Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: May 2023

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Preview of the Cork City Marathon route

Preview... Now with the Cork City Marathon coming up next Sunday, have a look at these previews below to see what the various parts of the course are like.

This post is from 2022 when there were five relay stages. The course is the same so you should give you a good idea of what the full and half-marathon courses are like.


Previews.....
1) Marathon...HERE

2) Marathon Relay (2022)...
a) Part 1 of 5 can be seen HERE
b) Part 2 of 5 can be seen HERE
c) Part 3 of 5 can be seen HERE
d) Part 4 of 5 can be seen HERE
e) Part 5 of 5 can be seen HERE

If you are doing the half-marathon, then most of that route is covered in the description of the previous relay legs 4 and 5 above.

Monday, May 29, 2023

Results & Photos of the CUH Charity Triathlon in Farran Woods - Sat 27th May 2023

First 3-men in the short event in the CUH Charity Triathlon (L-R) David O'Donovan 3rd, Denis Hegarty 1st & Liam Aherne 2nd

It was a lovely sunny day for the CUH Charity Triathlon in Farran Woods on Saturday 27th May 2023. Between the long and short courses and the two relay event, there were about 120 participants.

Full results HERE

Photos HERE

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 27th May 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 27th May 2023. Approximately 757  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 250 this week, 257 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 
1 Sean TWOHIG Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 18:18
2 Ben O'BRIEN Male JM15-17 Leevale AC 18:40
3 Pablo HERRERA Male SM30-34 19:17
6 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:33
15 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:26
20 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:52


Tramore Valley Park: 150 runners took part in this event. 136 last week. The long term average is 167.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Magnolia RR 17:14
2 Toby BENHAM Male SM30-34 Crusaders A C Dublin 18:56
3 Lance DOHERTY Male VM45-49 Somerville Road Runners 19:08
11 Fiona RIORDAN Female SW30-34 20:32
12 Irene EIGHAN Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:07
15 Jane OCONNOR Female SW20-24 21:27


Glen River: 73 this week, 66 last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Donal COAKLEY Male VM35-39 Leevale AC 17:41
2 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 19:07
3 Hayden KING Male SM25-29 19:18
11 Julia LE MAUX Female SW20-24 23:26
12 Deborah O Female VW40-44 24:00
14 Mona EL KAFSI Female VW35-39 24:50


Mallow Castle: 55 finishers this week, 59 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Kevin BYRNE Male SM25-29 21:28
3 Nick DARMODY Male VM50-54 Mallow AC 21:51
4 Carl HOWARD Male VM45-49 22:00
2 Gillian MURPHY Female VW35-39 Mt. Hillary AC 21:38
12 Deirdre BYRNE Female SW20-24 23:43
15 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 24:36


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 45 this week, 53 last week. The long term average is 61.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Neil MOYNIHAN Male VM40-44 20:35
2 Shane GREENE Male VM40-44 21:52
3 Paul MCFARLAND Male VM35-39 24:18
6 Marie KELLY Female SW30-34 St Finbarrs AC 25:06
9 Kate MCFARLAND Female VW35-39 25:13
10 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 25:14


Macroom Desmense: 37 this week, 41 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:20
2 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 20:55
3 Rafal SZULHAN Male VM45-49 21:33 
17 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:29
18 Danielle MCCARTHY Female VW35-39 25:42
21 Aoife LUCEY Female SW18-19 West Muskerry A.C. 26:33


Clonakilty: 31 finishers this week, 27 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Donnacha WALSH Male JM11-14 20:53
3 Allan RONAN Male VM50-54 24:31
4 Colin COLLIGAN Male VM60-64 25:27
2 Saoirse KNOX Female SW25-29 24:20
7 Ann HIGGINS Female VW55-59 Sportsworld 25:54
10 Katie HARTE Female SW30-34 26:20


Glengarriff Woods: There were 68 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 71 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Micheal COPPINGER Male JM11-14 21:12
2 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 21:24
3 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:27
7 Aoife CLINCH Female JW11-14 23:03
8 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:13
9 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:51


