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/

Results of the Glenville 4-mile - Sun 24th Nov 2024

Top 3 men & women...
73 Hegarty Denis Leevale A.C. Overall Male 20:07
241 Twohig Barry St. Finbarrs A.C. M 45 20:23
350 Walsh Mark Leevale A.C. Overall Male  20:26
240 Rynne Sharon Leevale A.C. F 35 23:04
267 Tideswell Kealey Clonmel A.C. F 40 23:08
46 Kelly Linda Watergrasshill A.C. F 50 25:11

Full results below...
 Bib # Last Name First Name Team Name Eligible Division(s) Finishing Time
73 Hegarty Denis Leevale A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:20:07
241 Twohig Barry St. Finbarrs A.C. M 45 00:20:23
350 Walsh Mark Leevale A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:20:26
113 Liepins Kristaps Watergrasshill A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:20:37
80 O Leary Nathan Leevale A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:21:02
355 Noone Aidan Leevale A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:21:08
302 Merritt Colin M 50 00:21:09
205 Murphy Damian West Waterford A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:21:44
198 Quirke Michael Mallow A.C. Overall Male Runner 00:22:09

Results of the 5k pakruns in Co Cork - Sat 23rd Nov 2024

With the Met Eireann RED weather warning in place, nine out of the ten 5k parkruns this week were cancelled. On Bere Island, the worst of the weather had cleared by 9:30am and it was the only parkrun in Cork this Saturday.

There were 13 finishers as compared to 42 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

 1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 23:13
2 Laura WALSH Female SW20-24 29:14
4 Edel MURPHY Female VW55-59 29:43
3 Edward STEL Male VM50-54 29:41
7 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 37:41
10 Unknown

Full results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/466/

Not a bother... 400 5k parkruns for Finola Crowley in the F80 category

Well to Bere Island regular Finola Crowley who completed her 400th 5k parkrun! Finola who is 80-years old did her first 5k parkrun back on the 20th of Sept 2014.

399 of the 400 parkruns have been on Bere Island with the exception of one in Killarney back in 2017.

Finola also has 288 volunteer credits!

Parkrun cancellations due to Red weather warning - Sat 23rd Nov 2024

Met Éireann have released a RED weather warning for Cork for Saturday 23rd November 2024. As Storm Bert passes over the country, very heavy rainfall with some flooding is expected.

As of Friday 22nd, there is still plenty of snow lying on high ground after Wednesday. In addition to the heavy rainfall on Saturday, it's likely that all of that snow melting will add to the deluge coming down off the hills.

It's very unusual to get a RED weather warning so take note. 

Highest accumulations are expected in west Cork.
Impacts:
• Severe flooding
• Damage to homes & businesses
• Dangerous/treacherous travelling conditions
Valid: 00:00 Saturday 23/11/2024 to 10:00 Saturday 23/11/2024

These are the 5k parkruns that have been cancelled so far.... (Updated 9:12am)

Cork - Ballincollig parkrun: Weather
Carlow Town parkrun: Weather

Cork - Castlehaven: Weather
Cork - Clonakilty parkrun: Weather
Clonmel parkrun: Flood barriers up across parkrun course
Cork - Glen River parkrun: Weather

Cork - Glengarriff parkrun: Weather
Cork - Mallow Castle parkrun: Weather

Cork - Macroom parkrun: Weather
Cork - Pobalscoil na Tríonóide parkrun: Weather

SETU Waterford: Weather
Cork - Tramore Valley parkrun: RED weather warning

Vandeleur parkrun: Weather

Bere Island, Fenit & Listowel are going ahead.

1st Dash on the N73 photos - Sun 17th Nov 2024

A section of the N73 road from Mallow to Mitchelstown has been refurbished recently and Ballygown National School has an organised run on it near the school.

The event was called the 1st Dash on the N73 and it was held on Sun 17th Nov 2024.

While most of the participants were walkers, there were some runners there as well.

