Guest Post: The meaning of Christmas ...by Pat Walsh

 * The meaning of Christmas. *

What does it mean to you? A season to relax and enjoy or a time to be swamped by pressures and commercialization.

No pontificating or preaching here.

‘I'll protect you from the hooded claw
Keep the vampires from your door’

I urge you to just try to relax, be grateful for the ability to run at whatever pace and keep in touch with those around you.

A new pair of Vaporflys only puts pressure to run faster and a new Garmin gives you more statistics to perplex and depress you. Meeting a friend for an easy run might bring some fresh air, a chat, a cuppa and lots more benefits than any money can buy.

‘When the chips are down I'll be around
With my undying, death-defying love for you’

Money can’t buy you guaranteed health
It certainly can’t buy original hips and knees
Health is wealth, appreciate it
Could you put a price on going over a finish line
How much is a post race hug and cuppa worth
You don’t get a present of a finishers medal, you earn it
We have a new Greenway in East Cork that is free to use

We are not machines, think of us more as rechargeable batteries. Every now and then the levels are low and need a boost. This is a good a time as any. Also daylight is short and that can affect mood levels so try to get out as much as you can in daylight and take in the fresh air.

‘Let yourself be beautiful
Sparkling love, flowers
And pearls and pretty girls
Love is like an energy
Rushin' an' rushin' inside of me,’

Can you differentiate between what is important or what society has led you to believe is important. 
I urge you to slow down and take stock.
Make the contacts and keep in touch
Never be too old to enjoy the Christmas lights or pose for a silly picture
Smile, chat and brighten the world around you
The Power of Love

#pwr

Guest Post: ANOTHER FIRST FOR DENIS!...by John Walshe

Denis at the start in Youghal

ANOTHER FIRST FOR DENIS!   ... By John Walshe

As he himself says, it may not be as momentous as the first man on the moon but another statistic was added to Denis McCarthy’s remarkable list of achievements on Thursday (December 19) when he became the first to run the entire length of the newly-opened Youghal to Midleton Greenway.
 
Although the official opening doesn’t take place until the New Year, what was termed a ‘soft opening’ was enough for the East Cork athlete to lace up the shoes and rise to yet another challenge. The new section which extends from Youghal through Killeagh and Mogeely opened on midday and just a couple of minutes after noon Denis headed off into a strong headwind on his 14.2-mile (23km) trek.
 
“I suppose the first will always be remembered, whether it’s the first mile under four minutes or the first on the moon,” explained Denis on why he decided on this. “A man who would have inspired me in a small way was a West Limerick athlete, Tom Fitzgerald.
 
“Tom said something to me once which struck a chord; he was working in Cork on the construction of the Lee Tunnel and said to me one day he was the first man to run under water, so those little things inspired me to run the railway line.”

Passing through Mogeely after nine miles (15km)

Recently the 61-year-old notched up 10 years without missing a single day of running. This streak would have been much longer but for fracture to a bone in his leg back in 2013 which brought almost 28 years of continuous running to a brief suspension. But then, even while on crutches, he famously managed to complete the Shanagarry five-mile race in 71 minutes.
 
“There were eight days in which I actually did nothing, but then there were days trying to train while hobbling around in a medical walking boot until a doctor said to me I’d never heal like that, so I stopped running then and went on crutches.”
Last October, another milestone was reached when he competed in the Cork county senior cross-country championship for the 41st time (he has also ran the East Cork equivalent on 42 occasions). Back in the 1990s a different challenge came to fruition – that of running a race in each of the 32 counties on this island, before his 32nd birthday.

“It was a small bit daunting heading out this morning,” admitted Denis of his railway run. “My mileage is not particularly high at the moment but when I got as far as Killeagh I was fairly settled as I was familiar with the terrain after that, it’s only a short skip to Mogeely and then only five miles back to Midleton.”

Mission accomplished – the number on his chest says it all!

Cork BHAA calendar for 2025 announced

The Cork BHAA have released their provisional calendar for 2025 and there are 19 events listed. Thiis compares to 18 events in 2024, 17 events in 2023 and 14 events in 2022.

Here are a few of the things to note...

1) The Carey Tools race is a new one this year and it's scheduled for the 20th of August 2025.

2) The Amazon 5k, Apple Employees 5k and Thermo Fisher 5k were three new races last year and they're back on the calendar again this year.

3) The Radisson Blue 5k was on the 2024 calendar but didn't go ahead in the end. It's not on the 2025 calendar.

4) Both the UCC 10k and Cork to Cobh race seem to be gone for good.

As with any race calendar, the dates are provisional for now and might change.

