Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 29th June 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 29th June 2024. Approximately 837 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... Condition were a bit damp for the this weeks ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork but it doesn't seem to have any impact on the numbers.

Glengarriff... Well done to Dominic Manning who completed his 250th 5k parkrun in Glengarriff!

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 241 this week, 246 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick GEARY Male SM25-29 18:23

2 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male JM15-17 Togher AC 19:42

3 Niall O' LEARY Male VM50-54 UCC Staff Athletics Club 19:51

7 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 20:07

21 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:05

28 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:35

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/330/

Tramore Valley Park: 181 this week, 180 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:25

2 Patrick O Male SM30-34 19:22

3 Marc RYAN Male SM20-24 19:28

16 Helen WALSH Female VW45-49 Togher AC 21:15

22 Pamela BARRY Female VW45-49 Aghada Running Club 21:34

29 Jacqueline HUGHES Female SW30-34 Musselburgh & District AC 22:17

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/111/

Glen River: 70 this week, 60 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ken INCE Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:26

2 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:30

3 Seamus LEDDY Male VM45-49 Abbey Runners Leeds 20:55

13 Mary PAPPIN Female VW40-44 24:40

16 Una DUFFY Female VW40-44 25:42

23 Caterina TOTARO Female VW45-49 26:52

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/213/

Mallow Castle: 61 finishers this week, 63 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM18-19 17:38

2 Oliver HALL Male SM25-29 20:35

3 Leo OREGAN Male SM30-34 20:43

6 Martina LYONS Female VW50-54 22:50

7 Denise TWOHIG Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:04

9 Alice HYNES Female SW20-24 23:11

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/140/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 41 this week, 43 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas O NEILL Male VM35-39 20:24

2 Ger LYNCH Male VM40-44 20:44

3 Shane GREENE Male VM40-44 21:05

8 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 23:03

11 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:56

12 Laura BEAUSANG Female JW11-14 24:57

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/117/

Macroom Castle Demense: 37 this week, 28 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Steven O'KEEFFE Male VM35-39 20:35

2 Eoin HOLLAND Male JM11-14 20:56

3 Rory MCELROY Male JM15-17 West Muskerry A.C. 21:23

18 Mairead MURPHY Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 27:39

19 Eliza CANTY Female JW10 28:23

21 Satty O'RIORDAN Female VW60-64 28:31

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/482/

Clonakilty: 30 this week, 30 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anne O'DONOVAN Female SW30-34 20:51

7 Tara TANGNEY Female VW45-49 25:29

8 Sophia KINGSTON Female SW25-29 26:58

2 Diarmuid Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 22:15

3 Shane CORCORAN Male VM35-39 UK parkrun tourists 22:17

4 Barry KIRBY Male SM25-29 22:25

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/436/

Glengarriff Woods: 84 this week, 70 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Will WESTCOTT Male SM30-34 21:22

3 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 22:10

4 Micheal COPPINGER Male JM11-14 22:18

2 Annmarie BURNS Female VW35-39 21:58

9 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:35

10 Meave QUINLAN Female VW35-39 24:23

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/353/

Bere Island: 67 this week, 61 last week. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:35

3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 23:53

6 Ciara KANE Female VW35-39 25:21

2 Oran KANE Male VM35-39 21:58

4 Mark HEFFERNAN Male VM50-54 Sportsworld 24:25

5 Jose CHAPA Male VM50-54 Sportsworld 24:43

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/445/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 25 finishers this week, 15 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Dara O'CARROLL Male SM30-34 19:59

2 Ciaran WALSH Male JM11-14 24:57

3 Cathal WALSH Male JM10 25:59

6 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 26:32

9 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:03

10 Kathleen O REGAN Female VW35-39 29:43

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/366/

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

Guest Post: The Recovery ...by Pat Walsh

 **  The recovery **

After all the excitement of the European Athletic Championships we can look forward to the Olympics which are just around the corner. Hopefully our Irish athletes excel and also get some great performances across the other sports with high hopes in Rowing, Boxing and maybe a surprise in some of the others.

That is all fine for the elites of this world but poor little old me is trying to get back into action after a few weeks rest. It isn’t easy. I normally wouldn’t be this long without some decent exercise to keep the body going.

