New North Ring Road in Cork City opens up new running routes...

Cork City Council announced today proposals for a new ring road across the north side of Cork City.

The Ring Road or to give its official title, the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Road (CNDMR) starts at Inchigaggin on the Carrigrohane Straight and crosses to the north of the city as far as Glanmire in the east.

The press release reads... "Cork City Council, in collaboration with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport, is inviting members of the public to participate in a non-statutory public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Route for the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Road (CNDMR). The consultation launches today, Thursday 27 February and runs until Thursday 10 April.

The proposed new road is 14 kilometres long, from the Carrigrohane Road at its western end to Glanmire in the east, crossing the northern side of Cork City via Hollyhill, Dublin Hill and Banduff.

The CNDMR will provide safe, dedicated infrastructure for active travel (walking and cycling), public transport and general traffic. It will improve journey times for all road users and improve access to areas of employment. It will also unlock zoned land on the north side of Cork City for future residential and commercial development, enhancing the attractiveness of the area for investment. It is a key element to delivering the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), which was published in 2020 and identified the need for this east-west route on the north side of Cork City."

What makes this project really interesting from a runners or walkers point of view is the inclusion of footpaths on both sides. This will open up a lot more potential routes for anyone who wants to go for a run or walk.

The artists impression above is of the section heading north from Inchigaggin and heading towards the river.

According to the project website, the Cork Northern Distributor Multi Modal Route will consist of...

3.0m traffic lanes in both directions.
3.25m bus lanes in both directions and
1.50m planting buffer on both sides,
3.25m two-way cycle tracks on both sides,
2.50m footpaths on both sides,

For more  information on the project and public consultation, go to https://www.cndmrpublicconsultation.ie

New Junior 2km parkrun for Adare, Co Limerick

It was announced this week that there is going to be a new 2km Junior parkrun for 4-14 year olds in Adare, Co Limerick. It will be held at the Manor Fields in the village.

At present, the nearest junior parkruns are in Shelbourne Park in Limerick City and at Mallow Castle in Co Cork.

The organisers write... "We are happy to share news of a new Junior Parkrun coming to Adare. Junior Parkrun is a free weekly 2km event for those aged 4 to 14 (consisting of two 1km laps).

Volunteers needed: The next step is gather an interested group to help with volunteer roles. This could be anything from marshalling to token scanning at the end. You don't need to volunteer weekly, and any help will be hugely appreciated. 

For more information please contact the event organiser, Gillian O'Regan: Gillianpowell1 AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk"

Clashduv junior parkrun postponed until further notice - Feb 2025

The team behind the Clashduv junior parkrun  in Togher have announced that their event is cancelled until further notice.

This free 2km event for 4-14 year olds started back at the end of August 2023 and there have been 58 editions so far. Considering it's been running for about 18 months, you might expect something like 75 but even accounting for holidays, a number have had to be cancelled in the past due to a lack of volunteers.

The chart above shows the numbers for each event since it started. The average number taking part is 34 and the numbers have been low of late.

While the numbers above are for the number of children taking part, we can imply that if there are fewer parents attending then there is probably a smaller pool of potential volunteers to help out.

If you'd like to help out in any way then you can contact them on their site... https://www.parkrun.ie/clashduv-juniors/

Cork City Council name new park bench after parkrunner Anne Murphy

Joe Murphy with the new seat dedicated to Anne Murphy

Cork City Council have just named a new bench in Ballincollig Regional Park after the late Anne Murphy.

Anne was a regular attendee at the various parkruns and did her first 5k parkrun in Tralee back on the 13th of June 2015. Her first outing in Ballincollig Regional Park was at the inaugural event on the 18th of June 2016 and Ballincollig would go on to become her home parkrun.

Anne completed 148 parkruns with husband Joe in 17 different locations.

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

Update 28th Feb 2025: There are now fewer than 100 places left.

he 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...

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...

Results of the Cloyne 4k - Sun 23rd Feb 2025

A total of 147 souls braved the driving rain and gales for the Cloyne 4k challenge on Sunday 23rd Feb 2025. With other races in Cork being cancelled, this was the only one that went ahead.

Top 3 men & women...