A photo galley of the runners can be seen HERE

Council announce plans for upgrade of Greenway in Passage West - Nov 2024

Cork County Council have just announced their plans to upgrade an existing 2km long stretch of Greenway in Passage West. It will go from the Cork County/City boundary to Mariner’s Quay, Passage West and includes widening the existing 2.5m path to 4m.

This follows on from the stretch of Greenway from Mahon over the Douglas Estuary to Rochestown and then east to the city limits. Planning for that section was approved in 2023 and it's just a case of starting it.

A lot of people use these routes for running and exercising and it's very likely that large parts of the Greenway will be closed to the public while the works are going on.

For more information, go to https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/resident/planning-and-development/public-consultations/active-part-xab-development-consultation/part-xab-proposed-passage-west-pedestrian-and-cycle-route-passage-west-co-cork

Other than the plan to widen the Greenway, the biggest change as far as I can see from the drawings is the removal of a car park in Passage West and the reduction of an existing park to facilitate on street parking. 

In time, the plan is to have a Greenway going from Carrigaline to Cork City via Monkstown & Passage West.

Existing 2.5m wide section of Greenway near Passage West

Entry procedure for the 2025 Dublin City Marathon

The next Dublin Marathon is coming up on the 26th of October 2025. The organisers have recently released the details on how to enter.

Note the key entry dates... Mon 18th Nov 2024 & Thurs 21st Nov 2024.

Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2025 entries... "The Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2025 entries will open to the 2024 participants for 72 hours from Monday 18th of November to Wednesday 20th of November. It will also open for the same time frame for all women who entered the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon, this is to encourage and support more female entrants to the marathon.

Applications for entries for the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon via the lottery system will go live on the event website (https://irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/) on Thursday 21st of November 2024 and will close midnight on Wednesday 27th of November.

There is an administration charge of €5 per lottery entry which is redeemable against an entry fee of €110 if successful and non-redeemable if unsuccessful.

Registrants will learn their entry status from the lottery via email / SMS on Monday 2nd of December. One entry per person is permitted."

Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k - Sun 17th Nov 2024

The first race of five in the Cloyne Commons Winter Series was held on Sun 17th Nov 2024 with 336 runners taking part.

Top 3 men & women...

 Position Race Number Name Club Category Time
1 240 Michael Harty East Cork AC M40 11:58
2 275 Conor McAuley Leevale AC M40 12:38
3 69 Aidan Noone Leevale AC M 12:50
9 50 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarrs F 14:22
10 18 Nadine Forde Leevale AC F40 14:30
18 1994 Tamzin Muldowney East Cork AC F 15:16

Full results below...

Position Race Number Name Club Category Time
1 240 Michael Harty East Cork AC M40 11:58
2 275 Conor McAuley Leevale AC M40 12:38
3 69 Aidan Noone Leevale AC M 12:50
4 112 David Barrett Ballymore/Cobh M 13:08
5 99 Kenneth Kelleher East Cork AC M45 13:09
6 110 Kieran McKeown Grange Fermoy AC M50 13:47
7 251 Seamus McSweeney Grange Fermoy AC M50 14:03
8 62 Paul Spiteri Midleton AC M45 14:13
9 50 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarrs F 14:22
10 18 Nadine Forde Leevale AC F40 14:30
11 61 Cillian Histon Ballymore/Cobh M 14:36
12 7 Andrew de Klerk Ballintotis Fit 4 Life M45 14:40
13 89 Aaron McEvoy East Cork AC M 14:42
14 41 Michael O Mahony Walsh St Nicks MJ 14:53
15 103 Aaron Harte Unattached M 14:59
16 241 Brendan Kearney Unattached M 14:59
17 79 Liam Walsh Pat Walsh Running M 15:07
18 1994 Tamzin Muldowney East Cork AC F 15:16
19 243 John Connolly Aghada RC M40 15:26
20 384 Conor Bakx Unattached M 15:29

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA Clearstream 5k - 17th Nov 2024

The Cork BHAA Clearstream 5k was held in Cork City on Sun 17th Nov 2024 on what was a nice mild sunny morning.

