Guest Post: Midleton Greenway parkrun ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Midleton Greenway parkrun ** 

Saturday 1st February 2025 marks a new departure in running in Midleton, with the launch of a new parkrun 5k for the area. This long awaited venture is an exciting development on the newly opened Midleton to Youghal Greenway. This weekend marks the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. What better way to celebrate St Brigid's Feast.

Flat course out for 2.5k and back the same way to the finish. A flatter, easier course cannot be found anywhere in the country.

I have written before of the benefits of parkruns and how they are not competitive, no prizes, and the option of staying anonymous at the finish if you so wish. They are free to enter and people of all ages and abilities are most welcome. You only ever need to register online once, for free and that's it.  

In an expanding town and rapidly developing area this is a fantastic amenity to have. 

Running in recent years has become a cross-ages sport, as so many people recognize the health and mental benefits of some physical exercise in the fresh air. There are social opportunities to get out and meet others, chat and smile, share some thoughts and go home a better person. 

The start and finish line is where the Midleton Greenway begins next to the Railway station.

There is parking available but it is limited so some co-operation is required.
Car-pool where possible.
Walk, jog or cycle from some other parking area that you are familiar with to the starting area. 
Cycle rack is right next to the start line, so your bike will be safe.
Please don’t park in some estate and be a nuisance to the residents.
Remember the Train will be working so don’t be in the way of people using this facility.

The parkrun is sharing the Greenway with others who may wish to walk, run, cycle, or do whatever leisure activity the Greenway is designed for. So please please be conscious of others who will be using the Greenway but not taking part in the 5k.

In this day and age it hardly needs saying but I will remind you, take home your litter. 

The long-term prospects for this run depend on striking a balance between the Railway Company, The Local Authorities responsible for the Greenway and local residents who may be inconvenienced by this event. If you are going, then please play your part and be a Charm Ambassador. 

Do not go home without saying thanks to one of the many volunteers who made this event happen. 

I look forward to seeing some of you there. In my current state, I’m reduced to a volunteer role which I will gladly do. Please say hello and we might even get a photo. 

Midleton Greenway parkrun ... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/

Have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend.

#PWR

Top 10-mile road races in Ireland in 2024...

Before the Spring 2025 season of 10-milers gets going, let's have a look back at the most popular 10-mile road races in Ireland in 2024.

During the year, I've been tracking all of the 10-mile races in Ireland and I think I've got most if not all of them. As far as I can tell, there were about thirty-seven 10-mile races in Ireland in 2024.

The top 10 races by size are shown above and two races stick out above the rest. The Frank Duffy 10-mile in Dublin is an autumn race and with nearly 3,300 finishers is the largest one in the country. The John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile in Co Waterford is the largest spring 10-mile road race with just over 2,800 finishers.

The Irish Runner 10-mile in Dublin was another autumnal race with almost 1800 finishers and heads up a long list of events that gradually taper off in terms of numbers.

It's interesting to note that the Trim 10-mile at #4 was actually held on the same day as the Dungarvan 10m race.

Three Cork races made it into the top 10... Mallow was 7th, Kinsale was 8th and Cobh was 9th. Other notable 10-mile races in Cork & Munster making it into the top half were the Kilkishen 10m in Co Clare at #14 and the Churchtown 10-mile in north Cork at #15.

In the lower half, we have the Beat the Train 10m in Kilmeadan at #19, the Michal Rejmer 10m organised by Dooneen AC in Limerick at #21, the Gap of Dunloe 10m at #23, Tralee 10m at #25, Kilsheelan in Co Tipperary at #31 and the Mooreabbey 10m at #33. 

If we go back a decade or so, the pecking order for top 10-mile races in Cork was as follows... Ballycotton #1, Dungarvan #2 and Mallow was a clear #3. If we look at 2024, the gap between the Mallow, Kinsale & Cobh is much smaller and it's no longer obvious which one might the top 10-miler in Cork in 2025.

Top spring 10-milers in Cork... The chart below shows the recent history of the top spring 10-milers in Co Cork.

Mallow... With the demise of the Ballycotton 10m, the Mallow race got a boost in numbers and was promoted to being the largest Spring 10-mile road race in Co Cork. It reached a peak in 2019 but unlike others, it never recovered post pandemic. The 2024 numbers were down about a third on the peak of 2019 and it's now just ahead of Kinsale and Cobh.

Kinsale... This one is very much the new kid on the block. It bounced back nicely after the pandemic and is now challenging for the top spot, a really good performance considering it's a relatively new race.

Cobh... The Cobh 10-mile or to give it its full title, the Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10-mile road race is another one that got a boost post Ballycotton. Like Kinsale, it has bounced back post pandemic and hit an all time high in 2024.