Update: Apple has moved to the 17th of June.

If there are any changes, I'll update the race calendar.

The Cork BHAA races tend to be the most popular on the Cork race calendar due to the low entry fees and the social aspect. It's like 2025 will be more of the same.

UCC survey of Male marathon runners...

Researchers at University College Cork and the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) are looking to understand "Male marathon runners awareness and knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease and associated disease risk factors" and would like your help with their survey.

---

Update: 18th Dec 2024 - Catherine O’Riordan of the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery has been in touch about the survey and would like to thank the 350 or so who have taken part so far.

Catherine sent on a link to a recently published academic paper on the topic...  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10467474/pdf/10.1177_19417381231176534.pdf

Catherine said that the survey is still open and sends on the following... "We are so grateful to the 350 participants who have completed the survey to date. We are hoping to get more participants to complete the survey if they consent to do so."

---

If you would like to take part in this anonymous online survey you can click this link bit.ly/3C7IvcQ

Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k - Sun 15th Dec 2024

There was another big turnout for the Cloyne Commons 4k on Sun 15th Dec 2024 with 333 runners finishing. This was the second race in the winter series. 

Top 3 men & women...
1 837 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 12:53
2 749 Matthew Mahony Midleton AC MJ 13:20
3 750 Paul Cashman Watergrasshill AC M45 13:21
13 583 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarrs F 14:28
31 807 Sinead Falvey Midleton AC F40 15:25
32 753 Clare O Hanlon Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F45 15:26

Full results below...

Updated 17th Dec - The results are now updated with the correct times.

Position Race Number Name Club Category Time

1 837 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 12:53

2 749 Matthew Mahony Midleton AC MJ 13:20

3 750 Paul Cashman Watergrasshill AC M45 13:21

4 845 Tim Hartnett Unattached M 13:55

5 803 Fionn Buckley Unattached MJ 13:58

6 763 Shane Kearney St Catherines AC M45 14:03

7 752 Patrick Troy Ballintotis Fit 4 Life M45 14:09

8 759 Rod Scanlan Midleton AC M40 14:10

9 835 Corneilus Marshall St Finbarrs M45 14:11

10 711 Paul Spiteri Midleton AC M45 14:16

Results of the Cork BHAA Simon Turkey Trot 5k - Sun 15th Dec 2024

The annual Cork BHAA SIMON 5k Turkey Trot was held in Blackrock in Cork City on Sun 15th Dec 2024 with a total of 365 runners crossing the finish line. That might possibly be a new record for this event as it was two more than the 363 of 2014.

While the top 3 men and women are shown below, the actual winners of the race were those who finished as close as possible to their predicted finish time.

Top 3 men & women...  
1 Darragh Mulcahy 16:42 
2 Eoin O'Keeffe 16:43 
3 John Longan 17:02 
14 Emma Doyle 18:42 
33 Kathleen Ryan 20:23 
38 Lilly Manning 20:41 

Full results HERE

The entry for this event was €10 per person and all proceeds went to Cork Simon Community.

Joe Murphy has a few photos HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 14th Dec 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 14th Dec 2024. Approximately --- runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... After Storm Darragh last weekend, the conditions for the ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork this weekend were a lot more benign.

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 259 this week, 162 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:11

2 Andy GOULDING Male VM35-39 Leevale AC 18:21

3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:43

7 Laura CUSSEN Female SW25-29 19:26

29 Sarah TREACY Female VW35-39 Watergrasshill AC 21:33

40 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 22:52

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/353/

Tramore Valley Park: 166 this week, 113 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Daniel HORGAN Male JM11-14 Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC 17:39

2 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:43

3 Michael BYRNE Male VM40-44 17:44

14 Catherine TUCKER Female SW30-34 Durham City Harriers AC 20:24

16 Lara BYRNE Female JW11-14 20:32

18 Daniela AFONSO Female SW25-29 20:47

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/133/

Glen River: 67 this week, 64 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:22

2 Michael AHERN Male SM25-29 20:27

3 Sean LYNCH Male SM20-24 20:53

20 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW55-59 26:27

22 Elaine MOORE Female VW45-49 Togher AC 27:27

25 Sylvia CRONIN Female VW35-39 Happy Feet (Blarney) 28:07

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/236/

Mallow Castle: 6 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 18:01

2 Fanahan MCSWEENEY Male SM30-34 19:14

3 Ken DEANE Male VM40-44 19:47

13 Martina LYONS Female VW50-54 22:33

16 Muireann MURPHY Female JW11-14 22:51

20 Sophie COLLINS Female JW11-14 Bweeng Trail Blazers 24:02

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/161/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 52 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:25