1 1217 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 13:12
2 1471 John Spelman East Cork AC M 13:45
3 1490 Ian O Leary Leevale AC M55 14:31
15 968 Katie Hennessy Midleton AC FJ 15:58
20 924 Sinead Falvey Midleton AC F40 16:23
23 1219 Laura O Donovan Unattached F 16:44

Full results below...

Position Race Number Name Club Category Time

1 1217 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 13:12
2 1471 John Spelman East Cork AC M 13:45
3 1490 Ian O Leary Leevale AC M55 14:31
4 1468 Seamus McSweeney Grange Fermoy AC M50 14:42
5 509 Andrew de Klerk Ballintotis Fit 4 Life M45 14:53
6 1016 Brendan Kearney Unattached M 14:54
7 1457 Paul Kearney Aghada RC M40 14:57
8 949 Tim Hannon Midleton AC M45 14:59
9 217 John Ahern Midleton AC M45 15:21
10 969 Martin Hennessy East Cork AC M50 15:43

Racewalker Kate Veale secures her 8th National title

Kate Veale of West Waterford AC secured her 8th National Senior Indoor Title today in the Women's 3000m walk.

Update on running events on Sun 23rd Feb 2025

In marked contrast to Saturday, it's going to be wet and windy on Sunday 23rd Feb 2025 for any running events.

Update: 10:50am.

The 4km race in Cloyne is going ahead at 9:30am with an entry fee of €5.

The Kinsale 10-mile is cancelled 

7:30am - "Course inspection and race organisers are meeting this morning and will update as soon as possible."

10am - "We apologise for the inconvenience to everyone but had to make this decision under the circumstances. We plan to host the race on another date. We will confirm details in due course and with regard to entry refunds/transfers too."

The Killeagh 4-mile in east Cork has been cancelled.

The Cork BHAA ESB 5k Cross Country race in Beaumont Park has been cancelled.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 22nd Feb 2025

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 22nd Feb 2025. Approximately 1083 runners and walkers took part in the 9 events in Co Cork.

Report... It was a nice bright sunny morning for this weeks nine 5k parkruns in Co Cork. Both the Ballincollig and Mallow events were cancelled due to flooding.

Macroom... Well done to Derry Keane who completed his 250th 5k parkrun! All 250 have been in Macroom.

Well done also to Noreen Stewart who completed her 100th 5k parkrun this week. 86 of these were at Macroom, 10 were in Ballingcollig and 4 were in Castlebar.

Glen River... Well done to Michael Comyns who completed his 250th 5k parkrun at the Glen River parkrun this weekend!

Michael has completed 220 of the 250 in Ballincollig with a further 14 at Tramore Valley Park. This was his 4th visit to the Glen.

Castlehaven... 400! Well done to the Castlehaven crew who celebrated their 400th 5k parkrun this weekend!

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 308 this week, 369 last week.

First 3 men & women... CANCELLED

Ballincollig results... 

Tramore Valley Park: 329 this week, 241 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Fintan KERINS Male SM30-34 16:12

2 Ryan MULROY Male SM25-29 St Finbarrs AC 17:04

3 Graham CUMMINS Male VM35-39 19:01

23 Nan KEARNEY Female VW45-49 Sanctuary Runners 21:58

41 Laura MAYE Female VW35-39 23:13

51 Paula MULCAHY Female VW50-54 UCC Staff Athletics Club 23:59

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/141/

Glen River: 98 this week, 57 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Tom LEE Male VM45-49 Westport AC 20:23

2 Cian BRANNIGAN Male SM25-29 20:43

3 Connor O'BRIEN Male SM30-34 20:47

14 Mags HASSETT Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:59

18 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 24:40

31 Unknown 26:11

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/247/

Midleton Greenway: 310 this week, 294 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anthony MANNIX Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 16:15

2 Luke BURFIELD Male SM20-24 17:50

3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:06

20 Irene EIGHAN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:11

23 Elsa RYAN Female SW18-19 20:23

24 Ellen HANLEY Female VW45-49 20:25

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/4/

Mallow Castle:  59 this week, 82 last week.

First 3 men & women... CANCELLED

Mallow results... 