Top spring 10-milers in Cork in 2025??? ... Looking ahead, we have a new 10-miler in Midleton joining the fray and is likely to dilute the numbers for the existing Cork races. Which one will be the top Spring 10-mile in Co Cork in 2025?

Notice: Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 17th May 2025

The annual Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k is coming up this year on Saturday the 17th of May 2025. This event is popular with a lot of runners as it's a scenic route and many use it as a weekend away in Killarney.

Entries and info on the event website... https://runkillarney.com/

The Half-Marathon starts at 8am while the 10k starts at 9:30am.

From the organisers... "Run Killarney has 2 great races on the same day to suit all levels of fitness:

Run Killarney gives competitors the chance to run one of the world’s most breath taking and scenic routes.  Routes subject to change. 

The races are open to everyone, men and women alike, at all levels of running experience, walkers, newcomers and people who just want a challenge and a great day out.

This is a professionally run event and every effort has been made to ensure that all competitors needs are looked after. 

2025 ROUTES TO BE CONFIRMED"

UPDATE - 29th Jan 2025: Just under 200 places left for the 10k.

UPDATE - 23rd Jan 2025: The Half-Marathon is now sold out.

The race entry includes an event medal as well as dry fit running tops... a long sleeved one for the half and a short sleeved one for the 10k.

Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k - Sun 19th Jan 2025

Race number 3 in the Cloyne Commons 4k Series was held on Sunday 19th January 2025 with 327 runners crossing the finish line.

Top 3 men & women...

1 1257 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 12:42
2 1433 John Longan St Finbarrs M 12:48
3 1437 Peter Howie Ballymore/Cobh M 13:43
9 1153 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarrs F 14:56
12 1195 Tamzin Muldowney East Cork AC F 15:01
25 1005 Sinead Falvey Midleton AC F40 15:35

The final results are shown below...

Position Race Number Name Club Category Time

Global crash of Garmin watches - 28th Jan 2025

Just in case anyone is having problems with their Garmin watch today...

Midleton Greenway 5k parkrun starts 1st Feb 2025

It's official, the new 'Midleton Greenway' 5k parkrun is starting at 9:30am on Saturday 1st February 2025!

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

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.

Results of the Clonakilty 5-mile road race - Sun 26th Jan 2025

The second edition of the Clonakilty 5-mile road race was held on Sunday 26th Jan 2025 on what was a cold, wet and windy morning. 

There was a big turnout for this race with 667 taking part. That was down 5% on the 703 of last year and the drop was most likely due to the poor conditions.

Top 3 men & women...
 581 1 Denis HEGARTY M 21-29 26:14  
334 2 Sean DINNEEN Cork Track Club A.C. M30-39 27:45  
582 3 Sean DAVIN St. Finbarrs A.C. M30-39 27:51
697 13 Michelle KENNY Leevale A.C. F40 30:51  
664 20 Julie O BRIEN F40 31:42  
707 32 Olive O FLYNN Bandon A.C. U21 F 32:10

Full results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 25th Jan 2025

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 1st Feb 2025. Approximately --- runners and walkers took part in the 9 events in Co Cork.

Report... 

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 437 this week, 393 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 John COAKLEY Male JM15-17 18:31

2 Conor O'NEILL Male VM45-49 18:32

3 Paul KELLY Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:13

12 Kathleen RYAN Female VW35-39 20:19

31 Mari BURKE Female VW45-49 21:38

34 Eimear KEANE Female SW20-24 21:55

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/360/

Tramore Valley Park: CANCELLED this week, 362 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Tramore Valley Park results... 

Glen River: 84 this week, 92 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelle KENNY Female VW45-49 Leevale AC 19:46

26 Mary O DONNELL Female SW20-24 25:51

29 Gillian COTTER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 25:59

2 Jonathan KENNEALLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 20:16

3 Cian MCCAFFERTY Male VM35-39 20:26

4 Gerard-James MCCANN Male SM25-29 Togher AC 20:30

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/243/

Mallow Castle:  88 this week, 83 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 James MAHER Male SM30-34 19:05

2 Donal FALLON Male VM40-44 Mt. Hillary AC 19:12

3 Sean LYNCH Male SM20-24 19:29

10 Bernadette O'DRISCOLL Female SW30-34 21:39

17 Doireann FRAWLEY Female JW11-14 22:57

19 Muireann MURPHY Female JW11-14 23:16

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/166/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 55 this week, 58 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Youghal results... 

Macroom Castle Demense: 80 this week, 94 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 18:35

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 20:10

3 Conor O'RIORDAN Male VM40-44 20:24

22 Deirdre DUFF Female VW35-39 24:38

30 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:21

31 Mary MCHUGH Female VW40-44 26:39

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/511/

Clonakilty: 40 this week, 42 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Clonakilty results... 