I’m fine and not looking for sympathy, just charting this episode that it may give hope to others who have been forced off the road for an extended period.

That times have got slower is not in question but I’m grateful to be moving again.

The body feels sluggish as if there is only 1 gear and picking up pace is not an option.

Who put concrete in my running shoes while they were idle?

Looking at Garmin for previous runs is only depressing as those times and distances are some bit away yet. Focus on 'the now', 'today', the past can never be recreated.

It is hard to join a group or enter a race in until I get to some acceptable level.

But we must plug away and keep trying. There isn’t any other option for me anyway.

Be kind to yourself and patient, every day is a day on the way back.

I’m optimistic by nature and feel lucky to have had very little serious injuries down through the years. 

When they told me rest up for a while I thought it was like a prison sentence. 

Consultants / Doctors of the world please note… I don’t rest …

I hope that anyone experiencing a comeback can relate to this.

Two points to note:

1. Injuries and illness may force us off the road for a period but don’t pack up for no reason as you will have the same issues restarting and it will be self-inflicted.

2. I could press the old age issue and how hard it is, but I have a little story to tell. One morning, very early, I decided to chance an easy 3 mile on the Greenway. Flat route, very quiet and no one to see me struggle. 

Just as I started I met the great Billy finishing his morning run. We exchanged pleasantries, as you would to fellow runners. Lovely morning, good to be out, etc etc…

He headed for home and I took off on my run. Billy is in his mid 80’s.

That put a stop to my moaning. Just get on with it.

We are past the Summer Solstice, but heading into hopefully a period of decent weather and some short races. Longer races can be a lottery as conditions are so hard to predict, so by all means enter any race you like but just be careful of expectations and mind yourself in extreme conditions.

Run to enjoy it. Appreciate the fact we can do it. A short slow run is better than no run. 

Have a lovely weekend 

#pwr

Results of the Millstreet 5-mile road race - Fri 28th June 2024

A total of 227 runners turned out for this years Millstreet 5-mile road race on Fri 28th June 2024. This is down 12% on the numbers for 2023 and is likely due to the wet conditions.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Mark Walsh Leevale AC     25:56 MS 343
2 Brian Murphy Iveragh AC     26:02 MS 256
3 Barry Twohig St Finbarrs AC     26:08 MS 322
8 Niamh O Mahony An Riocht AC     28:10 FS 293
11 Michelle Kenny Leevale AC     29:23 F40 340
14 Carol Finn Leevale AC     29:52 F35 376

Full results HERE

Photos...
1) Dermot Hever has a gallery HERE

Results of the Courtmacsherry 10k road race - Fri 28th June 2024

The 2024 edition of the Courtmacsherry 10k road race was held on Friday 28th June with a total of 340 runners taking part. That's down 14% on the 396 last year and it's most likely due to the damp conditions this year.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 228 Nathan O'Leary Leevale AC 00:32:39
2 269 Michael McMahon North Cork AC 00:32:45
3 410 Michael Herlihy North Cork AC 00:32:47
1 240 Jennifer Martin 00:37:21
2 396 Lorna Wolfe Leevale AC 00:38:01
3 373 Rhona Dempsey St Finbarrs AC 00:41:06

Full results HERE

Results of the Cork BHAA Depuy Synthes 4-mile road race - Wed 26th June 2024

The annual Cork BHAA Depuy Synthes 4-mile road race in Ringaskiddy was held on Wednesday 26th of June 2024 with a total of 348 finishers.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Gavin O'Rourke M-1 00:22:20 Eli Lilly M-A-3
2 Donal Coakley M-2 00:21:06 Gilead Sciences
3 Tadhg Crowley 0/40M M-3 00:22:04 UCC M-A-1
11 Michelle Kenny 0/40F F-1 00:22:52 Dept of Ed F-A-1
19 Noemie Leduc F-2 00:23:26 Avondhu MF F-A-2
28 Sharon Rynne 0/35F F-3 00:24:22 Kepak

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) The Cork BHAA have some pre-race photos HERE and post race photos HERE

Record numbers take part in Waterford Viking Marathon event - 23rd June 2024

The 2024 edition of the Waterford Viking Marathon event was held on Sunday 23rd of June and as can be seen from the chart above, there were a record number of finishers this year. The 2756 finishers this year is about 3% up on the previous highest mark back in 2017.