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 50 this week, 44 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 John MURPHY Male VM55-59 19:17

2 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 20:38

3 Brendan COUGHLAN Male VM45-49 Watergrasshill AC 1:18

6 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:25

7 Anna PAWLIK Female VW40-44 Youghal AC 22:43

9 Rose KINSELLA Female VW40-44 24:34

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/147/

Macroom Castle Demense: 76 this week, 68 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:49

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 19:51

3 Unknown

10 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 23:11

21 Liz O'DONOVAN Female VW40-44 Eagle A.C. 25:11

23 Sarah CUDDIHY Female SW18-19 25:43

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/515/

Clonakilty: 52 this week, 34 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David HICKEY Male VM40-44 19:51

2 Barry KIRBY Male SM25-29 21:54

3 Matthew KELLEHER Male JM11-14 22:29

9 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 24:00

12 Moira MCCARTHY Female JW15-17 24:43

18 Holly FLEMING Female SW30-34 26:15

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/470/

Glengarriff Woods: 78 this week, 62 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Ray SMITH Male VM60-64 Kenmare Athletics Club 21:28

2 Liam O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 21:52

3 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM45-49 22:15

10 Mary LAWTON Female VW55-59 Durrus Athletic Club 25:52

11 Marian MINEHANE Female VW40-44 25:54

13 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 26:17

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/388/

Bere Island: 57 this week, 43 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Unknown

7 Cian TWOMEY Male JM10 25:47

8 Luke BROWNE Male JM10 25:49

2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:46

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

4 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 23:37

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/480/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 33 finishers this week, 20 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Bryan VILLIERS Male SM30-34 22:12

2 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 22:14

3 Donncha O'BRIEN Male VM45-49 23:04

8 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 27:31

11 Claire HURLEY Female VW40-44 28:08

14 Ruth COLLINS Female VW45-49 29:31

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/400/

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

Guest Post: The passionate heart never ages ...by Pat Walsh

 * The passionate heart never ages *

I celebrated a birthday recently. Not a bells and whistles one, nor a change of running category, but one that caused a bout of reflection. 

A quote from the beautiful Anam Cara, John O’Donoghue.

‘Age offers the opportunity to integrate and bring together the multiplicity of directions that you have travelled. It is a time when you can bring the circle of your life together to where your longing can be awakened and new possibilities come alive for you.’

A few thoughts that I’m writing here, more for myself and my own mental well-being than anything else and maybe you might find something in them.

I was / am injured and I have had a few physical setbacks in the last year but nothing too serious and maybe just a way of the body reminding me of what we have done together. The body may age but the mind doesn’t, I hope. 

As my own running has stopped, we have a new local parkrun just started that I can help as a volunteer, do all the sociable bits and still feel part of the running community. One door closes, another one opens. It will also serve for when I get back and take the steps of walk first, then walk / run until finally I can run the event again. There is a goal and it has no time pressure, just an achievement to aim for. The first of many future goals.

‘One of the most beautiful gifts in the world, is the gift of encouragement.’

I read a great article last weekend about walking soccer. This concept started abroad and has come to Ireland. Groups of people who want to kick a football in a team environment but who’s physical days are behind them meet up to play a slower version of their beloved sport. They have all the fun and social side with no injuries. I love it.

parkrun offers me the same. There are probably more sports offering some version of this. Once there is some exercise, fun, a social element then hey, go for it. There is so much that you can do and enjoy, once you decide to get off the couch. 

The other part that needed adjusting was my mind. I don’t have to be old or act old, all I need to do is set realistic targets that I can achieve. They will be personal and no point in trying to better some feats from years ago, or god forbid, try to match anyone else at the moment who may be years younger. This isn’t defeatist, it is realism with a sense of expectation. I have many more things to do and aim for.

‘Your soul knows the geography of your destiny.’

Have a lovely weekend. Sorry for being so self indulgent.

#pwr

"Blind runner hits personal best' - Southern Star Feb 2025

An article titled "Blind runner hits personal best" appeared in this weeks Southern Star and it's about Ross Gallagher and his PB in the recent Skibbereen 5-mile road race... https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2025/02/results-of-skibbereen-5m-10m-road-races.html

Ballincollig 5k parkrun cancelled - Sat 22nd Feb25

Due to all the rain this week, the course for the 5k parkrun in Ballincollig Regional Park is flooded and the event on Saturday 22nd of February 2025 is cancelled.

Other options include the parkruns at 9:30am in Macroom or in the Tramore Valley Park. Getting the train to Midleton might make for an interesting option as well. (... and Glen River as well of course!)

Update: Mallow is cancelled as well.