There was a total of 487 finishers which is up 2.5% on the 475 last year.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Gavin O'Rourke M1 00:15:17 Eli Lilly M-A-3
2 Daniel Buckley M2 00:15:20 Ken's Track Club M-A-2
3 Nathan O Leary M3 00:15:42 Army
45 Siobhan Hoare 0/45F F1 00:18:26 Bon Secours F-A-2
69 Linda O Connor 0/50F F2 00:19:02 Musgrave
79 Olive Kelly 00:19:38 Temp Reg

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Derek Costello has three galleries... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3

Results & Photos of the Churchtown 10-mile road race in N Cork - Sat 16th Nov 2024

The second edition of the Churchtown 10-mile road race in N Cork was held on Saturday, 16th Nov 2024 with 379 runners crossing the finish line, a jump of 17% on last year.

Top 5 men & women...

1 Karl Fitzmaurice Shannon AC 53:43 MS 110 Course Record
2 Vivian Foley Eagle AC 55:45 M50 120  
3 Sean Davin St Finbarrs AC 55:55 MS 86  
4 Karl Lenihan West Limerick AC 56:01 M45 219  
5 Cathal Lombard Leevale AC  56:30 M45 224  
11 Kealey Tideswell Clonmel AC  59:57 F40 453 Course Record
30 Grace Reilly Abbeyleix   1:05:01 F40 418  
31 Molly Deely London 1:05:20 FS 90  
45 Rachel Hawker Kenmare 1:08:12 FS 154
53 Suzanne Shine Clonmel AC 1:09:19 F45 441

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Eamon Doody has a gallery of about 450 photos HERE

2) Susan Daly has a gallery of photos HERE

Members of Blarney Happy Feet at the Churchtown 10-mile road race. Photo: Eamon Doody

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 16th Nov 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 16th Nov 2024. Approximately 1048  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... It was cool but dry for this weeks ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork. It was another week with over 1000 finishers and once the new 5k parkrun in Midleton starts up, the number of weeks over 1000 should increase. 

Macroom... Well done to Niall Cronin who completed his 100th 5k parkrun at the Macroom event. Niall did his first parkrun back in February of 2014 and all 100 of his runs have been in Macroom.

100 parkruns for Niall Cronin

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide)... Well done to Grainne Finn who completed her 100th 5k parkrun! All of Grainne's 100 parkruns have been at the Youghal event and her first parkrun was on the 11th of June 2021. She also has 109 volunteer credits!

Century for Grainne Finn

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 369 this week, 389 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Liam RYAN Male VM45-49 17:44

3 James CALLANAN Male VM55-59 19:32

4 Unknown

2 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 18:49

14 Clare MADDEN Female VW40-44 Togher AC 20:50

24 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:41

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/350/

Tramore Valley Park: 231 this week, 275 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Cian KELLY Male SM20-24 St Finbarrs AC 17:08

2 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:22

3 Owen DWYER Male VM40-44 17:52

10 Sandra MANNING Female VW40-44 Eagle A.C. 19:16

11 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:21

12 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:28

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/130/

Glen River: 66 this week, 63 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Marcus BISHOP Male SM30-34 18:09

2 Anthony HARTY Male SM20-24 Dooneen AC 20:17

3 Brendan HALLISSEY Male VM45-49 20:27

12 Deborah O Female VW45-49 23:23

15 Mags HASSETT Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 24:23

19 Shirley BUCKLEY Female VW60-64 Stragglers 25:23

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/233/

Mallow Castle: 58 finishers this week, 88 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick MAHER Male SM30-34 16:20

2 Geoff COLLINS Male VM50-54 19:32

3 Matthew COOKE Male JM11-14 19:36

10 Marina QUINLAN Female VW35-39 22:02

15 Ciara LEHANE Female VW40-44 Crusaders Athletic Club 22:50

19 Muireann MURPHY Female JW11-14 23:47

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/159/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 60 this week, 47 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ian THOMPSON Male VM50-54 With Me Now 19:51