Bere Island: 24 this week, 32 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Ciarán O'SULLIVAN Male VM60-64 23:45
2 Ian SLOYAN Male VM40-44 26:21
5 Tadhg HOBBS Male JM15-17 31:34
3 Angela HARRINGTON Female VW60-64 Beara AC 26:56
4 Ewa OLINKIEWICZ Female VW45-49 30:39
6 Emma FENTON Female JW11-14 31:50


Castlehaven: 24 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 26 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...
1 James WHITE Male VM35-39 23:50
2 Unknown     
3 John CASEY Male VM55-59 Togher AC 24:43
7 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 28:21
8 Camilla MIGNOT Female VW35-39 28:21
9 Siobhan RYAN Female VW40-44 2018 Operation Transformation 28:59


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

Guest Post: Running in the Heat ...by Pat Walsh

 * Running in the Heat *

Few questions recently about running when it is hot?.

What type of session suits best? Is it Tempo, Interval, Long, Short and fast?

Answer..

None of the above.

We live in a Country that on average has over 1200mm of rain per year. Our average daily sunshine levels are low. Heat is something we experience when the fire is lighting and we have our bum stuck in it.

So relax and enjoy it. Run by all means but slowly enough not to come under pressure or overheat. It will pass, it will be cold again, of that there is no doubt. 

Get out the shorts, vest and maybe cap and sunglasses and cruise the roads with optimal take up of sun, nature, colours and all that can be seen and enjoyed. Drinks loads of water and don’t forget to carry some with you if you are out for a long time. Smile at fellow runners and spread the joy.

As sure as night follows day… and you must pay tax, then we will be running again in cold inclement weather.  So have the cuppa afterwards al-fresco, maybe go for a dip if close to the sea. 

There is usually 9.47 days in the year (Met Eireann verified) when we think we are Mediterranean. So embrace the felling, chill the guilt, lose the watch and just move slowly enough to enjoy life and be glad of the fact we can move.


Enjoy the weekend and don’t forget the sunscreen and water.

#pwr 

Friday, May 26, 2023

Notice: Ardmore 5-mile - Fri 26th May 2023


For anyone looking for a race, West Waterford AC are holding their Ardmore 5-mile on Friday 26th May 2023 at 7:30pm. €15 entry on the night.

Details... 26th ANNUAL ROUND TOWER HOTEL ARDMORE 5.

Race number 2 in our series this year takes us to the fast course in the beautiful village of Ardmore. Join us in Ardmore for a great evening's running and thanks to our  sponsor, The Round Tower Hotel we will have prizegiving and refreshments after the race. 

The entry fee on the night will be €15

Number collection is at Ardmore GAA club grounds (by kind permission).

Prizes are as follows:
First 3 Male and Female
1 Junior Male and Female
1st Over 40,50,60 Male
1st Over 35, 40, 50 Female
1st Male - Veronica Ryan Cup
1st Female - Noel Faherty Cup

CASH BONUS ANNOUNCED FOR FRIDAYS RACE.
100 EURO !!!!
FIRST MAN TO BREAK 24.30
FIRST LADY TO BREAK 28.30

Friday Jigsaw: John Buckley Sports 5k - May 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from this weeks Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race.

You can find the 96-piece jigsaw HERE

Someone requested a bigger jigsaw so we might introduce a few of those into the mix soon.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race - Tues 23rd May 2023


As expected, there was a big turnout for the annual Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race with 897 crossing the finish line. That's a massive 50% increase on the figure for 2022.

 Top 3 men & women...
1 Sean Doyle 00:14:55 Temp Reg
2 Paul Hartnett 00:15:04 Temp Reg
3 Mark Walsh M1 00:15:14 Dept of Ed
47 Lizzie Lee 0/40F F1 00:16:41 Apple
55 Hannah Steeds F2 00:16:57 Eli Lilly
60 Martina Kiely 0/40F F3 00:17:01 Dept of Ed F-A-1

Full results from the BHAA HERE

Full results from Sports Timing with the chip times HERE

Photos....