The event is made up of three separate races... a) A full 42.2km marathon b) A 21.1km half-marathon and c) A 10.5km quarter marathon.

The early editions of this marathon had a relay event which never really took off. The Quarter event was introduced in 2014 and that proved to be much more popular.

Let's look at a breakdown and history of each event...

Marathon... The high water mark for the full marathon was back in the inaugural year of 2012. There was no doubt quite a buzz at the time as it was a new marathon and many people in Waterford and surrounding areas probably wanted to do a marathon in their home town.

After the first year, the novelty wore off and it settled at a figure of about 400 finishers per year. At this time, the full marathon took in large parts of the city as well as traveling south to the seaside town of Tramore and back again.

In 2018, the full marathon was cancelled due to a heatwave. It took a drop in 2019 and after 2022, the numbers have been recovering since the pandemic. In 2024, it's back up to about the 400 mark again although it's hard to see much growth for the full as June is a bad time of year to be running a full marathon due to the heat.

Greenway... One of the changes to the full course over the years is that the full marathon is now mostly on the Greenway instead of going around the city.

The map above shows the route for 2024 and roughly 80% of the full marathon route is out and back on the Greenway.

Is this a good or bad thing? On one hand, it's flat, safe and free from traffic. From an organisers point of view, there are no problems with traffic and road junctions. On the other hand, some runners might find it quite boring to just run out a path, turn around a cone and back the same path again. 

2024 Marathon turning point

I think visitors to a city marathon might expect a route to go around the city rather than out and back on a Greenway. I recently had a look at the route for the Edinburgh marathon and it seemed to be much the same i.e. Start in the city centre and then get the runners onto an out and back section of Greenway. 

The reality is that the numbers at many city marathons don't justify all the road closures and as more Greenways are developed, I can see more marathon routes getting pushed onto them. Is it only a matter of time before the Cork or Dublin marathon is like this?

Half-Marathon... Back to the numbers. After the inaugural year, the half-marathon has proved to be the most popular event. The number of finishers for the half in 2024 just barely exceeded the number back in 2017.

As half-marathons in Ireland go, just over 1200 finishers in the half is pretty good.

Quarter-Marathon... The Quarter event was introduced in 2014 and the number of finishers has been roughly a few hundred below the numbers for the half over the years. In 2023 and 2024 however, the numbers for the Quarter have been getting close to the numbers for the half.

In 2024, there were a record 1134 finishers in the Quarter Marathon, a jump of 17% on the previous record set in 2017. Considering that more people can run a Quarter marathon than a Half marathon, it wouldn't be any great surprise if the Quarter eventually becomes the most popular race in the future.

In conclusion... The 2024 edition of the Waterford Viking Marathon seems to have gone off well as the finisher numbers suggest. I was around the start line on Parnell Street where runners were gathering on what is a nice wide road. The finishing line by contrast was on a narrow road as shown above closer to the Greenway.

It probably shows how a lot of other marathons and races are likely to go in the future i.e. start in the city centre early on a Sunday morning on a wide road when things are quiet and finish somewhere else in the city so it causes as least disruption as possible. 

Looking forward, I suspect that the numbers for the full marathon will struggle to grow beyond 400 but there seems to be plenty of growth potential for the Half and the Quarter. It seems likely that the Greenway will remain a feature of the courses for for good and it will then depend on individual runners if this type of course appeals to them or not.

2024 results... https://my.raceresult.com/294110/results

Cork County Council Draft Recreation and Amenity Policy - June 2024

Cork County Council are currently inviting comments on their Draft Recreation and Amenity Policy. Submissions close on Fri 28th of June 2024.

This might be of interest to people who use parks for recreation in whatever form.

All of the documents are linked from this page... https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/resident/planning-and-development/draft-recreation-and-amenity-policy

Results of the Dromcollogher 4-mile road race - Mon 24th June 2024

The annual Dromcollogher 4-mile road race in Co Limerick was held on Monday 24th June 2024 with 128 finishers.