Glengarriff Woods: 84 this week, 88 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Shane O BRIEN Male JM15-17 21:22

2 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 21:34

3 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 21:42

7 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:54

12 Emma BURKE Female SW20-24 24:44

13 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 24:48

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/384/

Bere Island: 33 this week, 31 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 22:39

2 Livia SUTER Female SW20-24 25:53

7 Carol HURLEY Female VW50-54 Beara AC 26:45

3 Edward STEL Male VM55-59 26:26

4 Luke BROWNE Male JM10 26:31

5 Adam WALSH Male SM20-24 26:35

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/476/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 28 finishers this week, 25 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Castlehaven results... 

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

Guest Post: Go Faster Stripes ...by Pat Walsh

 * Go faster stripes *

I bought my first car in the mid 80’s, a Fiat 127. Total wreck and relic of a car. The road speed limits were aspirational as it wouldn’t reach them unless it was all downhill.

At the time you could buy some adornments in the Car Accessory Shop. Stripes that you attached down each side of the car to brighten it up. It wouldn’t make the car go any quicker but it looked as if might.

Which brings me to the deluge of ads in the mail and on social media selling me everything that would make me faster, feel better, be rewarded with fantastic performances if only I would buy the product.

Dry fit this, compression that, shoes with propulsive sensation, an all purpose multivitamin etc etc… Jaysus does the jargon and the pushing ever end these days.

Are they the modern version of the go-faster stripes.

Oh Pat, you are getting ancient and cranky when you start talking about the old days.The modern club runner now is flying and always pushing new boundaries with nutrition, strength and high performance gear. The old lads in their GAA shorts, cotton t-shirts and rubber dollies hadn’t a clue.

1993 The winner of the Ballycotton 10 was a fraction over 48 minutes. The top 8 were under 50 minutes. 200 runners beat the 60 minutes and there was 1084 finishers.

2024 The winner of the Dungarvan 10 was a fraction under 52 minutes (he would have been 28th in Ballycotton with this time). 70 runners beat the 60 minutes and there was 2835 finishers.

Last year only 2 men in the whole country ran under 50 minutes for a 10 mile. 

And this is with all the best gear and nutritional information. We are running slower but at least we look so much better.

The sales, profits and share prices for all the sports companies and health food supplements have gone through astronomical growth in the last 30 years. 

The only person that can help any runner to improve is the person they see in the mirror and no amount of snake-oil trickery to help you part with your money is of any use. 

Run more, run harder if you want to speed up. Enjoy your running, but remember you cannot buy success. If you are running you are winning. 

Buy a pair of ordinary plain shorts and stick a few go-faster stripes on them. Now that is something to think about for the weekend. I may not get too many likes for this one but it is truthful and I’m not selling anything to you.

Hope everyone is safe and well after the storm. Have a good weekend 

#PWR

Parkrun cancellations - Sat 25th Jan 2025

Tramore Valley Park... Unfortunately due to ice on the course we have to cancel this morning January 25th. Ballincollig is going ahead

Macroom & Glen River... Confirmed going ahead

Storm Éowyn causes damage to the Ríocht track and gym in Castleland, Co Kerry - Jan 2025

While the main media outlets have plenty of photos of the damage done by Storm Éowyn around the country, there were plenty of places where the damage didn't make the news.

At the Ríocht AC athletics track in Castleisland, Co Kerry, a lighting pole toppled over and crashed onto the track as shown above. At the time of writing, it's not clear if there was any damage to the track surface.

There was also some damage to the gym building with a door smashed by the high winds.

UCC issues tender for repair of the Mardyke athletics track - Jan 2025

In two previous posts in March of 2024, I covered the story of the closure of the UCC athletics track at the Mardyke in Co City based on safety concerns.

The ongoing saga of the Mardyke athletics track - March 2024

Mardyke track shut down with immediate effect due to safety concerns

The latest news is that on the 22nd of Jan 2025, UCC issued a tender for the replacement of the existing damaged track. 

"UCC hereby issues this information for Stage 1 Pre-Qualification Stage of a Two Stage Restricted Procedure for the Appointment of Works Contractors for Mardyke Track Refurbishment. The proposed works comprise the refurbishment of existing 8 lane non-porous athletics track comprising the removal and off-site disposal of all existing polymeric track and supply and installation of new track."

Link HERE

I'm not sure what the timeline is for this project but they usually take a lot longer that people expect. Late 2025? 2026?

BLE Inter-Counties Cross Country in Fermoy - Dec 1979

Derek O'Keeffe recently put a video up on YouTube about a Cross Country race in Fermoy in 1979. Some might recognise the faces in the video which was held over 40 plus years ago.

Leave a comment if you recognise any of the faces.

This was probably the heyday of cross country running as the numbers taking part and watching are way bigger than would be seen in recent times.

Update: John Walshe kindly sends on the following information...