1) There are about 500 photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page.
a) Album 1 b) Album 2 c) Album 3 d) Album 4 e) Album 5 f) Album 6 g) Album 7 

2) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE

3) Niall Moran Photography has a nice big gallery HERE

***

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

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

2023 Cork City Sports cancelled


The organisers of the Cork City Sports have announced that the 2023 edition has been cancelled due to ongoing works of the athletics track at MTU. Over the last few year, things haven't been going well for this athletics event. First of all, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. It went ahead in 2022 but now it's cancelled again.

The organisers released this statement... " It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the highly anticipated Cork City Sports World Athletics Continental Tour 2023. This decision was made due to significant delays in the resurfacing of the athletics track at the Munster Technological University (MTU).

The decision to cancel the Cork City Sports Continental Tour was not taken lightly. The organising committee, in collaboration with the MTU, has been closely monitoring the progress of the resurfacing project. Unfortunately, technical challenges encountered by the specialist contractor in achieving World Athletics International Standard Certification requirements have led to significant delays, making it impossible to complete the athletics track in time for the event.

The organisers understand the impact that this cancellation has on the athletes who were eagerly preparing to compete in Cork. We recognise the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by athletes from around the world. Rest assured, we share in their disappointment and regret any inconvenience caused.

The organising committee, together with the MTU, will focus on completing the resurfacing works as soon as possible track to ensure that the Cork City Sports Continental Tour will return stronger than ever in July 2024."

Monday, May 22, 2023

Cork runner Lizzie Lee wins national 5k title - 20th May 2023


The Irish Runner 5K was held in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on Saturday 20th May 2023 with 1174 crossing the finish line. It also doubled up as the National 5k Championships.

The first woman was Lizzie Lee from Leevale AC in Cork in a time of 16m 47s.

1 Lizzie LEE 00:16:46 00:16:47 189 F Nat F40 Leevale A.C. 
2 Ellen MORAN 00:16:50 00:16:53 377 F Nat FS Galway City Harriers A.C.
3 Clíona MURPHY 00:16:57 00:16:58 385 F Nat FS Dublin City Harriers A.C.

Full results HERE

Notice: Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race - Tues 23rd May 2023

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.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 20th May 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 20th May 2023. Approximately 768  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 257 this week, 244 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 
1 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:41
2 Ben O'BRIEN Male JM15-17 Leevale AC 19:09
3 Jose Antonio NARANJO SANTANA Male SM25-29 19:25
4 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:27
5 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 19:31
16 Jennifer RING Female VW40-44 21:29


Tramore Valley Park: 136 runners took part in this event. 131 last week. The long term average is 168.

First 3 men & women...
1 David MURPHY Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 18:09
2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 18:40
3 Joseph CROWE Male SM25-29 18:47
20 Carmel PARNELL Female VW65-69 Leevale AC 22:32
29 Michelle ROWLEY Female VW45-49 23:43
30 Sinéad LYNCH Female SW30-34 23:56


Glen River: 66 this week, 65 last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Frank HAYES unreg 20:14
2 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 20:48
3 Andrew KELLY Male VM35-39 21:28
8 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 23:27
11 Gemma MARTINEZ Female VW45-49 25:17
15 Yan ZHANG Female VW35-39 Sanctuary Runners 26:14


Mallow Castle: 59 finishers this week, 47 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Owen KNIGHT Male SM20-24 Brighton Phoenix 17:10
2 Ken DEANE Male VM40-44 20:23
4 Eamonn O'SULLIVAN Male SM30-34 22:11
3 Niamh MC DAID Female SW25-29 Sportsworld 21:54
9 Katelyn HANLON Female SW20-24 23:44
11 Catherine ROHAN Female VW45-49 24:37


