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Friday, March 31, 2023

Friday Jigsaw: Mallow 10-mile 75-min pacer


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from Derek Costello of the 75-minute pace group at the recent Mallow 10-mile.

This one has 90-pieces and you can find it HERE

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Thursday, March 30, 2023

Cheetah Run 5k entries open on Fri 7th April 2023

Just a quick post to say that this years Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park is coming up on Thursday the 18th of May 2023.

Entries will open on Friday 7th of April.

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Wednesday, March 29, 2023

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


Final update: Entries to the Cobh 10-mile remain open until 6pm on Saturday 1st April. Collection  from Cobh community centre on Sunday morning.

***

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!!!
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Ballinlough Junior parkrun gets off to a flying start


The inaugural 2km junior parkrun in Ballinlough got off to a flying start on Sunday the 26th of March with 123 crossing the finish line. Full results HERE

A video clip of the start can be seen below...

The event is called the Nursery Drive Junior parkrun, it's for 4-14 years old's, it's on every Sunday at 9:30am and it's free.

More info on the event website... https://www.parkrun.ie/nurserydrive-juniors/

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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Jim Tobin to run Sheeps Head for charity


Jim Tobin from Durus AC is a regular at a lot of the races in West Cork and was one of those who completed a 'garden run for charity' back at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Jim sent me an email to let me know that he plans to run/walk 66kms around the Sheep's Head peninsula in West Cork on Saturday the 6th of May 2023.

If you would like to support him and make a donation to charity then visit this link...  https://gofund.me/5d3ea939

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Sunday, March 26, 2023

Results & Photos of the Mallow 10-mile road race - Sun 26th March 2023

 

First place finish for Niamh Moore in a time of 59m 37s

Top 5 men & women...

1 Ryan CREECH 00:49:35 2 MS Leevale A.C.
2 Niall SHANAHAN 00:50:37 905 M40 An Bru A.C.
3 Dean CASEY 00:51:55 3 MS Ennis Track A.C.
4 Peter Brandon SOMBA 00:51:57 5885 MS Dunboyne A.C.
5 Kane COLLINS 00:51:58 136 MS Donore Harriers A.C.
41 Niamh MOORE 00:59:37 8 FS Leevale A.C.
78 Catherine MURPHY 01:02:40 643 F45 Eagle A.C. 
79 Orla BYRNE 01:02:45 1255 FS St. Finbarrs A.C.
92 Clara RYAN 01:03:15 888 FS St. Finbarrs A.C.
111 Emily KNOX 01:04:13 1132 FS Leevale A.C.

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) As always, Joe Murphy has loads of photos...
a) Pre race HERE
b) Early in the race 1 - HERE
c) Early in the race 2 - HERE
d) Early in the race 3 - HERE
e) Early in the race 4 - HERE
f) Early in the race 5 - HERE
g) Early in the race 6 - HERE
g) Early in the race 7 - HERE
g) Early in the race 8 - HERE
g) Early in the race 9 - HERE
g) Early in the race 10 - HERE

2) Derek Costello has loads of photos as well...
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Saturday, March 25, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 25th March 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 25th March 2023. Approximately 1102 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 526 this week, 216 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 
1 Peter SMALLCOMBE Male SM20-24 15:51
2 Gary HIGGINS Male VM45-49 17:23
3 Pablo HERRERA Male SM30-34 19:45
22 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 22:12
29 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 22:33
31 Pamella LOPES Female SW30-34 22:40


Tramore Valley Park: 189 runners took part in this event. 167 last week. The long term average is 169.

First 3 men & women...
1 Male VM35-39 Magnolia RR 17:03 
2 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:15
3 Diarmaid NOLAN Male SM30-34 18:15
6 Rachael O SHEA Female SW25-29 Cork Track Club 19:09
20 Jacqueline HUGHES Female SW30-34 Musselburgh & District AC 21:07
26 Clare MADDEN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 21:49


Glen River: 66 this week, 74 last week. The long term average is 76.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 19:19
3 Sean CROWLEY Male VM45-49 21:31
4 Sam RUSSELLL Male VM40-44 21:36
2 Anita LOCKE Female VW35-39 St Finbarrs AC 21:07
12 Nassreen ABDULLAH Female SW30-34 24:15
19 Yan ZHANG Female VW35-39 Sanctuary Runners 26:27


Mallow Castle: 48 finishers this week, 64 last week. The long term average is 67.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Martina KIELY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 18:40
2 Emma FLYNN Female JW11-14 North Cork AC 19:44
13 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW40-44 25:46
3 Unknown
4 Kieran TWOMEY Male VM55-59 20:50
5 Unknown 


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 37 this week, 67 last week. The long term average is 62.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Aaron DALY Male JM11-14 21:52
2 Eddie O'REGAN Male VM60-64 22:04
3 Ronald ILSLEY Male VM60-64 22:32
5 Susan BYRNE Female VW35-39 23:53
7 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 24:20
9 Susan DINEEN Female VW40-44 25:22


Macroom Desmense: 43 this week, 50 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Jack HAYWARD Male SM25-29 Brighton Phoenix 19:05
2 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 21:00
3 Matt MURPHY Male JM15-17 22:04
11 Lucy ANDERSON Female SW25-29 Arena 80 AC 25:50
18 Marie MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 27:41
19 Annabelle BULLMAN Female JW10 30:15


Clonakilty: 48 finishers this week, - last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Garrett LORDAN Male VM40-44 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 17:09
2 Conor O'NEILL Male VM45-49 18:28 
3 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 18:50
17 Anna O'NEILL Female VW50-54 23:42
22 Katie HARTE Female SW30-34 26:26
24 Patricia OCLEIRIGH Female VW55-59 Raheny Shamrock AC 26:50