***

Thanks to the Denis McCarthy archives (and the following month’s Marathon Magazine), the short video shown is of the BLE Inter-Counties Cross-Country & BLOE Championships which took place at Fermoy on Sunday December 16th, 1979.

Held on the course used for the Grange International C-C on the Dublin side of the town, the video must have been taken by the local promoting Grange-Fermoy club as several of their young members and mentors are shown.

The senior race over at least 7.5 miles (12km) was won by John Treacy in a time of 39:59. The Waterford-man was then a double world champion, having won the titles at Glasgow (1978) and Limerick (1979). With Gerry Deegan second and Ray Treacy (brother of John) fourth, Waterford easily won the team title on 64 points with Limerick second on 96 and Cork third on 113.

First Cork athlete was local man John Hartnett in third and the other scorers for the Rebel County were: Donie Walsh (6th), Mick Walsh (18th), Richard Crowley (20th), Mick Lawton (22nd) and Pat O’Riordan (34th). Frank O’Meara – later to become a two-time world indoor champion – was back in 46th, one place ahead of another man who would go on to greater things, Liam O’Brien.

The women’s race was won by Mary Purcell from Deirdre Nagle and Jean Whitson, all Dublin. Purcell had a wide range of accomplishments, from competing over 800m at the 1972 Munich Olympics to winning the Dublin Marathon in 1983. In seventh place was another Dublin athete, Carey May, who would go on later that year of 1980 to become the winner of the inaugural Dublin Marathon.

The Cork team who finished second at Fermoy were: Catherine Hourihan (4th), Marie Buckley (8th), Marion Lyons (10th) and Valerie O’Mahony (14th).

The men’s junior race went to Andy Ronan from Wexford ahead of future three-time world indoor champion, Marcus O’Sullivan, only the third man after John Walker and Steve Scott to run over 100 sub-four-minute miles (total of 101).

Cork finished second in the junior race behind Dublin with O’Sullivan (2nd), John Hurley (12th), Joe O’Sullivan (15th), Martin Farmer (24th), Kieran Stack (29th) and Chris Lawor (30th). The man who provided the date and venue of this event from all of 45 years ago - Denis McCarthy - finished in 60th position of the 110 finishers.

And just for the record, last Sunday week Denis picked up another bronze to add to the near-100 county medals he has won when finishing third in the M60 category at the Cork Masters C-C in Bweeng.

Results of the Cork BHAA IFF 5k - Sun 19th Jan 2025

The Cork BHAA IFF 5k was held in Little Island on Sun 19th Jan 2025 on what was a dry, overcast and mild morning. This was the first race of the year on the Cork BHAA calendar after the ESB Cross Country race earlier in January was cancelled.

Looking at the numbers, there were 356 finishers this year. As can be seen from the chart above, this is well up on last year and down a bit on 2023. 

Looking at my results post for 2024, I noted that the numbers were probably down then due to the wind and rain on the day and that they would likely recover. Sure enough, the numbers for 2025 were up 90 on last year which is about a third.

It was about 140 down on the peak numbers in the 2012 to 2015 time period.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Ben Leen Smith M1 00:15:04 Ken's Track Club M-A-2
2 Mark Walsh M2 00:15:15 Dept of Ed M-A-1
3 Tadhg O'Sullivan M3 00:15:20 Cork University Hospital
25 Michelle Kenny 0/45F F1 00:17:38 Dept of Ed F-A-1
37 Linda O Connor 0/50F F2 00:18:17 Musgrave
43 Saoirse Twomey 00:18:25 Temp Reg

Full results HERE

Photos...
1) Mick Dooley has a few photos on the BHAA page HERE and HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 18th Jan 2025

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 18th Jan 2025. Approximately 1276 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... The conditions were overcast and dry for this weeks 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: 393 this week, 400 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:25

2 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:28

3 John COAKLEY Male JM15-17 18:30

19 Sinead BARNETT Female SW25-29 21:02

9 Mari BURKE Female VW45-49 21:56

33 Fiona VERLING Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:02

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/359/

Tramore Valley Park: 337 this week, 362 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael BYRNE Male VM40-44 17:41

2 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:37

3 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 18:45

18 Deirdre WALLACE Female VW35-39 20:57

38 Sandra KEYES Female VW40-44 22:10

44 Emily OCONNELL Female SW25-29 22:28

Tramore Valley Park results...   https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/137/

Glen River: 92 this week, 66 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Aaron BEGGS Male VM35-39 North Down AC 19:02

2 Ciarán MURRAY Male VM40-44 Togher AC 21:31

3 Bryan GLENDON Male VM45-49 22:02

12 Claire COSTELLO Female VW40-44 23:45

24 Mary PAPPIN Female VW40-44 26:16

25 Fi OMEARA Female VW40-44 26:16

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/242/

Mallow Castle:  83 this week, CANCELLED last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Matthew COOKE Male JM11-14 19:30

