Welcome to the Running in Cork blog, home of the Cork running community. This is the largest website in Cork & Munster for news on road races and general running news. Included are a current race calendar, race previews, photos, results as well as some local, national and international news items.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 15th Feb 2025
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
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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.
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.
Penny Dinners Fundraiser... Lent 2025
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 "
Sunday, February 09, 2025
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.
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
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!)
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...
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
Saturday, February 08, 2025
Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 8th Feb 2025
Guest Post: Spring ...by Pat Walsh
* Spring *
In Celtic mythology the 1st of February was Imbolc, a festival to celebrate life and new beginnings and marking the arrival of spring. We associate this now with St Brigid who was a Celtic goddess of healing, poetry and blacksmithing. 2 of out of 3 isn’t too bad for me. Note to self: get out the hammer and anvil.
“When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere.” – John O’Donohue
Last week felt like Spring for me anyway.
A new parkrun in Midleton last Saturday which drew a massive crowd of smiley heads.
There was a run for the ages with the winners and a huge crowd on Sunday in Dungarvan at the John Treacy 10mile. Super top class finishing times mixed with 2840 people of all abilities going over the finish line.
Running is strong in Ireland and we should be so grateful to have this sport / recreational amenity available to us. It is there to get out of it whatever you want from it and what you are willing to work for.
The weather has been great, after our recents storms it was beautiful. Bright now until 6pm (I sound like my Dad, RIP, saying that). I thought only older people had a fixation on this but then I looked at my birth cert and the truth dawned on me.
I’m still a bit crocked but trying to be positive. I’m on the mend and it only needs time and patience. I can volunteer to help and I’m free to spectate at events. This can bring its own joy and sense of fun where you can go home from something that you were part of. You still can do hugs and chats and banter with the added bonus of going for a mid-run coffee while all the merry gallopers are out the country somewhere bursting a gut.
The Bike is having a great time as my go-to fresh air exercise. It is quite photogenic and was loving that I cleaned it up for the cycles and the pictures. Feel free to contact if you want company on the new Greenway.
I can swim but I find the pool monotonous after a few lengths and please don’t be mentioning open water swimming. I have suffered enough.
SO spring off the couch and spring into action. A good week and year awaits you. Feel free to comment about your week and how wonderful you are. Don’t let the weeks slip pass now. The multitude of races will be coming soon and you want to be able for them. Above all, live life and enjoy it, don’t waste it or miss the opportunity to better yourself. Loads of help and support out there.
Midleton Greenway parkrun
If you are living locally to Midleton and would like to volunteer at this weeks parkrun or any other week in the future please contact the link below. No experience required, just a willingness to help. These runs cannot survive without a steady supply of volunteers. Link below to volunteer.
https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/volunteer
Have a lovely weekend and #keeponrunning
#pwr
Friday, February 07, 2025
The Running in Cork Facebook page now has over 20,000 followers...
A few weeks back, the Running in Cork Facebook page passed the 20,000 mark in terms of the number of followers. At the time of writing, it has 20,494 followers.
What impact does this have? With Facebook, it's all about the algorithm. When you put up a post there, they don't show that post to all of your friends or followers. They first see what kind of initial response the post gets and that then determines how many people they will eventually show the post to.
The number of followers here is an important consideration. If a page has 200 followers, you're pretty much talking to yourself. If it has 2,000 followers then you're starting to get places. When you have 20,000 followers, you can really get the word out.
A case in point is the new Midleton Greenway 5k parkrun. On the 7th of January, I put up a post on the blog about the new parkrun and I then put up an associated post on the Running in Cork Facebook page. That post was viewed 86,398 times on Facebook and reached 52,184 accounts there.
On the 28th of January, I put up a reminder on Facebook and it got 41,999 views there and reached 32,401 accounts. On the 31st of January, I put a guest post by Pat Walsh up on the blog and the associated graphic on Facebook got 15,896 views and reached 12,016 accounts.
Add up all of those views on Facebook and the number of visitors to the blog and it was probably no great surprise that the inaugural Midleton Greenway parkrun had 636 finishers and according to Pat, broke the record for Ireland for a new parkrun by about 250.
If we look at the recent Dungarvan 10m, then it's important that the winners get credit and as much publicity as possible for winning. My photo of Fearghal Curtin on Facebook got 53,683 views and reached 39,770 accounts. My photo of Niamh Allen got 71,406 views and reached 52,952 accounts.
And then of course we have the photo of Birthday girl Maggie Dunne! Maggie who was aged 80 when she ran this years Dungarvan 10 got 77,283 views and reached 58,197 accounts!
If anyone wants to follow the Running in Cork page on Facebook then you'll find it HERE
Friday Jigsaw: Mick Dooley & Kate Veale - Feb 2025
This one has 130-pieces and it's a photo of Mick Dooley with top Irish racewalker Kate Veale at the recent Dungarvan 10m road race.