2 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 18:46

3 Cian HOGAN Male JM15-17 20:43

7 Aileen HURLEY Female SW25-29 22:57

12 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 26:16

15 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 27:12

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/137/

Macroom Castle Demense: 55 this week, 27 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Finn YORE Male JM15-17 West Muskerry A.C. 16:05

2 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:09

3 Padraig SHEAHAN Male VM55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 21:36

13 Aisling BUCKLEY Female SW25-29 24:14

24 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 25:49

25 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:50

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/505/

Clonakilty: 42 this week, 14 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Rory MOLONEY Male VM35-39 18:49

2 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 19:34

3 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 19:42

11 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:43

14 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 24:16

15 Grainne MULCAHY Female SW20-24 24:18

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/458/

Glengarriff Woods: 69 this week, 21 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:44

2 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 21:10

3 Donal MC GRATH Male VM40-44 21:23

8 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:50

10 Lora SMITE Female SW18-19 27:55

11 Julia COOPER Female VW40-44 27:55

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/376/

Bere Island: 64 this week, 13 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:12

5 Laura O' SULLIVAN FENTON Female VW40-44 Beara AC 23:22

11 Annie OSULLIVAN Female JW11-14 27:20

2 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 21:18

3 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM55-59 22:28

4 Odhran MINIHANE Male JM11-14 23:14

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/469/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 16 finishers this week, 9 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Donncha O BRIEN Male VM45-49 23:43

2 Donnacha MC CARTHY Male VM35-39 23:48

3 Luke CONNOLLY Male JM10 26:12

7 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 30:28

8 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 30:43

9 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 32:41

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/389/

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

Guest Post: Baltic ...by Pat Walsh

* Baltic *

“Will we run this evening?” they said. “It will be a grand night and good for us.”

Sweet Lord, with a wind from the North that originates somewhere near Lapland it could be absolutely Baltic out there.

I bet Santa would love wind like this in 2 weeks time to drive him on. He would have the whole business wrapped up in no time and home early for the dinner.

I honestly think there is Spanish and Mediterranean blood in me somewhere. No DNA here with the hordes of Vikings or the Celtic Tribes who came across from Northern Europe. My gang slipped up the West Coast from near Bilbao along the Bay of Biscay and landed in the West Coast of Ireland a few hundred years ago. 

“Throw on a few layers”, they said and “you will be fine.

Layers, Layers… I will have about 15 layers on. Have you ever seen an onion running? I bet not.

If my woolly cap is well down around my ears and my neck warmer pulled up then there will only be a small strip of flesh about an inch wide across my face exposed. My family wouldn’t even recognize me like this.

I wonder would anyone know I was wearing 2 pairs of socks? I could loosen the laces on my shoes.

I don’t do well in the cold, maybe in a previous life I lived in the Sub-Sahara and was running for Kenya or Ethiopia.

And don’t get me started on my skin condition. Between the cold and the wind chill my moisturizing routine will need a radical overhaul after this. Blotchy cheeks isn’t a good look for party season however a Big Red Nose may be a touch seasonal.

Part 2.... 😃 Wossie

Run finished, showered and changed. Sitting, relaxing in front of the fire with a cuppa.

Great night out there. I was lifting. Not sure about some of the others and all the moaning and groaning. A pack of Wossies.  

I’m a 100% Hard Man able for anything the weather throws at me. Nothing gets the better of me, nor have any doubts ever crossed my mind.

Running in the heat sometimes can be hard but with the cold no fear of overheating or dehydrating is just the business.

Some said they were a bit dubious about the weather and wondering should they even go for a run. 

Never ever would I entertain such negative or silly thoughts.

#pwr

No Clonakilty marathon in 2024...

With all of the road races on the calendar, it's easy to forget that the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon was usually on at this time of year. There is no sign of it in 2024 and not even a mention of it on their Facebook page.

While the event has had its critics over the years, it still had a large following. The 2023 edition had a total of 1236 finishers between the full, half & 10k which is no small number and a lot of people treated the trip to Clonakilty as a weekend away.

Here are some of the recent comments that went up on their Facebook page under old posts from last year...

"Can you please let us know if the marathon is going ahead this year? i have run the last 4 marathons. there is another race i can do instead last week of November but it will sell out soon so please can you let us know."

"I just lost my spot in the waterford 1/2 marathon as i was waiting for a response from you guys if this was going ahead. not responding to those who have supported your race year on year is not right😡"

"Any news on Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon?"