2 Mike MCMAHON Male VM50-54 21:18

3 Don O ROURKE Male VM40-44 21:21

6 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:25

13 Sharon THRELFALL Female VW50-54 Ware Joggers 25:32

18 Martina BEECHINOR Female VW50-54 26:25

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/135/

Macroom Castle Demense: 75 this week, 65 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anthony MANNIX Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:28

2 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:23

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 19:42

30 Margaret LUCEY Female VW45-49 26:15

32 Maretta BRENNAN Female VW55-59 Volunteers parkrun Club (Unofficial) 26:50

34 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 27:23

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/502/

Clonakilty: 46 this week, 51 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 James HOWE Male JM15-17 20:10

2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 Ranelagh Harriers 20:44

3 Barry CRONIN Male VM45-49 21:13

9 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:15

10 Tania HELEN Female SW30-34 23:21

15 Lucy CRONIN Female JW11-14 25:53

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/455/

Glengarriff Woods: 83 this week, 69 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Bobby TANGNEY Male VM45-49 Kenmare Athletics Club 19:31

2 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 21:27

3 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:54

4 Mairead CROWLEY Female SW20-24 22:46

11 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:51

19 Julia COOPER Female VW40-44 27:39

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/373/

Bere Island: 42 this week, 30 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:28

3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 23:27

7 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 27:18

2 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM55-59 21:47

4 Adrian J.P. BYRNE Male VM70-74 23:43

5 Cian TWOMEY Male JM10 26:47

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/465/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 18 finishers this week, 30 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 25:41

3 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:28

10 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 32:50

2 John Joseph O LEARY Male VM35-39 25:56

4 James O'CONNELL Male VM40-44 27:37

5 Aaron ROSS Male SM25-29 28:37

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/386/

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

Guest Post: Exercise or Sport ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Exercise or Sport **

I attended a wonderful seminar during the week from Jessie Barr in MTU about ‘Mental Health in Sport’. She was a great athlete and is now working in Sport Campus Ireland with elite athletes around sports psychology.  A fantastic and fascinating speaker.

The points made here are my own and probably a poor representation of all that she was speaking about. The nearest I ever got to Elite, was last Christmas with a box of Elite Kimberly Biscuits.

Why if exercise is so good for us do so many athletes end up in forms of depression and despair? 

The figures are huge and frightening. I was surprised and not in a good way.

Do we understand the difference between exercise and participating in sport?

Exercise is just getting off the couch and moving for the good of your health without any care around performance.

Sport is where we are performing with rules, timings, classification and the obvious comparisons with our fellow athletes.

Some great points made and many interesting snippets to think about. This actual one-off lecture could run as a weekly course for a year, such is the broad range of the subject and learning how to avoid pitfalls or how to deal with them.

Do we put pressure on ourselves or do we allow others to do it?  Have we a strategy for coping with this or do we let it spoil our enjoyment and it becomes a chore?

Is our immersion in the sport all-consuming so that we have no other outlet for our energies and mind if the sport is taken from us due to illness, injury or retirement? That can be difficult. It affects everyone regardless of their level of performance.

Jessie spoke at an elite level about those she works with but for us mere mortals can we take valid learnings from her findings. 

Are we setting ourselves up to fail and hence develop mental issues around that?

Have we got the actual time available to train for our goals. Are our lives too busy with other things, that the training we need simply cannot be done?

Have we set a realistic goal for improvement. Are we pitching too high in terms of pace and distance?

A huge issue currently is post event stress. For us training for a few months for some big event (like the Dublin Marathon) and what happens afterwards. We have spent months of our lives pounding the roads. Living sleeping, eating and dreaming of the marathon. Now it is all over and what do you do? 

Your fellow runners who were non-marathon have moved on to the next event and you are stuck recovering and well back on training levels. It isn’t easy. 

Does it affect your mood and life?