2 Fanahan MCSWEENEY Male SM30-34 19:47

3 John KELLY Male VM50-54 Mallow AC 19:59

9 Bernadette O'DRISCOLL Female SW30-34 22:23

13 Andressa LENIN BRAVO Female VW35-39 23:05

15 Ciara LEHANE Female VW40-44 Crusaders Athletic Club 23:34

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/165/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 58 this week, 65 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ruby DEVEREAUX Male JM11-14 16:53

2 James 0 MAHONY Male VM35-39 19:41

3 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 20:02

4 Zena MULLANE Female VW35-39 20:23

9 Mary O DONNELL Female SW20-24 22:09

10 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:10

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/142/

Macroom Castle Demense: 94 this week, 71 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:53

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 19:46

4 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 19:55

2 Martina KIELY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:08

11 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 22:39

16 Edel O'LEARY Female VW40-44 23:41

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/510/

Clonakilty: 66 this week, 41 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 19:29

2 David HICKEY Male VM40-44 19:30

3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 Ranelagh Harriers 21:16

5 Catherine FINCH Female VW45-49 21:42

9 Moira MCCARTHY Female JW15-17 24:45

11 Karina JONINA Female SW30-34 25:04

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/465/

Glengarriff Woods: 88 this week, 81 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 James MCCARTHY Male SM20-24 20:54

2 Shane O BRIEN Male JM15-17 21:24

3 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 21:29

8 Anna O'NEILL Female VW55-59 23:43

9 Ellen MCCARTHY Female SW25-29 24:04

11 Emma BURKE Female SW20-24 24:34

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/383/

Bere Island: 31 this week, 44 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 21:04

3 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM55-59 23:16

5 Adam WALSH Male SM20-24 25:36

2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 22:47

4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:04

6 Livia SUTER Female SW20-24 25:42

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/475/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 34 finishers this week, 23 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 22:16

3 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 23:57

4 Donnacha MC CARTHY Male VM35-39 24:17

2 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 23:52

9 Rosalind BUTTERWORTH Female VW35-39 Petts Wood Runners 26:32

12 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 28:25

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/395/

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

Guest Post: Personal Satisfaction ...by Pat Walsh

 * Personal Satisfaction (PS) *

For 2025, may I introduce a new concept to your running. The idea of satisfaction with what you do, and gratitude to be able to do it.

So many people are unhappy with performance and times, so much that it takes from the overall enjoyment of being able to run. There is no long term future in that.

Elite athletes operate on a different level where their daily lives are structured around whatever type of training is required on any given day. Everything else will be made to fall into place around this. Rest, nutrition, coaching, psychology is fine tuned for maximum performance.

Us ‘normal’ runners are a different lot. We juggle daily domestic requirements, work takes another chunk of our lives and we are left to try to fit what we can into the rest of the week. We shoehorn training in around what we can get done. There is also injuries, recovery, sleep, nutrition, lack of full time physio assistance to be considered. What time will you be home to cook the dinner for us?

So before you beat yourself up after a race where you didn’t hit the time you wanted then ask yourself why?, but don’t be hard on yourself.

Maybe a better way to approach it would be, to do the best you can and then be willing to accept that and be satisfied.

Even with the best training there will be bad weather, a hilly course, or some other small thing to set you back. It isn’t a setback it is merely a recalibration of what you could possibly achieve on that day.

Some people avoid a challenging course as they will not hit a time. Forget that, make it a best performance for that course.

Before you go to your next race, try to approach it with anticipation and excitement, rather than fear and trepidation. It is much more enjoyable. 

When you are asked after the next race how did you get on you can reply:-

‘All things considered, I’m fantastic, there was tremendous personal satisfaction from what I achieved today’
or else, if that is too eloquent and full of bull say: 
’ I’m pleased'
’The Joy of Running can only be achieved through acceptance of oneself and our limitations…. 
‘Heaven can wait, I wanna dance one more time’ …Guetta

Have a lovely weekend

#pwr

Training programme for the 2025 Cork City Marathon

The Cork City Marathon is coming up on Sunday 1st June 2025. I have a standard 18-week training programme starting on the 29th of January which costs €144. 

The weekly programme is tailored for each individual and requires weekly feedback by email. It's suitable for anyone looking to do their first marathon or for someone who wants to improve their times.

There are also 14,16 & 18 week programmes for the half-marathon.

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

If anyone is interested in training for any other race then you can find details on the coaching page... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/p/coaching.html

Section of Blackrock to Passage Greenway to be temporarily closed - Spring 2025

Cork City Council has announced that a small section of the Blackrock-Passage Greenway (from Atlantic Pond to Holland Park Greenway access ramp) will be temporarily closed for 3 months to facilitate the construction of the new children’s playground and woodland walkways.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted onto the Marina Promenade, rejoining the Greenway at Holland Park.