"What a Shame & What a let down. 😪"

"Any update Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon please. Either way I think you need to just tell people, I've supported this wonderful marathon for many years and would still do it with late notice. 🙏"

"Hi there, also wondering if it’s going ahead this year? Thanks"

All of these comments and requests for information have been met with silence from the organisers.

It costs nothing to just say 'Sorry, there will be no event in 2024'. It's disappointing to see a complete lack of any communication and it shows a lack of respect for those who have supported the event over the years.

Will it be back in 2025? Or is it gone for good?

Notice: Dungarvan 10-mile road race - Sun 2nd Feb 2025

The biggest 10-miler in Munster is the  hugely popular John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile road race which is organised by West Waterford AC and it's coming up on Sunday 2nd February 2025. 

Dates & Entries...

1) Entries opened on the 2nd of Dec 2024 for Athletics Ireland club members

2) Entries for everyone including non-club runners opens on Fri 9th Dec 2024.

The entry link is https://eventmaster.ie/event/wBARCPySRQ

Info... Note that there are 3,750 spaces for this race which is a huge amount. They expanded the entry number by 25% in 2023 to cater for the demand and the new limit stays at that limit.

Remember that most runners are not members of an athletics club. Entries may have opened on the 2nd of December for club runners but the main entry is on the 9th of December.

It took 3-weeks to sell out last year so you don't need to panic. Just decide if you want to do this race and then enter reasonably soon. 

The Trim 10-mile in Co Meath is on the same day and that sold out recently. That might dampen some of the demand for Dungarvan 10-mile entries from runners in Dublin.

From West Waterford AC... "West Waterford athletic club are delighted to announce that entries for our 33rd annual 10 mile event The John Treacy Dungarvan 10  entry will open online only on eventmaster.ie  on Monday December 2nd & 9th.

The event now in its 33rd year has established itself as a must run race on the Irish road running calendar with participants from all four corners of the country and beyond participating. The race has grown year on year from humble beginnings 33 years ago. 

This year the organisers due to the demand for entries for the race will keep the entry number to 3,750 entries, this we hope will see all runners wishing to run the event in 2025 getting an entry to do so. Please note that this event usually sells out well before closing date so do get your entry in if you intend running on Sunday February 2nd 2025.

The John Treacy Dungrvan 10 brings together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who compete over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan as we all look forward to an even bigger and better event on Sunday February 2nd next. 

To stage such a big event of course requires good sponsor’s and we are fortunate to have the support many associate sponsors and many local businesses and individuals who are all giving valuable support helping to make the day a great occasion for the town of Dungarvan. 

All race details can be found at www.dungarvan10mile.org"

Results & Photos of the Newmarket 5k - Sun 8th Dec 2024

There was a huge jump in numbers for this years Newmarket 5k road race in NW Cork on Sun 8th Dec 2024 with a total of 721 runners crossing the finish line, up almost 48% on last year.

This is now one of the premier club 5k road races in Co Cork with 124 runners finishing under 18-mins and 266 finishing under 20-mins which is just over 36% of the field.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Michael Power West Waterford AC 14:34 MS 854
2 Ryan Creech Leevale AC 14:48 MS 1225
3 Gavin O'Rourke Leevale AC  14:50 MS 800
32 Shona Heaslip An Riocht AC  15:53 FS 1216
49 Ide Nicdhomhnaill West Limerick AC 16:23 F35 637
80 Niamh Moore Leevale AC 17:09 FS 864

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) There are loads of photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page.
a) Pre-race photos
b) Finish Line - Album 1 of 6
c) Finish Line - Album 2 of 6

d) Finish Line - Album 3 of 6

e) Finish Line - Album 4 of 6

f) Finish Line - Album 5 of 6

g) Finish Line - Album 6 of 6

First place finish for Michael Power of West Waterford AC

Shona Heaslip of An Ríocht AC was the first woman home

Inch Beach parkrun goes ahead with just two runners - 7th Dec 2024

Despite the winds from Storm Darragh, the 5k parkrun on Inch Beach in Co Kerry still went ahead this weekend. With gale force winds coming in off the Atlantic Ocean, two runners still managed the 5k course.

It might be the record for the smallest parkrun ever in Ireland?

1 Ruairí DE PRIONDARGÁS Male VM45-49 28:23
2 Sean MORIARTY Male VM60-64 32:37

Volunteers - Elizabeth BROOKES & Sean MORIARTY

They're almost as hardy as the Bear Island crew! 😂

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 7th Dec 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 7th Dec 2024. Approximately 423  runners and walkers took part in the 8 events in Co Cork.