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 53 this week, 46 last week. The long term average is 61.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Jason TRAVERS Male VM45-49 West Waterford AC 19:34
2 Declan CLANCY Male SM30-34 Watergrasshill AC 21:43
3 Ciaran MITCHELL Male SM30-34 22:25
4 Ornaith KEANE Female SW25-29 24:34
9 Patricia DALY Female VW45-49 West Waterford 25:40
10 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 25:40


Macroom Desmense: 41 this week, 71 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Tim CLARKE Male VM40-44 20:02
2 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 20:37
3 Darren CREED Male SM30-34 20:40
9 Marie KELLY Female SW30-34 St Finbarrs AC 25:09
13 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:49
16 Meabh NI CHATHAIN Female VW45-49 26:16


Clonakilty: 27 finishers this week, 32 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Garrett LORDAN Male VM40-44 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 16:55
2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:36 
3 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 20:59
6 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 24:01
7 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:09
8 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 24:43


Glengarriff Woods: There were 71 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 52 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Richie LYNCH Male VM40-44 20:43
2 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:46
4 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 22:40
3 Breda LYNCH Female VW35-39 22:14
6 Zara MURPHY Female VW40-44 23:50
13 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 25:48


Bere Island: 32 this week, 46 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:59
3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:34
6 Joanne SULLIVAN Female VW50-54 28:41
2 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 24:11
4 Unknown        
5 Cillian CLAIR Male VM35-39 27:54


Castlehaven: 26 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 22 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...
1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:10
2 Andrew EGAN Male SM30-34 21:12
3 Josh HARRIS Male VM50-54 Lonely Goat RC 22:12
8 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:16
12 Siobhan RYAN Female VW40-44 2018 Operation Transformation 28:38
16 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 30:32


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

Results of the Buttevant 4-mile - Fri 19th May 2023

Top 3 men & women...
1 James Doran An Ríocht A.C. M40 0:20:45
2 Damien Madigan North Cork A.C. M 0:21:03
3 Declan Guina West Limerick A.C. M 0:21:09
21 Carol Finn Leevale A.C. F 0:23:22  
24 Michelle Kenny Leevale A.C. F40 0:23:37  
31 Breda Gaffney Mallow A.C. F50 0:24:22

Full results HERE

Friday, May 19, 2023

Friday Jigsaw: Cheetah Run 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo by Joe Murphy of some runners at the 2023 Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park.

You can find the 96-piece jigsaw HERE

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Results of the Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 18th May 2023

Joe Murphy presenting the ‘Anne Lucey Murphy Memorial Cup’ to Hannah Steeds, the first woman in the 2023 Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park


This years Cheetah Run 5k race in Fota Wildlife Park was held on Thursday 18th May 2023.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Ray HYNES Donore Harriers A.C. M M40 622 15:26
2 Sergiu CIOBANU Clonliffe Harriers A.C. M MS 475 15:38
3 Denis HEGARTY Watergrasshill A.C. M MS 60815:49
17 Hannah STEEDS Leevale A.C. F FS 908 17:35
20 Michelle KENNY Leevale A.C. F F40 652 17:53
22 Kealey TIDESWELL Clonmel A.C. F F35 920 17:57

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE

2) Derek Costello has several galleries...
 pre start          https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEhBe
Start                 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEnfA
3 km part 1      https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEmcp
3 km part 2     https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEhLp
3 km part 3     https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEmgC
3 km part 4     https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEmn9
prize giving    https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEmmN

3) Joe Murphy has loads of photos...

Notice: The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 18th May 2023


Update from the organisers - 16th May 2023 : We hope all of our participants are looking forward to the Eagle AC Cheetah Run Fota Wildlife Park this Thursday May 18th.

A few reminders below:
Participants information emails are being sent out today, please check your email. 
Gates open at 6:30pm with number collection on entry at the Ticket Booths. 
1 mile race for 11-15 year olds starts at 7:15pm
& the 5k race starts at 8pm sharp.
All postal numbers have been sent out.