Ballincollig Regional Park

Training programme for the 2025 Cork City Half-Marathon

The Cork City Half-Marathon is coming up on Sunday 1st June 2025. I have a standard 14-week training programme starting on the 24th of February which costs €112. 

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

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

Bogus race steward sends runners the wrong way in Glasgow trail race

The BBC news site has a report that a bogus race steward directed some runners onto the wrong path at a 10km trail race in Glasgow last Sunday. About 30 runners ended up taking a 1.5 mile (2.5km) detour by someone who had removed some direction arrows and then pretended to be a race official.

One of the race organisers said... "Some people came across the line and they were saying they were following arrows but they went the wrong way. We've had lots of different stories from the runners who were affected. But they all said they were told where to run. The sad part for us is that the sign was buried, whoever did this made a point of doing it. It clearly wasn't an impulsive move".

The full BBC article can be seen HERE

Ireland is the most popular place for parkrun worldwide

There was an interesting article on the RTE website last weekend about how Ireland is now the most popular place for parkrun worldwide with around 9% of the population now registered.

In the article, it states that there are currently 112 5k events in Ireland, and 42 junior 2k events. In 2024, there were more than half a million finishes at 5k parkrun events across Ireland, with more than 100,000 at junior 2k parkruns.

The very first parkrun started in London in 2004 while the first parkrun in Ireland started in November of 2010. The first parkrun in Dublin started in Malahide in November 2012 while the first parkrun in Cork started a year later with Macroom starting in May of 2013.

While the report focused on the Mullingar, the comments by participants could apply to any parkrun.

"It's not a competition, this isn't a racing club. Come out and walk it or crawl it. The people at the start are just as important as the walker who come in at the end. I know it's called parkrun but it isn't about running, it's about moving, it's about fun and it's about community."

The full article can be seen HERE

Results of the North Cork AC 5k in Doneraile Park - Sun 16th Feb 2025

The annual North Cork AC 5k race in Doneraile Park was held this year on Sun 16th Feb 2025. For whatever reason, there was a big drop in numbers this year going from 171 last year to just 90 in 2025.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Luke Hever North Cork AC 18:09 MS 339
2 Darragh Frost Doneraile 19:03 MS 314
3 Mark O'Brien Kilworth 19:44 MS 434
5 Maeve Doody North Cork AC   20:16 FJ 195
7 Sally-Ann Lynch Donoughmore AC  20:42 FS 388
11 Michaela Flynn North Cork AC 21:49 FJ 473

Full results HERE

Results & Photos of the Carrigaline 5-mile road race - Sun 16th Feb 2025

Mark Walsh of Leevale AC wins the 2025 Carrigaline 5m road race

The annual Tommy Ryan Memorial 5-mile road race in Carrigaline was held on Sunday the 16th of February 2025 with 281 runners crossing the finish line. Despite the weather forecast for loads of rain, it amounted in the end to nothing more than a few spits. 

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Mark WALSH 26:15 6348 M M35 Leevale A.C.
2 Sean DAVIN 26:30 6198 M MS St. Finbarrs A.C.
3 John MEADE 26:43 6262 M M45 St. Finbarrs A.C.
15 Michelle KENNY 29:51 44 F F45 Leevale A.C.
19 Emma FITZPATRICK 30:35 628 F FS Leevale A.C.

21 Linda KELLY 31:09 6231 F F50 Watergrasshill A.C.

Full results HERE

Michelle Kenny is the first woman home in a time of 29m 51s

Photos to follow...

1) There are 3 galleries going up on the Running in Cork Facebook page...

a) Album 1 of 3 b) Album 2 of 3 c) Album 3 of 3 . (This covers all the runners up to about 47 min finish time. The battery on the camera died at this point - forgot to charge it after Dungarvan! Joe has loads at about the 4.5m mark below so he should have got you)

2) Joe Murphy has several galleries...

a) Album 1 (skip through them to find the faster runners at about 4.5 miles) b) Album 2 c) Album 3 d) Album 4 e) Album 5 f) Album 6 

3) Mick Dooley has some finish line photos HERE

4) Siobhan Russell has a gallery HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 15th Feb 2025

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 15th Feb 2025. Approximately 1,232 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... Conditions were mild and misty for this weeks eleven 5k parkruns in Co Cork.

Glengarriff... Well done to Neil Flynn who completed his 100th parkrun this morning.