Report... With the tail end of Storm Darragh passing over the country, the numbers were well down this week for the 5k parkruns in Co Cork. The Mallow and Youghal parkruns were cancelled and the numbers were well down for most of the other events as a lot of people decided to give it a skip either due to the high winds or out of fear that the event might be cancelled at the last moment.

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 162 this week, 216 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 James HAYES Male VM35-39 16:46

2 Colm DEASY Male SM30-34 18:07

3 Diarmuid O'SHEA Male SM30-34 18:28

18 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:00 

42 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 23:33

46 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 23:45

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/352/

Tramore Valley Park: 113 this week, 187 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Darren MCCANN Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:46

2 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 18:00

3 Alan HAYNES Male VM35-39 18:02

11 Helen WALSH Female VW50-54 Togher AC 21:39

12 Ciara O GORMAN Female SW20-24 St Finbarrs AC 22:08

13 Allie PHILLIPS Female JW11-14 Carraig na bhFear AC 22:19

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/132/

Glen River: 64 this week, 59 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Seamus LEDDY Male VM45-49 Abbey Runners Leeds 19:41

2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:52

3 Diarmuid DEASY Male SM18-19 21:22

10 Kathleen RYAN Female VW35-39 22:27

15 Claire COSTELLO Female VW40-44 24:39

18 Lauren CLARKE Female JW11-14 Westport AC 25:12

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/235/

Mallow Castle: CANCELLED this week, 55 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Mallow results... 

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : CANCELLED this week, 22 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Youghal results... 

Macroom Castle Demense: 27 this week, 58 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 20:23

2 Darren CREED Male SM30-34 20:34

3 Rory MCELROY Male JM15-17 West Muskerry A.C. 20:50

9 Aisling BUCKLEY Female SW25-29 25:12

10 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 26:02

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

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/504/

Clonakilty: 14 this week, 33 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Simon NOLAN Male VM35-39 20:32

2 Barry CRONIN Male VM45-49 22:40

3 Colm O'SULLIVAN Male VM55-59 Bishopstown Orienteering Club 23:02

6 Liz O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 31:11

8 Niamh RYAN Female VW40-44 31:33

9 Claudia GRAEPEL Female VW45-49 32:42

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/457/

Glengarriff Woods: 21 this week, 63 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:17

2 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 19:25

3 Micheal COPPINGER Male JM11-14 20:32

8 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 24:09

10 Deirdre O'BRIEN Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 28:22

13 Niamh DESMOND Female VW50-54 31:08

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/375/

Bere Island: 13 this week, 38 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 23:09

2 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:18

4 Ciara O'KEEFFE Female SW25-29 30:19

3 Edward STEL Male VM55-59 28:41

9 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 41:18

10 Jack BARRY Male SM25-29 41:19

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/468/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 9 finishers this week, 18 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 26:47

4 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 31:22

5 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 31:48

2 Stephen CONNOLLY Male VM40-44 27:06

3 Michael WILSON Male VM50-54 28:38

6 Faolan DEASY Male SM25-29 33:19

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/388/

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

Guest Post: Maintenance ...by Pat Walsh

* Maintenance * 

I was driving along this morning and the Christmas songs are playing on the radio when I realised how close it is.

'And it's been so long, But I will be there

I sing this song, To pass the time away

Driving in my car

I’m writing on Thursday 5th December, this day 3 weeks is St Stephen’s Day and a week after is the 2nd January.

How you handle the next few weeks has a big bearing on 2025.

Of course it is the season to enjoy and relax but maybe, just maybe you might try to maintain some semblance of fitness through the period.

I’m not preaching New Year resolutions or anything like that, but it is much easier to plan when the body is ready to push on again, rather than a tough few weeks of slog to rediscover some bit of fitness.

So what do you do?

Get out as often as you can for a run. It doesn’t matter how far and even a cycle or a walk will all help.

It is a dark time of the year with limited daylight so try to make the best use of any opportunity you get. This is also vital for mental health as we need fresh air, exercise and some social interaction to counterbalance the effects of these short days and what it does to our mood levels.

Very few people improve their fitness in December but if you can manage to maintain current levels or even allow a little slippage then that is very good.

I can eat my body weight in sweets and biscuits this month but if balanced with fruit and vegetables, then I have a sporting chance.

Alcohol in various forms will hit you from every angle but a daily, decent supply of water flowing through the system can negate the worse effects of it.

Lots of clubs and organisations hold some events over the holidays and please join in. They tend to be fun events at this time of year with maybe a festive costume of decoration. They can be fantastic for the mind and spirit. Don’t be afraid to take part and laugh at yourself and others. It can bring out the inner child in all of us.

'“He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows when you’ve been bad or good, so be good, for goodness sake!'