I’m offering no answers here only questions. I don’t have them. I’m writing to show you that if you are feeling down every now and then you are not alone. Try to understand why it is that way and maybe plan in the future to have some better coping mechanisms.

Where in our plans are the rest periods, the mental breaks, the fun stuff to reinvigorate us?

Don’t be too hard on yourself and let your sport and pastime become the source of stress and anguish. 

There is enough other things in life to do that.

‘Go easy on me, baby
I was still a child
I didn't get the chance to
Feel the world around me’

Most of us are self-training where we are are own coach, counsellor, performance analyst and all-round worst critic.

I will try to follow up in future posts.

Go easy on ourself. You are fantastic. Pat said so.

‘I had no time to choose
What I chose to do
So go easy on me’

#pwr

New 5k parkrun in Midleton on the way!

Good news! A new 5km parkrun will be starting in Midleton in a few weeks time!

This will be the eleventh 5k parkrun in Co Cork and joins the Youghal event as the second one in the East Cork region.

For any new runners reading this, this will be held every Saturday morning at 9:30am and it's free.

The 5k parkrun will start on the new Greenway which is on the north side of the train station in Midleton. Participants will then head east and they will turn near the road junction which is shown in the photo above.

The course is dead flat and is really about as fast a course as you could want. The only slow part is the turn around point.

Considering we're now in the middle of November, it usually takes a few weeks to organise things so we're probably looking at a start date in January of 2025.

It's also worth noting that as the parkrun starts and finishes next to the train station, getting there by train is an option for people living in say Glounthaune or Carrigtwohill.

The organisers are also looking for more volunteers to help out.  If interested, send an email to john DOT kissane AT parkrun DOT com and he will put you in touch with the event director there.

Results & Photos of the Run in the Dark 5k & 10k in Cork City - Wed 13th Nov 2024

The annual Run in the Dark 5k & 10k in Cork City was held this year on Wed 13th Nov 2024.

The full results of both races can be found HERE

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE

Cloyne 4k Winter Series - Nov 2024 to Mar 2025

The Cloyne 4k Winter Series is a set of five low key races in the village of Cloyne in east Cork with an entry fee of just €5! As can be seen from the flyer above, there are five dates. Complete 4 out of the 5 to get a high tech dry fit top.

Each race starts at 9:30am and registration opens in Harty's Bar from 8:30am.

There are no hidden charges, online fees, one-day licence fees or other add-on's, you just turn up on the day and throw €5 into the biscuit tin.

The start line is 500m away down a narrow country road.

The course is essentially one loop with a slight overlap and it's a flat and fast course.

This race is very much in the tradition of many of the old road races in East Cork and the Ballycotton area where the entry fee was very modest for a high quality race.

Results of the Thomas Kent 10k in Castlelyons - Sun 10th Nov 2024

The Thomas Kent 10k in Castlelyons was held this year on Sunday 10th Nov 2024 with a total of 375 runners crossing the finish line. This is down 8% on last year.

This race had to be rescheduled from a month earlier and in general, rescheduled races tend to have slightly lower numbers as some people won't be able to make the new date due to other commitments.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Sergiu Ciobanu Clonliffe Harriers AC 32:20 M40 53
2 Barry Twohig St. Finbarrs A.C. 32:55 M45 438
3 Sean Davin Cork 34:40 MS 93
13 Michelle Kenny Leevale AC 37:27 F45 499
26 Linda Kelly Watergrasshill AC  39:34 F50 198
31 Sharon Cantwell Moyne AC 40:20 FS 39

Full results HERE

New world best parkrun time of 13:44 set in Belfast

Nick Griggs completed the Victoria Park 5k parkrun in Belfast on Sat 9th Nov 2024 to set a new world best time for a parkrun. 

The 19-year old runner from Tyrone completed the 5k course in a time of 13m 44s beating the previous fastest time of 13:45 set by Andy Butchart at Edinburgh’s parkrun last June.

Last December, Irish international athlete Ciara Mageean set the women's parkrun record on the same course, running the distance in a time of of 15:13.