Notice: The Great Railway Run 25km - Sun 13th Apr 2025

The annual Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline will be held this year on Sunday the 13th of April 2025. 

Entries: You can enter online HERE

The 25km route is the same as 2024. It will start at 9:30am on Monahan Road and takes in a 1.6 mile / 2.6km loop first which is shown below.

The race then proceeds along the route of the old railway line to Carrigaline finishing at the Lions Youth Centre on Church Road.

The 2025 route is shown below...

The run will roughly follow the route of the old Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway which ran from 1850 until 1932. 

More details on the event website.

There are two things that stand out for me about this event.

1) Point to Point... Most race routes take the form of some sort of loop where the start and finish points are near each other. This is one of the very few that goes from point to point. There's something special about starting an event in Cork City and ending up down in Carrigaline.

2) Prep for the Cork City Marathon... The Great Railway Run comes 7-weeks before the Cork City Marathon and it's a good opportunity to try out your planned marathon pace. Do a short warm up before the event and then run the 25kms are your marathon pace. You should be reasonably comfortable by the time you get to the finish line. If not, you might need to revise your plans. It's also a great training session as part of your marathon preparation.

25K Prizes...

€3000 in prize money sponsored by Phelans Pharamacy. Prizes will be awarded for best overall placings as well as for age categories. Strictly one prize per entrant. The Joe West perpetual trophy will be awarded to the fastest male and female in the 25K race. Cash prizes will be as follows:

Men Overall: 1st €500, 2nd €250, 3rd €120, 4th €75

Men Categories: Wheelchair, M40, M45, M50, M55, M60, M65 - 1st in each category €50

Women Overall: 1st €500, 2nd €250, 3rd €125, 4th €75

Women Categories: Wheelchair, W40, W45, W50, W55, W60, W65 - 1st in each category €50

The prize giving will be held after the race at approximately 12:45pm in the Carrigaline Lions Youth Centre on Church Road.

Event Beanies: Beanies with the Great Railway Run logo can be purchased during registration for €10. Anyone who purchased a beanie can collet it after the race at the Carrigaline Lions Youth Centre. A limited number of beanies may be available to purchase after the race.

Raffeen with the railway crossing on the left

Notice: Cork BHAA MTU 5k in Bishopstown - Sun 2nd March 2025

The Cork BHAA MTU 5k is coming up on Sunday the 2nd of March 2025 at 10am.

The entry fee is just €5 for registered BHAA runners and €10 for non-registered. You enter on the morning of the race.

There will also be a free MTU race mug for the first 400 to enter on the day.

Some key points...

• All parking will be in the tiered car parks.
• Registration/catering & prizegiving will take place in the MTU Arena and there will be pedestrian access from the tiered car parks.
• Entry is on the day, no pre-entry.
• Shower facilities will be available in the MTU Arena.
• The start of the race will be around the main entrance to the tiered carpark/swimming pool roundabout.
• The finish will be on the athletics track on the MTU campus.
•  The 5k is for over 16’s only.

From the organisers: "We are asking runners to bring their own reusable cup for refreshments after the race. MTU has a Ditch the Disposables campaign across all MTU campuses which involves removing single-use cups from all canteens as part of it’s commitment to environmental sustainability. "

Course... There is a slight change in the course this year and it's shown below...

The first km is mostly on a public road and this gives the field a chance to thin out it goes onto the Greenway behind MTU. It's a pretty flat course and there are no real hills to speak of. 

This is always a popular event and should get a good turnout.

Sharon Rynne of Leevale AC takes title at Tom Walsh 10k in Limerick - Sun 12th Jan 2025

While Sunday the 12th Jan 2025 was a quiet day for road races in Cork, the annual Tom Walsh 10k in Caherconlish, Co Limerick attracted a large field of 416 runners.

Sharon Rynne of Leevale AC was the first woman home in a time of 36:45 while fellow team mate Conor McCauley finished 3rd in the men's race.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Ger FORDE 31:13 523 M M40 Kilkenny City Harriers
2 Niall SHANAHAN 32:03 471 M M40 An Bru A.C.
3 Conor MCCAULEY 32:25 368 M M40 Leevale A.C.
1 Sharon RYNNE 36:45 469 F FS Leevale A.C.
2 Dee COLLINS 36:54 520 F F40 Ennis Track A.C.
3 Dymphna RYAN 37:53 461 F F40 Dundrum A.C.

Full results HERE

Guest Post: Mary Sweeney completes 200 parkruns! ...by Mick Dooley

Congratulations to Mary Sweeney on achieving her 200th parkrun this morning in Ballincollig, the Queen of road running in Cork and beyond . An amazing lady that travels the length and breath of the country to road races to represent both club and county for almost half a century. 