Am I a killjoy? No I don’t think so.

Relax, make merry, enjoy yourself. Live, love, socialize, connect, share and make this place better by your existence.

Some, who celebrated last year and are not with us anymore, would agree with my sentiments.

Have a lovely weekend. 

#pwr

Weather warning for Sat 7th Dec 2024

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for Saturday 7th Dec 2024 with Storm Darragh crossing over the country. Very high winds are expected in the west of the country where there are RED warnings while it's mostly ORANGE elsewhere.

If you are going to a 5k parkrun then check the Facebook page of your local parkrun for updates.

Parkrun Ireland have a cancellations list here... https://www.parkrun.ie/cancellations/

As for the 5k parkruns in Cork, Mallow and Youghal have cancelled so far.

Work commences on new Tinkers Cross Park in Mayfield - Dec 2024

It seems as if work on the new Tinkers Cross Park has commenced in Mayfield. It was announced some time ago that a grant of €100,000 was made available for this project and it will be a new park for the north side of Cork City.

The location of the new park is shown on the map below and as can be seen, it is just off the North Rung Road in Mayfield.

The perimeter of the park is about 580 metres but it may be more once fully developed.

Junior parkrun??? ...This raises the question if this would be a suitable location for a 2km junior parkrun for 4-14 year olds?

One of the criteria for a junior parkrun is that all participants must be within sight of a marshal at all times. While there is a successful 5k parkrun nearby in the Glen, there are too many twists and turns for a junior parkrun.

Wide open grassland parks like in Ballincollig are ideal for a junior parkrun. For the Tinkers Cross Park, it would seem as if at least 4 laps would be required. Maybe with additional paths, this might be reduced to 3 laps so it would seem like it might be possible.

For a junior parkrun to be viable, the demand has to be there from the community. It needs a core group of local volunteers who would like to see it happen and to keep it going.

Adults... As for adults, this will be a welcome new place for people to walk and do short runs.

As for a completion date, I'd presume something like the end of 2025 might be possible.

Notice: Paddy Joe Curran Memorial 5-mile nr Dungarvan - Sun 8th Dec 2024

This 5-mile road race organised by West Waterford is coming up on Sun 8th Dec 2024 and it might be of interest to runners in the easy Cork area.

Event Description from West Waterford AC: 16th Annual Paddy Joe Curran Turkey Trot (An tSean Phobail)in Association with West Waterford Athletic Club.  

100% of funds raised goes to West Waterford Athletic Club Track Development Fund.

Come and join us for a festive fun day out before Christmas and raise funds for a great cause.  There will be prizes for the first 3 men and women and these will be presented at the finish line.  

Entry on the day will  be €15

Sponsors   Cleanzone Technology Ltd

Entries HERE

The race HQ is at the Marine Bar which is a few kms from Dungarvan on the N25 Dungarvan to Youghal road.

No Dingle Adventure Race in 2025

The organisers of the Dingle Adventure Race have recently announced that they won't be holding an event in 2025. This event which involves running, cycling and kayaking has been a popular event in Co Kerry over the last decade.

From the organisers... "The next DAR will take place on 6th June 2026. After 15 years of running DAR we have taken the decision to have a break for 2025. We hope this will help boost numbers for the future as 2024 saw a dramatic decrease in numbers. The number of other events taking place during the year is ever increasing and this year another outdoor event took place in Kerry on the same day as DAR. Every year DAR calls on around 90 paid marshals to take time out of their busy lives, with some being involved for 2-3 days for the event (massive thanks to all of them over the years). This will give our valued marshals a much deserved break for 2025. We will transfer winners free entries from 2024 to the 2026 event and any deferred entries for 2025 will be moved to 2026. We have taken a few months to take this decision and we hope DAR will come back stronger in 2026 with the support of past and new competitors. We will open entries for DAR 2026 early next year to give competitors time to plan and train and to book accommodation. If any accommodation has been booked for 2025 already, please contact the accommodation providers and request for the booking to be transferred to 2026. The course options for 2026 will remain the same: Mini, Sport and Full. For now stay active, fit and healthy and we look forward to seeing you all for DAR 2026. Noel and DAR team."

I had a look at the results and the event is split up into the FULL, SPORT and MINI events. The overall number of finishers can be seen in the chart below...

As you can see, the numbers have been dropping for some time. While the numbers still seem high, I'd imagine there are substantial costs putting on an event like this with three disciplines, the equipment and the transition areas. It's certainly a lot more complicated than say a half-marathon.

Looking at the event photos, it's an amazing spot for a sporting event so hopefully they can turn things around.

