March 2023 at 11am. MTU is of course the new name for the CIT in Bishopstown.

The entry fee is just €5 for registered BHAA runners and €10 for non-registered. You enter on the morning of the race.

There will also be a free MTU snood for the first 400 to register on the morning of the race.

Update: 28th Feb 2023... See below for the latest updates including a look at the new MTU arena, decision to donate part of the entry fee to the UNICEF earthquake appeal and a request for donation of good used runners or running tops.

Results & Photos of the Adare 10k - Sun 26th Feb 2023

Another big race last weekend (Sun 26th Feb 2023) was the ever popular Adare 10k in Co Limerick where there 773 finishers. This is one of the most popular races in Limerick and sold out months ago.

Looking through the results, there were loads of runners from Co Cork taking part as well.

You can find links to the results and loads of photos here... https://munsterrunning.blogspot.com/2023/02/results-photos-of-adare-10k-sun-26th.html

Results of the Kinsale 10-mile - Sun 26th Feb 2023

First place for Hannah Steeds in the Kinsale 10-mile with a time of 60m 43s

 Kinsale 10 Mile 2023

Top 3 men & women...
1. 690 Tim O Donoghue m East Cork A.C. M18-39 00:50:43  
2. 555 Tudor Mircea m Clonliffe Harriers A.C. M18-39 00:52:51  
3. 334 Pat Hennessy m West Waterford A.C. M18-39 00:53:13
18. 920 Hannah Steeds f Leevale A.C. F18-39 01:00:43  
29. 267 Breda Gaffney f Mallow A.C. F50-54 01:03:32  
31. 462 Jean Lucey f F18-39 01:03:45

Full results HERE

Photos.... 

1) Joe Murphy has loads of photos just after the start... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3 ...Album 4 ...Album 5 ...Album 6 ...Album 7 

2) Derek Costello has these albums...

Mile 3 part 1 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtHnC
Mile 3 part 2 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtDKP
Mile 3 part 3 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtHAU

Mile 7 Part 1  https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtDkm
Mile 7 Part 2 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtFoA
Mile 7 Part 3 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtE1D
Mile 7 Part 4 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAtK3W