All 100 of Neil's parkruns have been in Glengarriff Woods.

Ballincollig... Well done to Diarmuid Coakley who completed his 200th parkrun this morning while both Gordon Murphy and JJ Murphy hit the century.

Clonakilty... The Clon crew giving the course a bit of TLC before this weeks 5k parkrun...

ONGOING

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 308 this week, 369 last week.

First 3 men & women...

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

2 Liam KEARNEY Male VM40-44 17:41

3 Ríain BRENNAN Male SM20-24 Leevale AC 18:31

27 Aoibhín O'CONNOR Female SW20-24 22:29

34 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 22:55

35 Niamh MORAN Female SW30-34 22:57

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/363/

Tramore Valley Park: 241 this week, 236 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:11

2 Karl HORGAN Male SM30-34 Cork Triathlon Club 19:33

3 Colum NUGENT Male SM30-34 19:41

18 Catherine TUCKER Female SW30-34 Durham City Harriers AC 22:14

28 Ruth FORBES Female VW40-44 22:58

29 Aine Cait NI CHEALLACHÁIN Female SW20-24 23:00

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/140/

Glen River: 57 this week, 70 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:32

2 Donal FALLON Male VM40-44 Mt. Hillary AC 21:12

3 Brian WALLACE Male VM45-49 21:23

15 Ciara HOARE Female JW11-14 25:40

18 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW55-59 26:17

20 Heather NORVEIL Female VW35-39 26:40

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/246/

Midleton Greenway: 294 this week, 286 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael HARTY Male VM40-44 15:01

2 Nick HOGAN Male VM40-44 Sanctuary Runners 17:01

3 Anthony O'GRADY Male VM45-49 17:40

6 Nadine FORDE Female VW40-44 18:14

9 Fiona SANTRY Female VW35-39 19:27

22 Maire WALSH Female VW40-44 Midleton AC 22:01

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/3/

Mallow Castle:  59 this week, 82 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anthony MANNIX Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 16:27

2 Tadgh CARROLL Male SM30-34 19:02

3 John KELLY Male VM50-54 Mallow AC 19:40 

10 Róisín Aiyara MURPHY Female JW10 23:00 

11 Deirdre DUFF Female VW35-39 23:09

14 Marie BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 23:53

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/169/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 44 this week, 50 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Derek SMYTH Male VM45-49 18:23

2 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 18:24

3 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:52

8 Muirna TWOMEY Female VW50-54 21:35

10 Susan DINEEN Female VW40-44 22:36

11 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:44

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/146/

Macroom Castle Demense: 68 this week, 58 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:45

2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 20:00

3 Rory MCELROY Male JM15-17 West Muskerry A.C. 21:00

11 Jacinta BUCKLEY Female VW35-39 Killarney Triathlon Club 23:49

18 Noreen STEWART Female VW40-44 24:54

20 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 25:13

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/514/

Clonakilty: 34 this week, 56 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor O'SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:58

3 Barry CRONIN Male VM45-49 22:48

4 Padraig O'FLYNN Male VM40-44 22:52

2 Maura REGAN Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 22:38

9 Karina JONINA Female SW30-34 24:18

11 Laura WHITE Female SW25-29 26:18

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/469/

Glengarriff Woods: 62 this week, 77 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Cathal MINEHANE Male VM45-49 22:13

2 Daniel CRONIN Male SM30-34 22:20

3 Danny MANNING Male VM45-49 22:21

9 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:57

16 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 26:58

18 Majella O' MAHONY Female VW35-39 28:12

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/387/

Bere Island: 43 this week, 30 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:42

6 Carol HURLEY Female VW50-54 Beara AC 28:01

7 Clodagh WHELAN Female SW30-34 28:28

2 John Kevin MALONE Male SM20-24 21:43

3 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM55-59 23:17

4 Edward STEL Male VM55-59 26:29

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/479/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 20 finishers this week, 21 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 22:11

2 Donncha O'BRIEN Male VM45-49 23:43

3 Luke CONNOLLY Male JM10 25:45

9 Catherine BOYD Female SW30-34 28:50

11 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 29:25

14 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 32:12

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/399/

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

Guest Post: RPE ...by Pat Walsh

* RPE * - Rate of Perceived Exertion.