Results of the Run the Line 5k in Carrigaline - Sat 30th Nov 2024

The November edition of the free 'Run the Line' 5k on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven walkway was held on Saturday 30th Nov 2024.

As can be seen above, there were 16 finishers in contrast to the 39 in October.

Jump in numbers for the Waterford Half-Marathon but was the course short??? - 30th Nov 2024

The annual Waterford Half-Marathon organised by Waterford AC was held on Saturday 30th Nov 2024 on what turned out to be a windy, misty but mild morning. This is in marked contract to last year which was bitterly cold.

Numbers... There was a total of 2162 finishers this year, a jump of just over 22%. This makes it the 9th largest half-marathon in Ireland for 2024 and it's certainly the largest half in the south-east.

It's also worth noting that it is far bigger than the Viking Half-Marathon which takes place in late June every year. Not sure why?

Why the big jump this year? In 2023, the organisers didn't open the entries until the start of 3rd of October, just two months before race day on . A lot of people had been wondering if the race was going ahead at all and by the time the entries opened, many people had made other plans. Even by the end of November 2023, they were still taking entries.

The end result was a 6.7% drop in numbers from 2022.

For the 2024 race, thing couldn't have been more different. The club opened entries on the 6th of December 2023, just 3 days after the 2023 race. There was no doubt about the 2024 race going ahead and people had most  of 2024 to enter. It sold out on the 12th of November and the jump in numbers can be seen in the chart above. It was in fact the 4th highest ever in terms of numbers for this event.

Results...

Top 5 men & women
1 Ryan CREECH 1:06:59 2616 M MS Leevale A.C.
2 Stephen CASHIN 1:08:23 290 M MS Clonliffe Harriers A.C.
3 Tomas FITZPATRICK 1:10:58 2673 M M40 Tallaght A.C.
4 Dermot GORMAN 1:13:00 862 M M40 Carrick-on-Suir A.C.
5 David POWER 1:13:13 2150 M M40 Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.
1 Fiona KEHOE 1:23:29 1140 F F40 Kilmore A.C.
2 Emma FUREY 1:23:29 812 F FS St. L. O'Toole A.C.
3 Catherine MURPHY 1:23:44 1693 F F45 Eagle A.C.
4 Adele WALSH 1:24:00 2511 F F45 St. Senans A.C.
5 Sabina WILLIAMS 1:24:41 2577 F F40 Croghan A.C.

Full results HERE

Was the course short??? ... At least three different people told me that the course was short. One said that they got 12.95 miles on their GPS watch for the course rather than just over 13.1 miles. They felt that the course was about 320 metres too short.

It's worth noting that there was an out and back section on the course as well as some obstructions from evergreen trees in places which can play havoc with GPS. Still though, there is still a valid concern about how accurate the course was.

Waterford AC had this route map online for the 2024 race...

You'll notice that there is a reasonable out and back section. I pass this point while I was cycling from the race start to Dungarvan and I took this photo by chance...

The photo shows the start of the out and back section. Was the error here? Was it somewhere else?

It seems to have the only glitch on what was a good event.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 30th Nov 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 30th Nov 2024. Approximately 729  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... It was windy and damp for this weeks ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork with a total of 729 taking part. I'm not sure why but that seems to be well down on the numbers for recent weeks.

Glen River... The Glen River parkrun celebrated it's 6th anniversary!

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) ...Well done to Karen Walsh who completed her 100th 5k parkrun this week. Karen's first 5k parkrun was on the 23rd of October 2021 and all of the parkruns have been at the Youghal event.

Castlehaven... Well done to Alun Rees who collected his 100th volunteer credit when he acted as Event Director for the Castlehaven parkrun in Castlehaven this week! In addition to the 100 volunteer credits, Alun has completed 122 parkruns and 120 of those were at the Castlehaven event.

100 volunteer credit for Alun Rees at the Castlehaven parkrun

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 216 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:31

2 Paudy FINN Male SM30-34 18:40

3 Jonathan DAGLISH Male SM30-34 18:52

13 Claire STONE Female VW35-39 21:28

21 Ciara O GORMAN Female SW20-24 St Finbarrs AC 22:34

27 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 23:12

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/351/

Tramore Valley Park: 187 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:39

2 Donal COFFEY Male VM45-49 Leevale AC 18:11

3 Tom OCLEARY Male SM20-24 18:41

8 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 19:44

19 Rachel FINN Female SW30-34 20:40

20 Catherine TUCKER Female SW25-29 Durham City Harriers AC 20:43

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/131/

Glen River: 59 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Owen FETHERSTONHAUGH Male SM30-34 18:42