Notice: Newmarket 5k road race - Sun 8th Dec 2024

This popular 5 km road race is coming up in the town of Newmarket in North-West Cork on Sunday the 8th of December 2024. This is a fast 5k course and gets a good turnout every year. The race starts at 1pm.

Update: 12th Nov 2024 - 100 places added... 30 places left!

Update: 13th Nov 2024 - SOLD OUT

Entries HERE

As you can see from the race flyer above, one of the main attractions this year is that there is a long sleeve dry-fit top included in the entry.

Results of the Eyeries 5-mile road race - Sat 9th Nov 2024

This 5-mile road race on the Beara peninsula attracted a field of 196 runners.

Top 3 men & women...
Bib Pos. Name Club AC Gun Time  
914 1 John LENEHAN City of Derry Spartans M 26:38  
837 2 Aidan NOONE Leevale A.C. M 27:35  
935 3 Donal COAKLEY Leevale A.C. M 27:44  
894 5 Hannah STEEDS Leevale A.C. F 28:46  
909 12 Claire MC CARTHY Leevale A.C. F45 31:11  
834 22 Nina MURPHY Beara A.C. F 34:05

Full results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 9th Nov 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 9th Nov 2024. Approximately 1107 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... The weather was overcast and mild for this weeks ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork.

Ballincollig... No volunteers, no parkruns! Well done to Siobhan Holland who earned her 100th volunteer credit at the 5k parkrun in Ballincollig. In addition to the century of volunteer credits, Siobhan also has completed 131 parkruns.

A century of volunteer credits for Siobhan Holland

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 389 this week, 309 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Sean TWOHIG Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:31

2 Paul PENNEY Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 18:15

3 Sam O RIORDAN Male SM18-19 Leevale AC 19:35

16 Rachel GOGGIN Female SW30-34 20:52

19 Kathleen RYAN Female VW35-39 21:18

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

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/349/

Tramore Valley Park: 275 this week, 298 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick O'DRISCOLL Male VM35-39 16:55

2 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:34

3 Unknown

16 Clare MADDEN Female VW40-44 Togher AC 20:36

26 Helen WALSH Female VW45-49 Togher AC 21:45

31 Roisin CLEARY Female SW25-29 22:10

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/129/

Glen River: 63 this week, 69 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:08

2 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 21:52

3 Bryan GLENDON Male VM45-49 21:53

17 Yan ZHANG Female VW35-39 Sanctuary Runners 26:20

21 Mary OSULLIVAN Female SW20-24 26:31

22 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 26:47

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/232/

Mallow Castle: 88 finishers this week, 74 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Tadhg SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 Bweeng Trail Blazers 16:43

2 Bill MYERS Male SM30-34 19:42

3 Matthew COOKE Male JM11-14 20:09

13 Laura OWENS Female SW25-29 22:45

16 Aoife MCSWEENEY Female SW25-29 23:59

18 Andressa LENIN BRAVO Female SW30-34 24:13

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/158/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 47 this week, 61 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Chris O'CONNELL Male VM45-49 St Catherines AC 20:00

2 Adrian GALVIN Male SM20-24 20:29

3 Paddy HUGHES Male VM50-54 21:49

6 Becky CASSIN Female SW25-29 23:05

7 Susan BYRNE Female VW40-44 23:40

8 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 24:32

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/134/

Macroom Castle Demense: 65 this week, 132 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Magnolia RR 18:50

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:55

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 19:35

4 Martina KIELY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:48

18 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 24:52

22 Margaret LUCEY Female VW45-49 25:38

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/501/

Clonakilty: 51 this week, 43 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David HICKEY Male VM40-44 20:02

2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 Ranelagh Harriers 20:47

3 Barry CRONIN Male VM45-49 21:34

11 Sophia KINGSTON Female SW25-29 25:13

12 Laura WHITE Female SW25-29 25:18

14 Kathleen O REGAN Female VW40-44 26:12

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/454/

Glengarriff Woods: 69 this week, 101 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 JP TREACY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:19