Please arrive early to the event, we have over 1000 participants along with their supporters entering the park. This takes some time for parking, number collection, getting to the start line etc.
Our Eagle Athletic Club members are ready for action and we couldn’t do it without so many of them volunteering to help on the evening. 

We are very grateful to our sponsors John Buckley Sports & Brooks Running for their wonderful support.

Most importantly we hope you have fun & enjoy this special evening!


Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Results of the Rosscarbery Surf Turf n Tar Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 13th May 2023

This year's Rosscarbery Surf, Turf n Tar Half-Marathon & 10k was held on Saturday 13th May 2023. The numbers in the half were pretty modest with 192 taking part. The 10k event however was a lot more popular with 492 crossing the finish line.

One of the main features of this race is the fact that parts of it are off road which help show off some of the nicest areas around Rosscarbery.

Half-Marathon - Top 3 men & women...
 1 Sean Dineen Clonakilty   1:27:20 SM 1249
2 Craig Harrington Cork Track Club   1:27:42 SM 1067
3 Conor O Leary Clonakilty   1:28:43 SM 1176
10 Clara Ryan St. Finbarrs AC   1:35:36 SF 1210
11 Karen Walsh Douglas   1:36:09 SF 1230
32 Mary Horgan Clonakilty   1:48:28 SF 1077

Full Half results HERE 

10k - Top 3 men & women...
1 Alfie Davis Leevale AC     38:47     38:46 M45 99
2 Billy O Brien Skibbereen AC     39:33     39:32 M45 335
3 Jp Treacy St. Finbarr's AC     40:59     40:58 SM 497
7 Carmel Crowley Bandon AC     43:07     43:05 F55 81
14 Elaine Collins Togher AC     44:44     44:41 SF 53
28 Eimear O Brien Clonakility     48:04     48:00 SF 338

Full 10k results HERE

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Results & Photos of the Banteer 5-mile road race - Sun 14th May 2023

Lizzie Lee of Leevale AC is the first woman home in the 2023 Banteer 5-mile


The Banteer 5-mile road race was held on Sunday 14th May 2023 and attracted a field of 187 runners, an increase of 26% on the 148 of last year. The race was organised by Mt Hillary AC.

Top 3 men & women...
878 Anthony Mannix 26:03 Cork Track Club Senior M 1
838 Donal Coakley 26:11 Leevale A.C. Senior M 2
837 Gary Walsh 27:57 Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. O40 M 3
813 Lizzie Lee 29:20 Leevale A.C. O40 F 6
825 Breda Gaffney 30:19 Mallow A.C. O50 F 12
848 Rebecca McEvoy 30:37 St. Finbarrs A.C. Senior F 15


Photos...
1) Mt Hillary AC have some galleries

2) Joe Murphy has loads of photos as per usual.

3) Mick Dooley has some pre-race photos HERE and finish line photos HERE

Full results below...

Bib Name Time Club CAT M/F Position
878 Anthony Mannix 0:26:03.000 Cork Track Club Senior M 1
838 Donal Coakley 0:26:11.000 Leevale A.C. Senior M 2
837 Gary Walsh 0:27:57.000 Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. O40 M 3
824 Brendan Sheehan 0:28:19.000 Senior M 4
870 Alfie Davis 0:28:25.000 Leevale A.C. O40 M 5
813 Lizzie Lee 0:29:20.000 Leevale A.C. O40 F 6
771 Anthony Mc Givney 0:29:31.000 Mallow A.C. O40 M 7
803 Donough Barrow 0:29:32.000 Mallow A.C. O50 M 8
891 Kevin Griffin 0:29:44.000 An Riocht O60 M 9
779 Michael Clancy 0:29:46.000 Mallow A.C. O40 M 10

Results of the Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 13th May 2023

There was another big turnout for this year's Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k on Saturday 13th May 2023 with a total of 2,059 participants. There were 938 finishers in the half while there were 1121 finishers in the 10k event.