All Ladies  
1 0:24:18 CAROL FINN,  Leevale A.C F 55 13
2 0:27:54 TANYA COX,  Dooneen A.C F 16 28
3 0:30:35 LORRAINE KIRBY,  West Limerick A. C. F 6 38
4 0:30:40 DELIA CUSACK,  West Limerick A. C. F O/55 65 39
5 0:30:58 VERA NAGLE,  Mallow A.C. F O/40 66 42
6 0:31:13 CHERYL CARMODY,  Gneeveguilla A.C F O/40 59 43

All Men  
1 0:21:08 AARON LYNCH,  West Limerick A. C. M 8 1
2 0:21:11 KARL LENIHAN,  West Limerick A. C. M 14 2
3 0:21:20 NIALL O CALLAGHAN,  West Limerick A. C. M 12 3
4 0:21:30 KILLIAN LYNCH,  West Limerick A. C. M 34 4
5 0:21:54 MORRIS FEEHAN,  Duhallow A.C. M 57 5
6 0:22:16 MARTIN DINEEN,  Riocht A.C M 44 6

Photos...

1) Dermot Hever has a gallery HERE

Full results below...

 Dromcolligher Co Limerick - 4 mile Monday 24 June 2024. 7:30 
Results for All Competitors in finish order.
1 0:21:08 AARON LYNCH, West Limerick A. C. M 8 1
2 0:21:11 KARL LENIHAN, West Limerick A. C. M 14 2
3 0:21:20 NIALL O CALLAGHAN, West Limerick A. C. M 12 3
4 0:21:30 KILLIAN LYNCH, West Limerick A. C. M 34 4
5 0:21:54 MORRIS FEEHAN, Duhallow A.C. M 57 5
6 0:22:16 MARTIN DINEEN, Riocht A.C M 44 6
7 0:22:27 TIM O CONNOR, Riocht A.C M O/45 22 7
8 0:22:42 NIALL O RIORDAN, An Bru A.C M O/45 45 8
9 0:23:02 MIKE O CONNOR, West Limerick A. C. M 51 9
10 0:23:55 DECLAN MULLANE, Limerick AC M 38 10

RIP: John Walsh of Bere Island

John Walsh was one of the key figures behind the successful 5k parkrun on Bere Island.

Notice on RIP IE... https://rip.ie/death-notice/john-walsh-cork-beara-560315

Tony Higgins writes... "Yesterday evening, St. John’s Eve, our great friend John lost his long battle against illness in Cork University Hospital, with his wonderful wife Sheila by his side.

Of the many hundreds of friends I have made through parkrun in the last nine years, none was more special than John. Although John and Sheila were at our inaugural parkrun in Tralee in 2015, I didn’t really get to know him until I visited his beloved Bere Island parkrun later that year. It didn’t take long to realise that John was what you might call an unpolished diamond – a bit rough on the outside but with a jewel for a heart. I love visiting Bere Island and my favourite visits were those when I ran with John, the 5K turned into 3K and I learned something new about the island every time. It will not be the same without him and my next visit will be a sad one, yet I still look forward to it. 

John and I were among the first to be asked by Matt Shields to take on the role of parkrun Ambassador, and John’s contribution to parkrun has been immense, not just the wonder that is Bere Island parkrun, but to many other events in Munster and beyond.

A proud Corkman who grew up in Mayfield, he was an even prouder Bere Islander, and of course parkrun was just one small facet of his huge dedication to his local community in this very special place. In 2019 he was elected Chairman of the European Small Islands Federation and so many other islands benefited from his knowledge and expertise.

John’s loss will be felt through the parkrun community, this is a lovely message from Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of Parkrun:

“I met John at Bere Island parkrun very early in the events life. We immediately became friends. While we didn’t talk on a regular basis, John always remembered to be in touch for the important things and he was always so kind, generous and funny. 

I know this is a major loss to John’s family and so too for Bere Island but also for Ireland and our family. This is a desperately sad day for us all. RIP John. May the memories of your impact live forever.”