2 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:35

3 Peter LITTLE Male VM45-49 20:14

6 Michelle BRENNAN Female SW25-29 21:32

11 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 24:25

12 Mairead CROWLEY Female SW20-24 24:38

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/372/

Bere Island: 30 this week, 46 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM55-59 21:36

2 Michael ADAMS Male VM50-54 Lonely Goat RC 22:35

3 Declan MOONEY Male VM35-39 23:06

4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 23:44

8 Laura WALSH Female SW20-24 28:38

11 Joanne SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 30:25

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/464/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 30 finishers this week, 24 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Merlin HETHERINGTON Male SM30-34 20:27

2 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM45-49 23:36

3 Brian MCCARTHY Male VM40-44 24:45

5 Erin BUSHE Female SW25-29 25:58

7 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 27:12

8 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 27:15

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/385/

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

N73 Dash - Sun 17th Nov 2024

Part of the national N73 road from Mallow to Mitchelstown is currently being upgraded.

On the 17th of November, a 4km stretch of it will be open for a fun walk/run from the Mallow side as far as Ballygown national school.

Registration costs €10 and proceeds go to the school.

Go to www.ballygown.ie if you want to take part.

Sydney added to the World Marathon Majors

It was recently announced that the Sydney Marathon would become the 7th event in the World Marathon Majors.

The World Marathon Majors started in 2006 with five marathons - Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago & New York. Tokyo was added in 2013.

While the Majors has big prizes for elite athletes competing in the series, thousands of people set out on their own personal goal to complete the complete set. Now, Sydney is number seven before the bucket list is complete.

The Sydney Marathon had a record 20,272 finishers during its 2024 race. The next edition is on the 21st of August 2025.

GOAL are looking for help to set up more Christmas Mile events in Cork

Every Christmas, the GOAL charity run GOAL MILE events all over the country to raise funds for their ongoing work. Essentially, people just turn up on the day, make a donation and then run a mile over an accurate course to see what kind of time they can do.

Alan Vard of GOAL has been in touch to say that they are looking for help to set up more events in Co Cork. I know this blog reaches a lot of people right across Munster so I presume they wouldn't say no to help in other counties either.

Alan Vard of GOAL writes... "Right now, GOAL’s courageous country teams are responding to crisis in Gazza, Sudan, and Lebanon, providing food, blankets, and other essentials to those who have lost everything. In Northern Syria, GOAL is providing water to over 250,000 people daily. And in 11 other countries, across Africa, Central America and the Middle East, GOAL staff are working around the clock to save and transform lives."

"I feel very privileged to work in support of the brave and tireless GOAL staff around the world, but to continue GOAL’s essential lifesaving work we need your support. I’m looking to get some more GOAL Mile locations in Cork."

Notice: Churchtown 10-mile road race - Sat 16th Nov 2024

The Churchtown 10-mile road race in north Cork is coming up this year on Saturday 16th November 2024. The race starts at 10am.

After the successful inaugural race last year, this will be the second edition. Please note that entries close at the end of Monday 11th November.

Update: 2nd Nov 2024 - Just under 100 places left now.

Update: 6th Nov 2024 - 50 places left now.

Entries HERE

Churchtown is located just 4kms west of the N20 Cork to Limerick road so access couldn't be easier.

Results & Photos of the Stone Mad Blarney Half-Marathon - Sun 3rd Nov 2024

First place finish for John Meade of St Finbarr's AC

After a gap year in 2023, the Stone Mad Blarney Half-Marathon returned on Sunday 3rd Nov 2024 with 372 runners taking part.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 443 John Meade 01:11:26
2 298 Declan Guina 01:12:07
3 102 Donncha Kiely 01:14:45
1 103 Emma Doyle 01:24:27
2 178 Laura Noonan 01:27:34
3 418 Karen Twomey 01:27:36

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has some start line photos HERE and finish line photos HERE

2) Joe Murphy also has some photos... Album 1 ... Album 2...