This event was usually held in late July / early August year and it was moved to mid-May for the first time in 2023. The overall numbers jumped from 1,806 in 2022 to 2,059 (+14%) in 2023 so the change of date seems to have been a good move.

Looking through the results, there is a large number of runners from Cork.

Top 5 men & women in the Half-Marathon...
 1 Derek GRIFFIN MS 1157 1:12:54
2 Niamh CLIFFORD Donore Harriers FS 1301 1:17:45
3 David MURPHY St. Finbarrs A.C. MS 655 1:18:15
4 Paul KEVILLE MS 445 1:18:41
5 Kristaps LIEPINS Watergrasshill A.C. MS 1302 1:18:49
1 Niamh CLIFFORD Donore Harriers FS 1301 1:17:45
2 Yuliia TARASOVA Clonliffe Harriers A.C. FS 968 1:24:37
3 Eimear O'LEARY Galway City Harriers A.C. FS 1057 1:28:58
4 Anna ORDYNSKA FS 844 1:31:57
5 Sinead DOHERTY FS 1283 1:32:32

Full results HERE

Top 3 men & women in the 10k...
1 Vinny CONNOLLY Mullingar Harriers A.C. M MS 5156 32:23
2 Kacper PIECH M MS 6389 32:55
3 Darragh OLEARY Killarney Valley A.C. M MS 5963 33:46
9 Siobhan DALY An Ríocht A.C. F F40 5233 39:33
13 Maria MCCARTHY Farranfore Maine Valley AC F F40 6201 40:23
16  Marie HOWARD Leevale A.C. F FS 5456 40:57


Full results HERE

Guest Post: Racing ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Racing **

Home from Hols and lost track of the days for a Friday Post. 😃 

Lot of comments on various social streams about races and numbers attending. Are they up or down, what is happening? I’m only writing a personal post of my opinion.

Races are too dear. 

15 to 20 to run a 5k to 5ml is excessive. 

DCM is over 100 and some City half are in the region of 65.

Every race run by a club think they are the best race, but when there is one in every village by all the clubs in a short space of time, then they cannot all be supported. 

Running numbers are down and club membership is down.

Triathlons and adventure races are currently offering an attractive alternative. 

Clubs cannot compete with the big commercial races as they are profit making and have the promotional expertise to make their race the ONE to DO.

Charities have latched onto runners as a possible fund raising cause but there is a limit on this and every worthy cause cannot be supported. Golf Classics were the charity go-to a few years ago and that died a death. Races for charity cannot be taken for granted.

Take fuel prices and maybe and overnight stay and then wonder how attractive is any race.

Some things to consider.

Category prizes when there is only a few competitors. There are category winners with no other competition. I’m old, Im Happy,  just show me the start line and a cuppa. Clubs could generate more profit by reviewing the whole category stuff. 

A city marathon might seem excessive but when people plan for months and make a weekend of it, then the actual price of the race is only a part of the equation. 

Support charities but runners are not the only fund raising means.


Fact

10 euro gets you a run with buddies and a cuppa and food afterwards. For many that is their weekend since Covid and they are happy.

Time is also a quantifiable commodity… Even if the price and occasion is right some people cannot commit to the overall time to do a short race. 

An evening short race can take 3 hours of your time. Some love this whole social stuff (me included) but not everyone is as lucky and free time is a valuable commodity.

There are only so many runners with limited budgets. Don’t take non-attendance at your race only a reflection of where we are now.

That is it…Comments welcomed as long as they are respectful

Did a 13 today after the hols. Stuck to the couch. Homer Simpson Arse Groove being generated. Thanks to my own crew for the help.#SpecialPeople

#PWR

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 13th May 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 13th May 2023. Approximately 756  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 244 this week, 233 last week. Long term average 287

First 3 men & women... 
1 Govinda O'SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 Eagle A.C. 19:04
2 Niall O' LEARY Male VM45-49 UCC Staff Athletics Club 19:25
3 Patrick O'DWYER Male SM30-34 19:46
7 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:00
9 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 21:32
21 Izzie O' LEARY Female SW25-29 Portmarnock Athletic Club 22:25


Tramore Valley Park: 131 runners took part in this event. 145 last week. The long term average is 169.