I was speaking to someone recently about running and how best to use a watch.  They were having difficulty when the watch showed something different in terms of pace than what they were expecting. This threw the head into chaos and the run wasn’t enjoyable and a bit all over the place in terms of pacing.

A watch should merely be a tool to confirm what you should be feeling and you need to learn this so you can train and race accordingly.

Over time, learn what it feels like to run easy, run hard and race and then let the watch be confirmation of exactly that. 

Your Heart Rate and breathing will be better indicators of your exertion levels rather than just time. 

If you are flat out racing, then that is your max and nothing the watch will say can change that.

If you are on an easy day and your heart and watch says you are going fast then SLOW DOWN.

Get used to looking at heart rate levels as you run. These will always tell you what effort you are putting in. Is it where you want to be?

On a bad day your heart rate may be high and you may have to accept this and maybe wonder why? Are you tired, lacking energy or maybe have some illness or virus.?

A watch is a very useful tool for tracking distances, heart rate and speed so that you can get balance right in training. In interval training it shows how hard you pushed.

On a personal level I use Heart Rate on my watch to make sure I don’t go too high or into any zone that may endanger my health. I’m old.

If you are close to a PB a few times and can’t quite hit it, then use the watch to fix your pace and go for it. It is another useful tool to help.

Bottom line, learn to listen to your own body. Think of the gears on your car and know what gear you are in at any stage. Learn to use them all. 

Sixth gear for too long will finish you and burn out the engine. By the same token stay in first and second gear too long and you are going nowhere. 

There was some fine runners before digital wrist watches. There are some great runners now, who carry one but never look… They know.

Have a lovely weekend and learn to love your running shoes, your fellow runners and your ability to just run. It is all in the heart not in the watch.

#pwr

Notice: Carrigaline 5 mile road race - Sun 16th Feb 2025

Eagle AC are organising their annual 5 mile road race in Carrigaline on Sunday, the 16th of February 2025 at 11am.

Update: Sat 15th Feb - Please note that they will be taking entries on the morning of the race from 9:30am (€20)

The entry link is here... https://eventmaster.ie/event/1p4GUwDHeM

From the organisers.... Eagle AC is delighted to announce the return of the 36th annual Tommy Ryan Memorial 5 Miler in Carrigaline on February 16th 2025 at 11am.

Most popular Half-Marathon races in Ireland in 2024

I had a recent post about the top 10-mile races in Ireland in 2024 up on the blog. In this post, we'll look at the most popular half-marathons in Ireland in 2024.

During the year, I've been tracking all of the half-marathon races in Ireland and I think I've got most if not all of them. As far as I can tell, there were just over 90 half-marathon events in Ireland in 2024.

The most popular half-marathon in the country is the Dublin Half which was held in late September. No doubt a lot of people were using this as part of their training for the Dublin Marathon at the end of October.

It's probably no great surprise that Dublin is at number one considering the population of the capital and the huge pool of runners in Dublin and the surrounding counties. This would also explain why the two editions of the Clontarf Half in July and November come in at numbers 6 and 4 on the list.

Belfast as the second largest city in Ireland also comes in second place in terms of half marathon numbers.

The Cork City Half-Marathon on the June Bank Holiday weekend was in third place and just 24 finishers ahead of Clontarf.

The Great Limerick Run Half-Marathon did very well and was just over 200 runners shy of the Cork numbers despite being a smaller city.

The Waterford Half in November was in 9th place and significantly ahead of the Waterford Viking Half in June which was in 20th place.

Some of the races on the list have their numbers limited for various reasons. One such event is the Dingle Half at number 10. This one sells out about 10 months ahead of the race and would no doubt get many more runners if they could accommodate them.

The Charleville Half-Marathon got a boost from hosting the National Half-Marathon Championships in 2024 and came in at number 13. The question now is will they manage to hold onto those numbers in 2025 as the half-marathon championships move up to Tullamore?

Tullamore which is at 22 got a boost from hosting the 2023 championships and managed to hang onto the gains in 2024.

Other 'local' half-marathons of interest were... The Run Kilarney Half was at 23 and just outside the top 20 with the sister Run Kilkee Half in Co Clare at 27. The inaugural Youghal Half finished in a credible 29th place. The Waterford Greenway Half is another one that has to limit the numbers and comes in at number 31. The Border Half in Limerick was number 34 and Clonmel comes in at number 37.