You can find the jigsaw HERE
Guest Post: Midleton Greenway Day 1 ...by Pat Walsh
** Midleton Greenway Day1 **
Fantastic day today and credit to all involved to get this venture off the ground.Loads of background work, no idea what numbers to expect today and a brand new course to run on.
This was badly needed for running and leisure activity and it will be a great help in for physical exercise and fresh air in the area.
It will encourage people to run and take part in something and we didn’t have that in Midleton.
636 is the official finishers but I think as many locals get used to finish tokens and funnels we may have lost a few.
As the guy roaring and marshalling everyone at the finish line we counted 647 going over the line. I think it broke the record for Ireland for a new parkrun by about 250…. OMG
Huge credit to Liagh as the Director today, no second name and no pic as she would kill me. As we celebrate the life of St Brigid this weekend we had our own lady to lead the team. Thanks to the experienced parkrun officials who travelled from their own home run to help delivery the baby.
Thanks to everyone who took part. This is not a race, it is a run to enjoy and the general good mood and buzz from everyone was unreal. A run for everyone and still we had 2 Olympians in our midst. Brendan and Aoife delighted to see you both.
Of course there was slight issues and yes some learning to be done but the response from everyone was one of overwhelming fun and gratitude.
I personally fell in late to this venture and volunteered on the day as I am crocked. I would encourage anyone to lend a hand if they can. It is only through many volunteers that this is viable as a long term project.
If you are reading this and would like to take part then feel free any Saturday 9.30am at Midleton Greenway.
Midleton Greenway parkrun
#pwr
Thursday, February 06, 2025
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.
If someone wants a little bit longer then there is a 16-week option starting on the 10th of February for €128.
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
Wednesday, February 05, 2025
Notice: Skibbereen 10-mile & 5-mile road races - Sun 9th February 2025
Previous editions of this race were held in November but the club has decided to make it a February event.
This is very much a traditional type of road race with loads of refreshments afterwards (i.e. tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, etc) and there are hot showers in the GAA club changing rooms.
Proceeds from both races go towards the Palliative Care Services in Skibbereen Community Hospital and St Patrick's BNS classes for children with autism.
Entries HERE
Registrations will also be taken on the day at the O Donovan Rossa GAA pavilion from 10:30am onwards. The entry fee for the 10 mile is 25 Euros while the entry fee for the 5 Mile run is 20 Euros.
The 10 Mile race will get underway at 1pm with the 5 Mile Run starting at 1:15pm.
Notice: Midleton Greenway 10-mile race - Sun 9th March 2025
Ever since the new Midleton Greenway was first mentioned, people have been wondering about the possibility of a 10-mile or half-marathon on it. Well here it is...
The inaugural Cork East Midleton 10 Mile Race will take place on the new Greenway on Sunday March 9th 2025 at 11am.
Entries: You can enter online HERE
Entry Fee: €25 (+ booking fee). Please Note: Entries Limited
The map above shows the route and it really is dead flat. The race starts at the start of the Midleton Greenway, goes as far as the old railway station in Mogeely and then turns back.
The turnaround point in Mogeely is shown below...
The route crosses one small country road and this will be manned by stewards. A view of the Greenway is shown below...
Nice and quiet. You run on the left on the way out, you run on the left on the way back.
There will also be a special beanie for all participants.
It's also worth mentioning that this is a fundraiser for a new athletics track in the East Cork region.
The group behind this is CEASC - Cork East Athletic Sporting Community. This is a big project and will take years before it's completed but this is a start.
Just one more thing. Everything is very close for the race. The race HQ is the GAA club which is across the road from the railway station. You go through the railway station and over the footbridge and you're at the start of the Midleton Greenway. More info below...
Info from the organisers.... This inaugural 10-mile race, takes place on Sunday, March 9th on the Midleton to Mogeely Greenway (that's 5 miles out and back). This flat, fast course is sure to set a new 2025 PB for many participants, and attract athletes from near and far.
A vibrant atmosphere is guaranteed along the race course, and the safety of the Greenway is ideal for families to come along and support competitors on the day.
But this isn't just another race; all proceeds will go towards delivering a regional athletic sporting hub to, and for, all communities of Cork East. This sporting hub will provide all weather and all year round, fully inclusive spaces, delivering opportunities for all ages and all abilities to enhance their physical and mental health, build friendships and strengthen communities through competitive and recreational sport.
Our team of race organisers have been busy planning this race for the past few months and are delighted with the support from Cork County Council, Iarnród Éireann and our race sponsor Eirgrid.
This is an Athletics Ireland registered event, hosted by Midleton AC in association with CEASC.
Route: The race will start on the new Greenway which is on the north side of the Midleton train station (Eircode: P25 RX85). Participants will then head east along the Greenway to Mogeely where they will turn and return to Midleton. This is as fast a course as you could get.
Start Area: Midleton Greenway at North Side of Midleton Train Station
Race HQ & Registration: Race HQ, Registration and Post Race Refreshments will be Midleton GAA Club (Eircode: P25 TD73) which is directly opposite the main entrance to Midleton Train Station.