First 3 men & women...
1 Declan BRANDLEY Male SM30-34 17:04
2 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 17:09
3 Toby BENHAM Male SM30-34 Crusaders A C Dublin 18:03
13 Sorcha KEARNEY Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:18
19 Carmel PARNELL Female VW65-69 Leevale AC 22:29
21 Elaine SEXTON Female VW35-39 22:48



Glen River: 65 this week, 66 last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 19:25
2 Brian O CALLAGHAN Male VM40-44 Togher AC 20:19
3 Donal COAKLEY Male VM35-39 Leevale AC 20:27
12 Frankie HICKMAN Female SW25-29 23:22
14 Deborah O Female VW40-44 23:26
18 Mags HASSETT Female VW45-49 Douglas Meet and Train 24:52


Mallow Castle: 47 finishers this week, 37 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Tadhg SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 Bweeng Trail Blazers 16:50
2 Patrick CRONIN Male SM30-34 Mallow AC 20:14
3 Unknown
12 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 25:00
15 Breeda MCNAMARA Female VW45-49 26:00     
20 Janice HICKEY Female VW45-49 28:02


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 46 this week, 42 last week. The long term average is 61.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Maurice WALSH Male VM35-39 20:44
3 Ciaran MITCHELL Male SM30-34 22:26
6 Richard BRUCE Male VM55-59 Esker Running Group 23:04
2 Alexandra HERRICK Female SW25-29 21:05
4 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:45
5 Amanda BRUCE Female VW50-54 Esker Running Group 23:03


Macroom Desmense: 71 this week, 39 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:14
2 Matt MURPHY Male JM15-17 22:28
3 Richie FITZGERALD Male VM50-54 22:42
5 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 23:29
11 Aoife DOWNEY Female SW18-19 25:14
12 Marie CONDRON Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 25:16


Clonakilty: 32 finishers this week, 26 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor O'NEILL Male VM45-49 18:01
2 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 20:43
3 Shane KELLEHER Male VM35-39 20:58
6 Saoirse KNOX Female SW25-29 24:31
11 Ciara O'ROURKE Female SW25-29 27:30
14 Karin CONNOLLY Female VW50-54 Bishopstown Orienteering Club 28:59


Glengarriff Woods: There were 52 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 57 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM40-44 22:28
2 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 23:33
3 John BELCHER Male VM55-59 23:48
5 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:21
6 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 24:22
8 Marian MINEHANE Female VW40-44 24:42


Bere Island: 46 this week, 15 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Jason BUCKLEY Male VM50-54 Kimberley & District Striders 19:57
2 Cian Mark LYNCH Male SM20-24 21:59
4 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 24:12
3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 23:24
15 Ann DALY Female SW30-34 30:47
17 Edel MURPHY Female VW55-59 31:02


Castlehaven: 22 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 28 last week. Long term average 29.

First 3 women & men...
1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 22:08
3 Stephen MOORE Male VM45-49 Carrigtwohill AC 27:00
4 Neil O'DRISCOLL Male VM40-44 27:32
2 Catherine AIREY Female SW25-29 Highgate Harriers 23:58
5 Eva O'KEEFFE Female SW20-24 28:08
6 Siobhan RYAN Female VW40-44 2018 Operation Transformation 28:59


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

Friday, May 12, 2023

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

Just a reminder that the Banteer 5-mile is coming up next Sunday 14th May. You can also enter on the morning of the race.