In the bottom half, we have the Stone Mad Half in Blarney at 44 and the Tralee and the Surf n Turf in positions 47 and 48. The new Skibbereen Half is at 53.

Back in the Kingdom, we have Tralee at 47, Kerryhead at 51, Gap of Dunloe at 55, Valentia at 56 and Ballybunion at 74.

Beyond this and you're into events with fewer than 100 finishers.

Looking at the overall list, there are more than double the number of half-marathon events compared to 10-mile races and it remains one of the most popular distances and targets for runners.

Penny Dinners Fundraiser... Lent 2025

From Sinéad Crowley... "Hunger doesn't wear club colours.

This Lent it would be great to be joined in supporting Cork Penny Dinners and instead of giving something up, give something to someone hungry instead. 

This is a non perishable food collection only, which Caitriona Twomey and her team will ensure goes exactly where it's needed to be, starting on Wednesday, March 5th and ending on Sunday April 13th, to allow for distribution for Easter. 

Clubs, groups, organisations, collect on their own premises and deliver directly to Penny Dinners or transport can be provided by arrangement. 

GAA, rugby, art, football, running, book, golf, drama, swimming clubs, and much more  - again, hunger doesn't wear club colours. 

Over a dozen have signed up now including my own local GAA Club in Clonakilty. 

A full list will be posted nearer the start of the collection so you know who's in your area. 

If you would like to support too please contact me at 086 1508747 or bruachnafeile@gmail.com for more information. 

I'd be really thrilled to hear from you ♡ xxx "

Results of the Skibbereen 5m & 10m road races - Sun 9th Feb 2025

The annual Noreen McCarthy Memorial 10-mile and 5-mile road races were held in Skibbereen in west Cork on Sunday 9th Feb 2025 on what was a dry cold day.

This event was traditionally held in November every year but the organisers decided to move it to the spring time to see how it would get on. The numbers for the 10-mile jumped 27% this year but while this sounds impressive, it's still in the ballpark of other years.

The 5-mile numbers however have been transformed with the Spring 2025 edition more than double that of the previous event in November 2023. Going just off the results for the 5-mile race alone, it looks as if the move to a spring date was a success.

10-mile... Top 3 men & women

1 Danny Mullins Bantry AC 54:28 MS 1093
2 Simon Nolan Bandon AC 55:40 MS 1199
3 Justin Ryan West Waterford AC 56:41 MS 1185
7 Clara Ryan St Finbarrs AC 1:02:53 FS 1183
9 Julie O'Brien Durrus AC  1:03:55 F40 1098
21 Sinead O'Regan Courcey AC 1:12:32 F45 1172

Full results HERE

5-mile... Top 3 men & women

1 Michael Dullea Drimoleague     27:57 M45 89
2 Brendan Walsh Cork     29:53 MS 316
3 Enda Fitzmaurice Durrus     30:02 M45 411
12 Anna O'Neill Doheny AC     35:01 F55 292
17 Emma O'Sullivan Skibbereen     35:41 FS 388
28 Alice O'Driscoll Castletownsend     36:47 SF 366

Full results HERE

Photos... (Updated Tues 11th Feb)

1) Garry Minihane has a short video HERE

Garry also has two albums... Album 1 ... Album 2 ...

2) Skibbereen AC have some photos of the start of the 5-mile race HERE ...and of the 10-mile race HERE 

Finish line photos HERE and HERE

Well done to visually impaired runner Ross Gallagher who managed to get a 5-mile personal best time at the Skibbereen 5m today (also a shout out to Meave Quinlan who was the guide runner!)

5 Meave Quinlan Dunmanway     46:28 FS 299
96 Ross Gallagher Dunmanway     46:28 MS 99

Results of the Cork BHAA Janssen 5k - Sun 9th Feb 2025

The annual Cork BHAA Janssen 5k road race was held in Little Island on Sun 9th Feb 2025 on what was a cold but dry morning.

As can be seen from the chart above, the numbers are up 16% on last year.

Top 3 men & women...