To me, John was a great friend, a practical advisor, a trusted confidant and my parkrun roommate at our annual conferences. He was liked by everyone who knew him and I was privileged to have shared some of my parkrun journey with him. 

Rest in Peace John, and my sympathies to Sheila, Laura, Aoife and Adam and all John’s family and friends.

Tony Higgins

Tralee parkrun and parkrun Regional Ambassador"

RIP: Dermot Bates

It was sad to hear the recent passing of Dermot Bates. 

Dermot was involved with the Cork BHAA and was a regular in the past at  their races. 

This is the notice... https://rip.ie/death-notice/dermot-bates-cork-midleton-560286

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

1100 bottles of water stolen at marathon event in Kildare

The Thoroughbred Marathon is a multi-race event held in Kildare every year and this year, it had about 1200 participants spread across the full marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k events.

After the event finished this year, the organisers took to social media to explain that approximately 1100 bottles of water had been stolen!

They write... "Unfortunately we have become aware that there were water shortages on the route on Sunday. We realised early on Sunday morning that 37 cases of water had been stolen from the course. This was 37 cases of 30 bottles per case, (1100 bottles). We replaced this water by buying all available stock in local shops  but unfortunately other water stations had the stock partially stolen and we were not aware of this until water stations ran low.

We sincerely apologise to all of you and in particular to those of you that did not get water when and where needed on the day. 

It is a learning experience for us to say the least!"

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 22nd June 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 22nd June 2024. Approximately 796 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... Condition were overcast but dry for this weeks ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork.

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 246 this week, 254 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:42

2 Robert PENDER Male VM40-44 19:55

3 Aodan OGDEN Male SM25-29 19:59

12 Nikita CASSIDY Female SW25-29 20:51

18 Alison CLARKE Female SW30-34 21:22

26 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 22:43

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/329/

Tramore Valley Park: 180 this week, 177 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Briain MADDEN Male SM30-34 Togher AC 17:26

2 Rian O LUASA Male SM18-19 Carraig na bhFear AC 18:43

3 Tom CRISP Male SM30-34 18:59

5 Sandra MANNING Female VW40-44 Eagle A.C. 19:18

21 Deirdre WALLACE Female VW35-39 21:26

28 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:14

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/110/

Glen River: 60 this week, 65 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:23

2 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 19:37

3 Richard BOURKE Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:49

11 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:00

13 Marion BENNETT Female VW40-44 Ipswich JAFFA RC 24:38

15 Emer DELANEY Female JW11-14 24:53

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/212/

Mallow Castle: 63 finishers this week, 53 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Cormac O HANLON Male SM25-29 19:37

2 Ken DEANE Male VM40-44 20:15

3 Oliver HALL Male SM25-29 20:41

7 Cheryl CARMODY Female VW40-44 Gneeveguilla Athletic Club 23:22

13 Muireann MURPHY Female JW11-14 24:48

16 Sophie COLLINS Female JW11-14 Bweeng Trail Blazers 25:28

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/139/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 43 this week, 51 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:28

2 Cody COUGHLAN Male JM15-17 20:06

3 Johnny HURLEY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:26

10 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 21:34

24 Valerie GORMAN Female VW35-39 Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club 26:34

26 Linda NI GHORMAIN Female VW45-49 LSA 27:15

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/116/

Macroom Castle Demense: 28 this week, 38 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 20:26 

2 Matt MURPHY Male SM18-19 22:35

3 Jack PURCELL Male VM45-49 22:45

6 Brid MEAGHER Female VW40-44 24:15

8 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 25:32

9 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:25

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/481/

Clonakilty: 30 this week, 32 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 James JERMYN Male SM25-29 20:59

2 Billy SEXTON Male SM30-34 21:46

3 Kieran MCMANAMON Male VM55-59 22:51

6 Claire MCDONALD Female SW30-34 Gowran AC 23:20

7 Alex LOONEY Female SW30-34 Quakers RC 24:32

9 Sally JERMYN Female SW25-29 25:13

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/435/

Glengarriff Woods: 70 this week, 64 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Micheal CONWAY Male SM30-34 19:00