Results of the Youghal 5k - Thurs 11th May 2023

 

The Youghal 5k road race was held on Thursday 11th May 2023 and attracted a field of 272 runners, up just 2.6% on last year.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Pat FitzGerald Waterford AC     15:47 SM 252
2 Mark Walsh Leevale AC     15:47 SM 142
3 Tony Forristal East Cork AC     15:48 SM 239
17 Fiona Santry East Cork AC     17:14 SF 233
36 Nadine Forde Leevale AC     18:33 SF 45
58 Niamh O'Connor East Cork AC     19:49 SF 261

Full results HERE

Friday Jigsaw: Dungarvan 10-mile 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from the Dungarvan 10-mile last February.

To solve this 88-piece online jigsaw, click HERE

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA Pfizers 6-mile road race - Wed 10th May 2023

There was a good turnout of 368 runners for this years Cork BHAA Pfizer 6-mile road race on what was a nice sunny evening. As can be seen from the chart above, it was the 3rd highest number for this event.

In 2022, this race was cancelled so the 2023 race numbers should be seen in the light of pre and post pandemic. Nearly all races dropped in 2022 after the pandemic with a modest rise for 2023. 

The 2019 race was at the end of wet day so that would have lowered numbers back then, this is especially true for a race where you enter on the night rather than pre-enter online. We probably shouldn't compare 2023 to 2019 but to the general numbers in the few years before the pandemic. Taken in that light, the 2023 numbers are good.

The Cork BHAA is independent of Athletics Ireland and there is no need to online entry with the extra fees or the costs of a one-day licence. People just look at the weather, turn up on the night and put €5 or €10 into the biscuit tin. 

The fact that the BHAA races are now some of the cheapest to enter on the race calendar must surely have something to do with the good numbers.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Shane Collins M1 00:31:05 Apple M-A-1
2 Darragh Mulcahy M2 00:31:34 Pfizer
3 Donal Coakley M3 00:31:34 Gilead Sciences
24 Michelle Kenny 0/40F F1 00:36:33 Dept of Ed F-A-2
27 Carol Finn F2 00:36:56 Carol Finn Physical Therapy
29 Catherine Murphy 0/45F F3 00:37:05 Janssen F-B-1

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has several galleries...
a) Start  b) Some of the early finishers                               

Race winners Michelle Kenny & Shane Collins


To be continued...

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Results & Photos of the IMRA Slieve Luachra Trail Race in NW Cork - Sun 7th May 2023

First 3-men

This IMRA 11.5km trail race was held on Slieve Luchra in NW Cork on Sunday 7th May 2023.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Conor McElroy 105 M35 0:51:53 Kerry
2 James Murphy 356 M45 0:52:26 Cork
3 Liam Sheehy 645 M50 0:53:17 Grange Ferm... Limerick
4 Michelle Kenny 485 F40 0:53:29 Leevale Cork
14 Siobhán Dineen 2083 F45 1:03:41 Cork
16 Helen O'Callaghan 110 F45 1:05:06 Cork

Full results HERE

Photos on the IMRA website HERE

With a total of 300m of climbing, it looks like was a challenging course. It looks a bit cool to be running around a wind farm though!

The Mt Hillary girls at the Slieve Luchra Trail race

New junior 2km parkrun for Dunmanway in West Cork


In a previous post, I outlined how there were new 2km junior parkruns in the pipeline for Togher, Mallow and Dunmanway. This week, Cork Sports Partnership announced that the Dunmanway event will be starting soon. The venue is at the race field which I believe is at the western edge of the town.

Junior 2k parkruns are for 4-14 year olds and they are held at 9:30am every Sunday morning. All events are free. 

As of May 2023, there are four Junior 2k parkruns in Co Cork... Ballincollig, Ballinlough,  Gurranabraher and Cobh. Dunmanway will be number five. 

It may well act as a seed event for other junior parkruns in West Cork. If a weekly junior parkrun in Dunmanway is a success then why not in Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen or Bantry?

If anyone would like to volunteer or help out at this new event then send an email to matt DOT shields AT parkrun DOT com

For more info on parkrun, visit their website... https://www.parkrun.ie/

If you want to visit any of the existing 5k or 2k parkruns in Cork then follow the links on the parkrun Cork page.