2 Unknown    

3 Brendan HALLISSEY Male VM45-49 20:32

7 Katie KILCOYNE Female SW25-29 21:28

17 Gemma DAVISON Female SW25-29 Dragons Running Club (Sale) 23:00

23 Claire COSTELLO Female VW40-44 25:23

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/234/

Mallow Castle: 55 finishers this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Evan FITZGERALD Male SM20-24 West Waterford AC 15:37

2 Ciaran DIVINEY Male VM50-54 Crusaders Athletic Club 18:18

3 Matthew COOKE Male JM11-14 20:22

12 Sophie COLLINS Female JW11-14 Bweeng Trail Blazers 24:02

16 Aileen O'CONNOR Female SW30-34 2018 Operation Transformation 25:03

17 Heather GUINEE Female SW30-34 25:20

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/160/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 22 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Joe SALMON Male VM55-59 21:12

3 Ryan HENNESSY Male VM40-44 22:26

4 John TWOMEY Male VM45-49 23:31

2 Muirna TWOMEY Female VW45-49 22:14

8 Cliona O'KEEFFE Female VW40-44 24:58

10 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 26:37

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/136/

Macroom Castle Demense: 58 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 18:51

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 20:08

3 Peter HOWARD Male VM40-44 20:47

12 Michaela MOSS Female SW30-34 23:48

20 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 24:43

24 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 25:20

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/503/

Clonakilty: 33 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 20:59

2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 Ranelagh Harriers 21:14

3 Barry CRONIN Male VM45-49 21:38

7 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:26

8 Breda MCELHINNEY Female VW55-59 25:39

10 Kathleen O REGAN Female VW40-44 26:15

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/456/

Glengarriff Woods: 63 this week, cancelled last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Bobby TANGNEY Male VM45-49 Kenmare Athletics Club 19:12

2 Ray KELLEHER Male VM45-49 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:45

3 Shane O BRIEN Male JM15-17 21:43

13 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 24:57

18 Mary MANNION Female VW55-59 27:48

19 Julia COOPER Female VW40-44 27:55

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/374/

Bere Island: 38 this week, 13 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Timothy O'SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 20:30

2 Luke MCCORMACK Male SM20-24 20:31

3 John MULVIHILL Male VM45-49 21:05

4 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 22:06

5 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 23:34

8 Katie BUTLER Female JW11-14 24:09

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/467/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 18 finishers this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Charlie BORNEMANN Male SM25-29 24:37

2 Nicholas WILSHAW Male SM25-29 24:53

3 Luke CONNOLLY Male JM10 25:39

5 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 27:29

8 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 33:06

13 Tara O RIORDAN Female SW30-34 36:29

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/387/

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

Midleton to Youghal Greenway to open 19th Dec 2024

Good news! It has just been announced that the remaining section of Greenway from Mogeely to Youghal in East Cork will open to the public on Thursday 19th December 2024.

The 8km section from Midleton to Mogeely opened in March of 2024 and with this new section opening, the total distance will be in the region of 22kms.

Local councillors got the following notice... "The current plan is to open the Mogeely to Youghal (Tides Car Park) section of the Greenway to the public on the 19th of December 2024. Work on the trail head at Youghal will continue into 2025. The official opening of the Greenway will be arranged for early 2025 and councillors will be kept updated on this."

As you can see, there's still a bit of work to do at the Youghal end but essentially, nearly all of the Greenway will open.

It will be no doubt be very popular with people walking, running and cycling over the Christmas period.

I've been writing about the Midleton to Youghal Greenway since 2016... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2016/11/iarnrod-eireann-propose-abandoning-old.html

It's been a long journey but it looks as if we're finally there.

Greenway between Mogeely and Killeagh

Elevated walkway fitted at the Marina Park in Cork City - Nov 2024

Works are continuing on upgrading the extensive new park at the Marina in Cork City and Cork City Council recently released some photos showing the new elevated walkway that is being installed.

This section is located near Barrington's Folly which is just to the east of the Atlantic Pond.... shown below in purple. It seems likely that a lot of the work will be completed by early 2025 and the whole project by the end of the year. 

Over the next decade or so, there are plans for large residential developments in this general area and across the water in Tivoli which will hopefully be linked by a new bridge.

As so many people will be living in this area in the future, it raises the question of whether a parkrun is viable? Be it a 5k for adults or a 2k for juveniles.

There are loads of paths to make some routes and the greenway to Rochestown could be used for an out and back section if needs be.

Is anyone interested in this be it as an organiser or a participant?

Parkrun have a contact page here is anyone wants to try and get something going... https://www.parkrun.com/about/join-us/start-your-own-event/