2 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:12

3 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:35

10 Fleur HINDLEY Female VW55-59 24:15

12 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 25:10

16 Deirdre O'BRIEN Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 26:06

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/352/

Bere Island: 61 this week, 30 last week. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Mark MURPHY Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 19:07

2 Billy MORIARTY Male JM11-14 St Brendan's AC Ardfert 19:32

4 Ben MURPHY Male VM45-49 21:57

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:34

7 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:33

11 Beatrice MORAN Female VW35-39 26:52

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/444/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 15 finishers this week, 27 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick O'DRISCOLL Male VM35-39 South Melbourne AC 19:48

2 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 20:26

3 Louis RUSSELL Male SM20-24 21:08

5 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 28:20

6 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:14

7 Rachel COYLE Female SW25-29 29:44

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/365/

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

Results & Photos of the Donoughmore 7-mile road race - Thurs 20th June 2024

It was a lovely mild evening for this year's Donoughmore 7-mile road race on Thurs 20th June 2024 with a total of 214 runners crossing the finish line.

Top 3 men & women...
 361 1 Barry TWOHIG St. Finbarrs A.C. M 37:41  
388 2 Brian MURPHY Iveragh A.C. M40 37:55  
935 3 Vivian FOLEY Eagle A.C. M50 39:03
403 24 Lorna WOLFE Leevale A.C. F35 44:27  
425 33 Anita LOCKE St. Finbarrs A.C. F35 46:46  
860 76 Sally Ann LYNCH Donoughmore A.C. F 52:29

Full results HERE

Photos....
1) Mick Dooley has some photos..
a) Start line HERE
b) Finish line HERE
c) Finish line & prizes HERE

2) Joe Murphy has several galleries...

a) Start line 1 of 2

b) Start line 2 of 2

c) Finish 1 of 4

d) Finish 2 of 4

e) Finish 3 of 4

f) Finish 4 of 4

3) Dermot Hever has a nice gallery HERE

Lorna Wolfe & Barry Twohig... winners of the 2024 Donoughmore 7-mile road race

Training programme for the 2024 Dublin Marathon

The 2023 Dublin Marathon is coming up on Sunday the 27th of October 2024. If anyone would like to optimise their training then I will be starting individualised training programmes soon. 

The marathon programme is 18-weeks and it starts on the 24th of June. The cost is €135.

The length of programme really depends on where you are as a runner and what your initial endurance fitness is like.

After an initial consultation and we agree on what days you can train, a programme is sent out every week by email and weekly feedback is required. That will determine what the programme is like for the following week.

If interested, send an email to johndesmondrunning AT gmail DOT com

If you have another event in mind then send an e-mail to the above address.

Results & Photos of the Dunmanway 10k - Sun 16th June 2024

The annual Dunmanway 10k road race was held this year on Sunday 16th June 2024 with 258 runners crossing the finish line, down a fraction on the 264 for last year.

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has several galleries...
a) Album 1
b) Album 2
c) Album 3
d) Album 4
e) Album 5

Notice: Donoughmore 7 mile road race - Thurs 20th June 2024

The annual Donoughmore 7 mile road race is coming up this year on Thursday 20th June 2024. 

You can enter online HERE

Update: The closing date for entries has now been extended until 6pm Thursday 20th June.

As road races go, this one is really unique as it's the only 7 mile road race on the calendar. At first, it might seem like a bit of an odd distance but don't let that put you off. It's really is a well organised race on country roads to the north-west of Cork City....even if it is a little bit hilly ;o)

Results of the Cork Down Syndrome Challenge 21 Half-Marathon - Sun 16th June 2024

This charity half-marathon from Haulbowline to Pairc Ui Chaoimh was organised by Cork Down Syndrome and had 182 finishers. (202 in 2023)

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Sean Dinneen Clonakilty Male   1:21:52 44
2 David Buckley Glyntown Male   1:26:53 209
3 Ray O'Connell Pouladuff Road Male   1:27:13 220
8 Lisa Crowley Watergrasshill Female   1:32:12 31
11 Kerrie Collins Crosshaven Female   1:36:05 14
16 Kate Duggan Ovens Female   1:41:36 53

Full results HERE

Results of the Kilmurry GAA 5k - Fri 14th June 2024

 This 5k was organised by Kilmurry GAA and was held in the local woods on Fri 14th June 2024.