 Pos Name Cat Prize Time Company Team
1 Aidan Noone M1 00:15:41 Dept of Ed M-A-1
2 John Meade 0/45M M2 00:15:42 Dept of Ed M-A-1
3 Darren McCann M3 00:15:46 Navy
8 Hannah Steeds F1 00:16:13 Eli Lilly F-A-2
12 Sinead O'Connor 0/35F F2 00:16:36 Dept of Ed F-A-1
29 Michelle Kenny 0/45F F3 00:17:30 Dept of Ed F-A-1

Full results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 8th Feb 2025

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 8th Feb 2025. Approximately 1,335 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... Cold but dry was the order of business for this weeks eleven 5k parkruns in Co Cork.

Ballincollig... Well done to Zofia Babisz who hits a century of parkruns this weekend. All 100 have been at the Ballincollig event.

ONGOING

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, 332 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Rory O' SULLIVAN Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:44

2 Conor O'NEILL Male VM45-49 18:05

3 John COAKLEY Male JM15-17 18:11

9 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 19:17

18 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:00

34 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 21:38

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/362/

Tramore Valley Park: 236 this week, 262 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Robbie MULHALL Male SM25-29 17:06

2 Tadhg CROWLEY Male VM40-44 Sanctuary Runners 18:06

3 Fergal SARGENT Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 18:24

10 Orla DRUMM Female VW40-44 Crusaders A C Dublin 19:55

18 Helen WALSH Female VW50-54 Togher AC 21:27

28 Marion COAKLEY Female SW25-29 22:21

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/139/

Glen River: 70 this week, 46 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Marcus BISHOP Male SM30-34 17:40

2 Cian MCPARLAND Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:29

3 Patrick RAHILLY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:39

15 Claire COSTELLO Female VW40-44 25:13

18 Elaine MOORE Female VW45-49 Togher AC 25:37

24 Veronica BELL Female VW35-39 27:18

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/245/

Midleton Greenway: 286 this week, 636 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Peter HOWIE Male VM35-39 Ballymore Cobh AC 17:26

2 Shane O'REGAN Male SM30-34 17:55

3 Odhran OSULLIVAN Male JM15-17 18:27

19 Maire WALSH Female VW40-44 Midleton AC 22:14

25 Anna PRESTON Female SW30-34 23:01

27 Edel BUCKLEY Female VW35-39 Bweeng Trail Blazers 23:14

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/2/

Mallow Castle:  82 this week, 78 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Luke HEVER Male SM20-24 North Cork AC 17:54

2 Sean LYNCH Male SM20-24 18:58

3 Darragh FROST Male SM30-34 19:09

12 Martina LYONS Female VW50-54 22:40

17 Doireann FRAWLEY Female JW11-14 23:50

19 Marie BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 23:56

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/168/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 50 this week, 65 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Derek SMYTH Male VM45-49 18:24

2 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 18:26

3 Cian HOGAN Male JM15-17 20:18

8 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:47

9 Maggie O MAHONY Female VW50-54 23:28

13 Siobhain LEAHY MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 25:01

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/145/

Macroom Castle Demense: 58 this week, 57 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:16

2 Tony O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 20:59

3 Robert FITZGERALD Male JM15-17 21:04

7 Maeve BOLAND Female SW30-34 Eagle A.C. 22:48

14 Annie MCELROY Female JW11-14 West Muskerry A.C. 24:04

19 Tina POWER Female VW40-44 24:47

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/513/

Clonakilty: 56 this week, 40 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Killian O'LEARY Male VM35-39 19:27

2 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 21:30

3 Declan RICE Male VM40-44 22:01

8 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:50

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

11 Moira MCCARTHY Female JW15-17 24:32

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/468/

Glengarriff Woods: 77 this week, 78 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 20:44

2 Ray KELLEHER Male VM45-49 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:47

3 Liam O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 22:11

7 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:48

9 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 23:53

18 Mary LAWTON Female VW55-59 Durrus Athletic Club 27:04

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/386/

Bere Island: 30 this week, 33 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Nina MURPHY Female SW30-34 20:50

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:27

7 Niamh GIBBONS Female SW25-29 Kirkcaldy Wizards 28:06

2 Calum REID Male SM30-34 Kirkcaldy Wizards 21:13

4 Luke BROWNE Male JM10 26:06

5 Edward STEL Male VM55-59 26:38

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/478/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 21 finishers this week, 28 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 22:16 

2 David LEONARD Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 24:13

3 Donncha O'BRIEN Male VM45-49 24:35

11 June CONNOLLY Female JW10 31:45

15 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 33:00

16 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 33:14

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/398/

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