Glengarriff Woods: There were 57 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 67 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 21:36
2 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 22:00
4 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 24:12
3 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:39
8 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 25:57
10 Fleur HINDLEY Female VW55-59 26:02


Bere Island: 59 this week, 68 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Tony TONER Male VM60-64 Termoneeny Running Club 21:02
2 Ben MURPHY Male VM40-44 21:33
3 Unknown
6 Laoise Ann O SULLIVAN Female JW10 26:12
8 Carol HURLEY Female VW50-54 Beara AC 26:29
10 Emma FENTON Female JW11-14 28:57


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

First 3 women & men...
1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 21:39
2 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 23:09
5 Peter BUCKLEY Male VM55-59 24:30
3 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 23:27
4 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 24:10
10 Anne-Marie GREEN Female VW55-59 28:02


For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.
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Guest Post: Run, Rest, Recover ...by Pat Walsh

Run, Rest, Recover

We can tackle this in a short term cycle as we go through our weekly plan.

And we can look at it in longer term and how to rest at various time after a major event.

In the short weekly cycle we cannot train hard every time we run. The body needs rest and to recover for the next hard session. For some that will be taking a day off, for others it will be running some easy miles and some will go to the gym or cycle / swim to mix up the training. 

Whatever approach you take is fine as long as there is recovery. We hurt our bodies when we train hard and rest is merely a chance to repair and build back stronger. Training on a tired body with weary legs is a recipe for disaster. 

The longer term is where there is a serious block of training leading up to a Distance event (eg marathon) and what is best to do afterwards. Your body will need rest, it is exhausted after a few months of high mileage and draining the reserves. You must do a controlled rest recovery period. It is OK to train lightly but whatever you do and even if it is some other exercise you cannot push the body. 

If you want to have a future and maybe improve from where you are, then the first thing to do is re-gather your energy levels and allow sore and tired muscles / bones to repair themselves. 

I like to look at the duration of intensity in an event to judge recovery times. Running 5k’s and 4 mile races are tough but in terms of time spent at max level it is possible to bounce back reasonably quickly. Some runners like to get a block of a few races in close succession and then cutback again for a while to recover and improve. 

Running a long race, there is no other answer than a decent recovery. You cannot perform again at your best too close to the previous effort.

After an illness or an injury it will take time to come back. Don’t rush it or force it, and allow yourself plenty of time to recover your old ways and get back in the groove. 


One to think about.... 4 Runners go off on Saturday Morning to run 10 miles together at a fairly decent pace. They are aged 30, 40, 50 and 60. They do it, finish together and are delighted. They did the same run, Heart Rate and pace reasonably similar.... but the recovery requirements are different. Always be aware of what is most appropriate for YOUR body. Recovery may take longer as we age. 😱

We are not machines. We will not improve without pushing ourselves but it is the balance of hard effort with periods of rest and lighter intensity will keep you running better and for longer. 

Hope you have a lovely weekend. 🥰

#pwr #keeponrunning

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Friday, March 24, 2023

New 2km Junior parkrun at St Mary's Campus in Cork City starts Sun 2nd April 2023


More good news on the Junior parkrun front! In a previous post, I outlined how a new 2km Junior parkrun in Ballinlough would be starting on Sunday the 26th of March 2023. 

It has just been announced that a new 2km parkrun for Juniors will be starting at St Mary's Campus in Gurranabraher on the north side of Cork City on Sunday the 2nd of April 2023.

This junior parkrun had been scheduled to start back in March of 2020 but then the whole pandemic thing kicked off.

The key points are...

1) It will officially called the St Mary’s Campus 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 3-laps of the campus in an anti-clockwise direction. 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/stmaryscampus-juniors/

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Friday Jigsaw: Glen River 5k parkrun - 18th March 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo taken by Mick Dooley at the Glen River 5k parkrun on St Patrick's weekend.

This one has 108-pieces and you can find it HERE

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Thursday, March 23, 2023

Proinnsias O'Keeffe completes 250 parkruns


Well done to Proinnsias O'Keeffe who recently completed his 250th 5k parkrun! The venue chosen for #250 was at the 5k parkrun on Bere Island.

Looking at the stats, this is a breakdown for the vast majority of parkruns that Proinnsias completed...

Ballincollig parkrun 103
Bere Island parkrun 91
Macroom Castle Demesne parkrun 19
Glen River parkrun 6
Tramore Valley parkrun, Cork 6
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Notice: Charity 21km Run & Walk from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh - Sun 18th June 2023


The organisers of the Challenge 21 charity 21k have been in touch to say that they are holding a 21km run / walk in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre Cork on the 18th of June 2023. Last year was the inaugural event when about 300 runners and walkers took part.

They write..."The route goes from Haulbowline to Pairc Ui Chaoimh and will be on this Sunday June 18th 2023. Rob Heffernan will be leading us out and we will be having an after party in the Black Market on Monahan Road.

We are asking participants to raise 21€ from 21 people, this is just a target of course and we would be delighted with any amount raised.

Registration is now open. Anyone that registers before April 30th will be entered into a draw for a weekend away in a 4 star hotel."

The entry fee is €21. Link here: https://C21.eventbrite.ie



***

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


Registration is at 9am and the event starts at 10am.

The route is shown above. 

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

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

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Wednesday, March 22, 2023

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

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Tuesday, March 21, 2023

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

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Saturday, March 18, 2023

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.
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Friday, March 17, 2023

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

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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

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Thursday, March 16, 2023

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/

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Wednesday, March 15, 2023

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?

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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



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Tuesday, March 14, 2023

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
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Sunday, March 12, 2023

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...

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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
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Saturday, March 11, 2023

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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Friday, March 10, 2023

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

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Tuesday, March 07, 2023

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.

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Sunday, March 05, 2023

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
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