Update on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway - June 2024

Back on the 7th of March 2024, the 8km section of Greenway from Midleton to Mogeely opened and it has proved to be very popular with walkers and runners. According to some sources, the remaining 15km section from Mogeely to Youghal is supposed to open by the end of the 2024.

I've checked the remaining section out over the last few weeks and large parts of it are complete with a nice tarmac surface. The image below shows the section east of Killeagh.

Other sections in the village of Killeagh and in Youghal still need quite a lot of work to finish. When I passed during the working week, there was no obvious sign that any major work was ongoing.

We'll have to wait and see but I wouldn't be surprised if it slips into 2025 before it opens.

Video... DRONEHAWK posted a video of the section from Youghal to Mogeely on their YouTube channel and it shows what the line looks like as of June 2024.

I have no doubt that once it opens, the section from Youghal to Killeagh will prove to be very popular with walkers, runners and visitors.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 15th June 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 15th June 2024. Approximately 791 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... Condition were windy and mostly dry for this weeks ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork.

Macroom... Well done to John O'Driscoll who completed his 200th 5k parkrun!

Bere Island... Several runners hit significant milestones this week. Angela Harrington completed her 100th parkrun. Breeda O’Sullivan completed her 200th parkrun and Proinnsias O’Keeffe completed his 300th parkrun.

Ballincollig... Thanks to John Kissane for the following.. "Happy 8th birthday to Ballincollig! Ballincollig parkrun started on 18th June 2016. Since then 12,670 participants have completed 93,319 parkruns covering a total distance of 466,595 km, including 14,658 new Personal Bests. A total of 1,072 individuals have volunteered 9,158 times."

Tramore Valley Park... Well done to Kevin O'Connor who completes his 100th parkrun!

Kevin O'Connor completes his 100th 5k parkrun while his daughter Pamela completes her first.

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 254 this week, 272 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Liam KEARNEY Male VM40-44 17:48

2 Conor O'NEILL Male VM45-49 18:13

3 Patrick GEARY Male SM25-29 18:34

6 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 19:16

29 Amy JOHNSON Female SW25-29 22:58

34 Deborah O Female VW45-49 23:26

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/328/

Tramore Valley Park: 177 this week, 173 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:36

2 Fergal SARGENT Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 17:49

3 Briain MADDEN Male SM30-34 Togher AC 18:00

39 Jenny COTTER Female VW40-44 23:46

44 Rachel LYNCH Female SW25-29 24:00

47 Esther NAYBOUR Female SW20-24 Thanet Road Runners AC 24:02

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/109/

Glen River: 65 this week, 56 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Caoimhin VALLELY Male VM45-49 19:12

2 Rian O LUASA Male SM18-19 Carraig na bhFear AC 19:51

3 Eanna MONAGHAN Male VM35-39 20:19

21 Emer DELANEY Female JW11-14 25:18

23 Catherine DEENIHAN Female VW55-59 UCC Staff Athletics Club 26:05

26 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW55-59 26:35

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/211/

Mallow Castle: 53 finishers this week, 65 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Cathal DWANE Male VM45-49 20:39

2 Kieran MOORE Male SM30-34 21:00

3 Ronan MOYNIHAN Male VM40-44 Crusaders Athletic Club 21:16

5 Norleen KENNY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 22:34

6 Alice HYNES Female SW20-24 22:48

10 Rebecca MCKEON Female SW30-34 24:28

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/138/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 51 this week, 50 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:45

2 John MASON Male VM35-39 20:05

3 Paul CULLEN Male VM60-64 Civil Service Hrs and A.C. 20:53

4 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 21:38

9 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 23:58

10 Anna PAWLIK Female VW35-39 24:04

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/115/

Macroom Castle Demense: 38 this week, 31 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 21:03

