Notice: Down Syndrome Cork 21km Challenge Run & Walk from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh - Sun 15th June 2025

Down Syndrome Centre Cork been in touch to say that they are holding a 21km run / walk on the 15th of June 2025. 

They write..."This annual event was established in 2022 to support the incredible work of the Down Syndrome Centre Cork. A small charity which provides vital services to over 180 kids with DS and their families in the greater Cork region.

Every year since, we have delivered this hugely successful event with up to 300 participants. We are very proud of the reputation that we have built for delivering a professional, safe, inclusive and fun event. We hope that you can get join us in 2025!"

The entry fee is €50. Link here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/challenge-21-tickets-1231158581459

First off, this is a charity run and not a race. It's an event where participants run or walk the 21kms from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork City which is pretty much the same as doing a half-marathon.

Registration is at 9am and the event starts at 10am.

The route is shown above. 

a) The section from Haulbowline to Shanbally is all on a good footpath.
b) Shanbally to Raffeen is on road but it's reasonably quiet.
c) Raffeen to Murph's Pub. This is the worst section. Normally this is a dangerous section and it's not really suitable for walkers or runners. However, the traffic should be a lot slower with the event stewards and the number of people on the road.
d) Murph's Pub to Passage West is all on footpath.
e) Passage West to Blackrock Castle is on a scenic Greenway.
f) Blackrock Castle to Páirc Uí Chaoimh is on a footpath.

As this is a linear run/walk going from point A to point B, you'll probably have to arrange your own travel arrangements.