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Main Entrance to Midleton Train Station & Race HQ Midleton GAA Club |
Also the train from Cork which stops in Little Island, Glounthaune and Carrigtwohill will bring you directly to the race start and Registration HQ.
Prizes: Male & Female Overall: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th place
Category Prizes:
Female: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in each of the following age categories: O35, O40, O45, O50, O55, O60 & O65
Male: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in each of the following age categories: O40, O45, O50, O55, O60, O65 & O70
Loads of Spot Prizes
Event Beanies: Each finisher will receive a Midleton 10 Beanie Hat
More details on the CEASC Website... https://www.ceasctrack.com/
Guest Post: Proud day for the village ...by Pat Walsh
* Proud day for the village *
I wrote last week about 10 mile running times in Ireland and delighted to say I have been put back in my box.
Dungarvan 10 mile last Sunday and Fearghal Curtin won the race on 47.42.
I will repeat 47.42 for 10miles.
Fearghal is Youghal AC and living locally but as his Dad and myself soldiered on GAA fields for Castlemartyr and ran road, I'm over the moon for this result.
It has entered the records in the top 10 all time fastest runs in Ireland.
Unreal and yes the modern generation are something to be proud of.
The ladies course record was also broken by Niamh Allen from Leevale AC. 52.50.. WOWSER
Good day for Cork running
#PWR
Sunday, February 02, 2025
Results & Photos of the Dungarvan 10-mile road race - Sun 2nd Feb 2025
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Fearghal Curtin of Youghal AC, winner of the 2025 Dungarvan 10m road race |
There was another huge turnout for this years John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile road race with 2840 runners crossing the finish line.
The weather was pretty much ideal for the race and no doubt helped the lead man and woman in setting brand new course records.
Top 10 men & women...
2 Jamie FALLON 49:56 2087 M MS Craughwell A.C
3 Sean DOYLE 50:26 2073 M MS Cork City A.C.
4 Ger FORDE 50:36 2089 M MS Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.
5 Even FITZGERALD 50:59 2088 M MS West Waterford A.C.
6 Sergiu CIOBANU 51:58 1828 M M40 Clonliffe Harriers A.C.
7 Pat FITZGERALD 52:12 626 M MS Waterford A.C.
8 Denis HEGARTY 52:19 610 M MS Leevale A.C.
9 Matthew MCCONNELL 52:25 1724 M MS Ballyroan Abbeyleix and District A.C.
10 Mossy BRACKEN 52:28 276 M MS Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C.
1 Niamh ALLEN 52:51 4028 F FS Leevale A.C.
2 Patricia JACKMAN 56:18 4156 F FS Waterford A.C.
3 Clara RYAN 1:01:14 3470 F FS St. Finbarrs A.C.
4 Katie WILSON 1:01:37 4292 F FS DMP A.C.
5 Leah LAWLER 1:02:12 4282 F FS St. L. O'Toole A.C.
6 Shona KEANE 1:02:26 3344 F F40 Dooneen A.C.
7 Caroline HASSETT 1:03:10 3433 F F40 Templemore A.C.
8 Catherine MURPHY 1:03:11 3013 F F45 Eagle A.C.
9 Emma BOLAND 1:03:27 3094 F F45 Newbridge A.C.
10 Becky COUGHLAN 1:04:18 3004 F F40 Ennis Track A.C.
Full results on the MyRunResults website
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First place and a new course record for Niamh Allen of Leevale AC with a time of 52m 51s |
Photos... Updated Tues 4th Feb 16:21
1) There will be around 1400 photos going up on the Running in Cork Facebook page over the next day or two.
After 1st loop ~1m b) Album 1 of 3 c) Album 2 of 3 d) Album 3 of 3
About the 9.5m mark e) Album 1 of 15 f) Album 2 of 15 g) Album 3 of 15 h) Album 4 of 15 i) Album 5 of 15 j) Album 6 of 15 k) Album 7 of 15 l) Album 8 of 15 m) Album 9 of 15 n) Album 10 of 15 o) Album 11 of 15 p) Album 12 of 15 q) Album 13 of 15 r) Album 14 of 15 s) Album 15 of 15
2) Mick Dooley has a gallery HERE
3) DC Images has a large gallery HERE
4) John Troy has a big gallery HERE
5) MyRunResults has a gallery HERE
6) SportsPhotoIreland has a gallery HERE
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Birthday girl Maggie Dunne, 80 last Monday and ran the Dungarvan 10-mile road race today! |
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Mick Dooley on the other side of the camera lens for a change |
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Two well known faces on the running scene... Ronan Wogan of MyRunResults and Leevale AC coach and former Olympian Donie Walsh |
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New running group from Cork...the Ballinora Blazers |
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A-list celeb Pat Walsh & the Eagle AC crew before the start of the race |
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Leevale AC coach Donie Walsh with race walkers Kate Veale & John Laste |
Saturday, February 01, 2025
Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 1st Feb 2025
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Big field in Midleton for the inaugural event |
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A century of volunteer credits |