Mary & friends celebrate the 200th milestone

She reminded us all of this day 40 years ago when she won the home countries cross country in Mullingar. Mary has completed at every distance from 5k right up the marathon.  And thanks to the reintroduction of the Cork City Marathon in 2007 Mary got back on the Marathon shoes to bring her Marathon total to  53 marathons.

Mary with photographer extraordinaire Mick Dooley!

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 11th Jan 2025

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 11th Jan 2025. Approximately 1154 runners and walkers took part in the 9 events in Co Cork.

Report... The milder conditions saw a return to more normal numbers this weekend with 9 out of the 10 parkruns going ahead. Despite the fact that Mallow was cancelled, the overall numbers still broke through the 1000 mark.

Tramore Valley Park... There was an exceptionally large turnout of 363 runners  and walkers this week, the second highest ever for the event.

Macroom Castle... Well done to Felicity Dawson who completed her 250th 5k parkrun this weekend! 171 of the 250 have been at the Macroom event.

250 parkruns for Felicity Dawson

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 400 this week, CANCELLED last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Finbarr ODWYER Male VM50-54 Leevale AC 18:22

2 Daire REILLY Male VM35-39 18:28

3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:45

18 Ella COLLINS Female SW18-19 Bandon AC 20:35

45 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:52

48 Davina FENTON Female VW45-49 Ballinora National School 22:15

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/358/

Tramore Valley Park: 363 this week, CANCELLED last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Steven BEASLEY Male VM35-39 17:59

2 Darragh O'CONNOR Male JM15-17 Belgooly AC 18:09

3 Owen DWYER Male VM40-44 18:13

14 Fiona RIORDAN Female SW30-34 20:19

24 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:57

29 Vikki DONNELLY Female VW35-39 21:06

Tramore Valley Park results...   https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/136/

Glen River: 66 this week, CANCELLED last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Marcus BISHOP Male M30-34 17:47

2 Jimmy BRAY Male SM30-34 Sanctuary Runners 18:53

3 Cian MCPARLAND Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:57

25 Heather NORVEIL Female VW35-39 26:58

26 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW55-59 27:12

31 Donna O' NEILL Female SW25-29 27:53

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/241/

Mallow Castle: CANCELLED this week, 55 last week.

First 3 men & women...

Mallow results... 

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 65 this week, 55 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 19:18

2 Thomas O NEILL Male VM35-39 19:57

3 Cian HOGAN Male JM15-17 21:09

7 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:17

9 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 23:30

10 Martha MORRISON Female VW45-49 23:33

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/141/

Macroom Castle Demense: 71 this week, 72 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Paul MC GUINNESS Male SM25-29 19:21

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 19:43

3 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 20:16

18 Noreen STEWART Female VW40-44 25:05

19 Valerie NEVILLE Female VW45-49 25:08

25 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 25:21

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/509/

Clonakilty: 41 this week, 33 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Barry CRONIN Male VM45-49 22:07

2 Declan RICE Male VM40-44 22:43

3 Lennart LINDENFELD Male JM15-17 23:49

11 Laura WHITE Female SW25-29 26:47

12 Sophia KINGSTON Female SW25-29 26:53

14 Moira MCCARTHY Female JW15-17 27:39

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/464/

Glengarriff Woods: 81 this week, 50 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:48

2 Shane O BRIEN Male JM15-17 21:32

3 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 21:46

8 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 25:00

9 Meave QUINLAN Female VW35-39 25:13

15 Lora SMITE Female SW18-19 27:24

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/382/

Bere Island: 44 this week, 31 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Andy JAMES Male VM45-49 parkrun World tourists 23:01

4 Adam WALSH Male SM20-24 26:04

7 Luke BROWNE Male JM10 26:29

2 Marina QUINLAN Female VW35-39 23:42

3 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 23:49

5 Livia SUTER Female SW20-24 26:05

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/474/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 23 finishers this week, 12 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick O'DRISCOLL Male VM35-39 19:23

2 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 22:24

3 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44 23:07

7 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 25:26

11 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:02

13 Therese LYNCH Female VW60-64 35:05

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/394/

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

Guest Post: Be Safe ...by Pat Walsh

 * Be Safe *

Hey folks, I hope everyone is safe and well. 

I didn’t run this week but then I think that might apply to most of you as well. Don’t worry about it.

We get these weeks every now and then, so it is important to accept it and don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger by taking a risk. 

Losing a weeks training may be a setback. A fall or an injury picked up could have far longer consequences for your fitness.

If you take a week off in Summer for a holiday then that is ok, so put this week in perspective, it shouldn’t have a major effect. 

'O Wind, if Winter comes can Spring be far behind?'...