2 Matt MURPHY Male SM18-19 22:32

3 Paul LEAHY Male VM50-54 22:50

8 Cheryl CARMODY Female VW40-44 Gneeveguilla Athletic Club 24:07

11 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:00

16 Maria NEVILLE Female VW50-54 West Muskerry A.C. 28:03

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/480/

Clonakilty: 32 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

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

2 Unknown

3 Diarmuid Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 21:58

10 Aisling KIRBY Female SW30-34 23:55

11 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:40

12 Jayne FINCH Female VW65-69 Real Food Runners 24:59

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/434/

Glengarriff Woods: 64 this week, 52 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Louise MURRAY Female SW25-29 20:12

5 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:28

10 Emma BURKE Female SW20-24 25:32

2 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 21:04

3 Danny MANNING Male VM45-49 21:44

4 Ray KELLEHER Male VM45-49 Kenmare Athletics Club 22:05

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/351/

Bere Island: 30 this week, 44 last week. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Eoin KEEGAN Male VM35-39 Raheny Shamrock AC 18:21

3 Donagh HUMPHREYS Male VM35-39 Star of the Sea 21:38

4 Unknown

2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:15

5 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:37

7 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 27:45

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/443/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 27 finishers this week, 45 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 20:20

2 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 21:25

3 Unknown 

8 Emma HORLER Female VW60-64 27:15

9 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:22

11 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:14

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/364/

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

Guest Post: Almost a Summer ...by Pat Walsh

** Almost a Summer **

As we reach the longest day and hopefully the best of the weather what is ahead for you?

If you have done a decent long race recently and thinking ahead to the Autumn then it is important to keep the effort going. Keep up your long runs and increase them when possible. 

Don’t take an extended break and find yourself trying to get going again.

By running when you can throughout the Summer, then it does allow leeway for time off for holidays or social occasions.

Hopefully it won’t happen but if an injury or a tired spell comes along you have an opportunity to rest up.

If you are more the short run person basically same applies, go when you can, enjoy it, get your races in and don’t stress on the times.

In Ireland we really don’t get a very hot summer but heat is relative. If you are training and running in anything more than 8 to 10 degrees above your normal then you will suffer.

So, run but don’t be killing yourself if it is hot.

Water Water everywhere but never forget to have it in you and with you.

Race but know that a 5 mile on a  very hot or humid day isn’t going to produce a PB.

Getting nutrition and hydration right for an evening race on a week night can be tricky. Not too full but not hungry, enough water drank during the day to last the race but not a load of it sloshing around in your time. It takes practise to see what suits you best.

Slow down sometimes on training runs and just soak up the atmosphere, the scenery, the life going on around you. ‘Have a moment during the run and capture a beautiful image in the mind’ as my friend AB tries to have. Store them in the memory bank.

Life can take funny turns so appreciate the health we have to get out there.

Smile and greet other runners. It helps both people involved.

Thanks for kind comments on my very minor setback recently. I’m grand, I’m fine and hoping to get moving again soon. I was on the bike which is a great help. Few pics attached from my recent spins.

Beautiful East Cork. 🚴

'There's not enough rope to tie me down

There's not enough tape to shut this mouth.....

No, wild hearts can't be broken.

Have a lovely weekend and do something memorable and nice.

#pwr

Notice: Dromcollogher Carnival 4-mile road race - Mon 24th June 2024

The annual Dromcollogher Carnival 4-mile road race in Co Limerick is coming up this year on Monday the 24th of June 2024. 

This is a popular race with runners in the North Cork as well of course with runners in Limerick.

Entries are online or on the night (€10).

More info HERE

Results of the Cork BHAA Musgrave 5k - Wed 12th May 2024

First 3 women (L-R)... Lorna Wolfe 3rd, Hannah Steeds 1st & Michelle Kenny 2nd

The annual Cork BHAA Musgraves 5k was held on Wednesday 12th June 2024.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Jeremiah Sheehan M-1 00:15:05 Dept of Ed M-A-1
2 Eoghan O'Connor M-2 00:15:12 Ken's Track Club
3 Anthony Mannix M-3 00:15:14 Dell Technologies
21 Hannah Steeds F-1 00:16:43 Eli Lilly F-A-2
45 Michelle Kenny 0/40F F-2 00:17:37 Dept of Ed F-A-1
58 Lorna Wolfe 0/35F F-3 00:18:04 Joyce Wolfe Physiotherapy

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE

2) Mick Dooley has some photos HERE