It can be hard so early in the New Year when plans are swirling in the head and you are bursting to get going but don’t risk it.

Thanks for all the lovely comments with regards my injury. I may not be running for some time and getting my head around that has been difficult. I’m waiting for specialist appointment to plan a recovery and hopefully it will include the bike, as that will give some decent aerobic exercise and fresh air.

I’m not the first and won’t be the last to pick up a serious injury. It is the head now needs to come to terms with all of it.

I usually run a few days every week and have done since 'forever'. I have never missed an entire month and as of tomorrow I will be 6 weeks off the road. Eternity.

- Adaptations required

Relax, but that isn’t my strongest feature.
Rest, but I don’t understand the word.
Eat less, as I am now burning a lot less calories.
Stop looking at Garmin outputs as that only gives me envy.
Work on flexibility and strength… but until I have a clear picture, I’m afraid to do too much.
Patience, but I had to even check how to spell it ..! 
‘Patience, give me some of that sweet patience, Lord, I will keep my eye on my goal’ … 

- Positives to it all

More time for coffee.

I’m free to cycle on the Midleton - Youghal Greenway (hopefully) so if anyone wants some company let me know.

I’m not filling the washing machine with mounds of dirty wet gear from running.

I don’t have to get up early on Saturday Mornings.

More time for reading. Santa was good to me and I have a fine stash.

Fortune saved on entry fees to races but that will probably spent on more coffees..!

‘Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained.’ ....

Have a lovely weekend and stay safe. The thaw is on the way.

#pwr

Upcoming road races on Sun 12th Jan 2025

With the arrival of milder weather and all of that snow melting, things should be back to normal in terms of travel this weekend. Unusually, things are a bit quiet in Cork as regards road races. 

Any runners in east Cork might be interested in a 5-miler organised by West Waterford AC in Colligan Woods near Dungarvan on Sunday.

 Waterford ... Sun 12th Jan 2025 (12noon)... Colligan Cup 5-mile... €10... Colligan Woods, NW of Dungarvan... info... entries...

For runners in north Cork, there is the Tom Walsh 10k in Caherconlish. Note the new earlier start time!

 Limerick ... Sun 12th Jan 2025 (11am)... Tom Walsh 10k race... €26.75... Caherconlish... Dry fit running top for first 500 to register... info... PLEASE NOTE THE NEW START TIME OF 11AM

In addition to these races on Sunday, there are of course the usual 5k parkruns on Saturday at 9:30am.

Some of the ones further north in Munster are cancelling due to the slow melt.

Mallow has cancelled.

Top Cork BHAA races of 2024...

The Cork BHAA races are some of the most popular on the road race calendar. In this post, we'll look back at what the most popular Cork BHAA races were in 2024.

As can be seen from the chart above, the most popular race was the John Buckley Sports 5k! In 2024, this one  had over 1000 finishers and I think that might have been a first for a Cork BHAA race.

The next three were the PwC 5k, the Gas Networks Ireland 5k and the Musgrave 5k and all three were a step above the rest.

The numbers gradually taper away and the races are a mix of warm summer evening races and cool winter morning events.

The least popular race was the ESB cross country 5k and this reflects the fact that most people don't like cross country.

In a previous post, I had a look at the Cork BHAA calendar for 2025... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2024/12/cork-bhaa-calendar-for-2025-announced.html

I'd have no doubt that the races this year will be as popular as ever.

Notice: Karen Fenton Memorial 5k in Ballinora - Sun 13th April 2025

The Karen Fenton 5K Memorial Run is scheduled to take place this year on Sunday 13th of April 2025 @ 12:30pm. The location is for the 5k is in Ballinora which is just to the south of Ballincollig in the western part of Cork City.

Entries open 1st Feb...You can enter online HERE

From the organisers.....The annual Karen Fenton Memorial Run will be hosted in Ballinora, Waterfall on April 13th, 2025. 

This event is a 5km road race, which is being organised and hosted by the Fenton Family, in association with St Finbarr's AC, in memory of Karen Fenton, who passed away from Ovarian Cancer, on the 30th of April 2017, aged 43. 

We are delighted to welcome runners and walkers back to Ballinora for this special community event for all the family!

​Any additional donations are welcome as we continue to fundraise for ovarian cancer and support services.

More info here... https://karenfenton.ie/

Location...Ballinora is located just south-west of Cork City and to the south of Ballincollig.

It can be accessed by taking Exit 1 on the Ballincollig bypass or going via Waterfall. See the course map below.

Course..... The 5k starts just to the north of Ballinora on a quiet country road.

The course is pretty reasonable with a gentle climb although it does have a bit of a see-saw finish...

There are two small hills at the end which while a bit testing are also quite short. An action packed last km! :o)

This is a video of the course from a few years ago...