Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: 2026

Thursday, May 07, 2026

Results of the Midleton 5-mile road race - Thurs 7th May 2026

Niamh Allen was the first woman home with a time of 25m 10s


The 2026 edition of the Midleton 5-mile road race was held on Thurs 7th of May on what turned out to be a dry evening.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Ryan CREECH #5312 Leevale A.C. M MS 23:44 
2 Michael HARTY #5254 East Cork A.C. M M45 24:28 
4 Aidan CONNELL #5302 West Waterford A.C. M M40 26:08 
3 Niamh ALLEN #5555 Leevale A.C. F MS 25:10 
12 Jessica COYNE #5261 Leevale A.C. F FS 28:12 
21 Sharon RYNNE #5564 Leevale A.C. F F35 29:56 


Full results HERE

Photos...
1) Mick Dooley has some pre-race photos HERE and some finish line photos HERE

Tuesday, May 05, 2026

Video: The rise and fall of Nike


For decades, Nike shoes and sports gear was  synonymous with the world of running. If you went into any dedicated running store then Nike would certainly be one of their main offerings.

About a decade or so ago, Nike started selling directly to the consumer. It just seemed strange at the time that retailers were buying product directly off Nike while at the same time trying to compete with them online.

Nike then tried to cut out the retailers and sell directly to consumers. The problem though was that a lot of people liked seeing and trying out new shoes and gear in person before they bought it and Nike sales suffered as a result.

In the video below titled 'The rise and fall of Nike', YouTuber Michael Girdley looks at how it happened.

Video description... "What happened to Nike? This business breakdown explores the rise and fall of Nike, how the world's biggest sportswear brand built its dominance, and why a direct-to-consumer strategy helped trigger one of the biggest self-inflicted declines in modern retail. If you've been wondering why is Nike bad now, why Nike quality decline has become part of the conversation, or why Nike lost momentum with customers and retailers, this video breaks it down."

Video below...

Upcoming flat 5k nr Cashel - Wed 6th May 2026


If anyone is looking for a fast 5k then the BK5K in Dundrum, nr Cashel is one of the fastest 5k courses in Munster and it's coming up on Wed 6th of May 2026... https://munsterrunning.blogspot.com/2026/04/notice-bk5k-road-race-in-dundrum.html

Saturday, May 02, 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 2nd May 2026



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 2nd May 2026. Approximately 1221 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... The early morning rain had cleared by 9:30am and it turned out to be a pretty nice day for the parkruns this weekend.

We have a tie this week for the person with the most number of finishes. Joanne Sullivan on Bere Island is at 485 and Mark Burr, a visitor from the UK at the Glengarriff parkrun is also on 485.

Tramore Valley Park... Tramore Valley celebrated its 200th event this weekend! If we go back ten years to May 2016 then the parkrun in Tramore Valley Park had been cancelled by Cork City Council after just 15 events. Little did we know then that it would take until July of 2022 before it would restart. 
At times, it looked as if it would never come back so getting to 200 editions now is a big deal.



Ballincollig... Ann Dalzell was a visitor from the UK and she completed her 200th parkrun in Ballincollig. Local Seamus Lankford reached the century mark with 94 of them being at the Ballincollig event.

Macroom... Well done to Kevin Lynch who completed his 250th parkrun this weekend! Kevin did the 250 parkruns in 67 different locations with 72 in Macroom, 53 in Ballincollig and 21 at Tramore Valley Park.



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

Upcoming milestones....
a) Tramore Valley Park - 200th event - 2nd May 2026

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  292 this week, 292 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Sean TWOHIG Male VM35-39 St Finbarr's AC 17:47
2 Jack CONNOR Male SM25-29 19:16
3 Trevor WOODS Male VM55-59 Cork Triathlon Club 19:21
22 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 22:07
34 Rhea TUMMON Female SW30-34 23:03
50 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 24:33


Tramore Valley Park: 303 this week, 302 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Unknown
2 Calvin KILBRIDE Male SM20-24 18:02
3 Matthew ELLIS Male SM30-34 18:15
21 Jenny COTTER Female VW40-44 21:29
23 Théa KINNERK Female JW11-14 21:58
28 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 22:41


Glen River: 73 this week, 45 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Cian BRANNIGAN Male SM25-29 20:57
3 Darragh MCCOURT Male JM15-17 21:40
4 Michael NAUGHTON Male VM55-59 Togher AC 22:04
2 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 21:15
9 Denise TWOHIG Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:26
12 Anne WOLFE Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:56


Midleton Greenway: 141 this week, 301 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Michael BYRNE Male VM45-49 18:34
2 Derek SMYTH Male VM45-49 18:38
3 Oisín MURRAY Male JM15-17 18:50
8 Fiona HALLAHAN Female SW30-34 20:28
13 Elsa RYAN Female SW18-19 21:45
14 Faye COURTNEY Female JW11-14 21:53


Mallow Castle: 80 this week, 76 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM20-24 17:35
2 Matthew COOKE Male JM15-17 18:52
3 Luke ROBERTSON Male JM11-14 North Cork AC 19:43
7 Breda GAFFNEY Female VW50-54 Mallow AC 20:19
8 Anna HOGAN Female VW45-49 UCC Staff Athletics Club 20:32
19 Kate MCSWEENEY Female SW30-34 24:19


Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 42 this week, 43 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Ciaran MITCHELL Male VM35-39 21:05
2 Conor SHEEHAN Male JM15-17 21:52
3 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM45-49 21:57
8 Laura BEAUSANG Female JW11-14 22:56
11 Cait DELANEY Female SW25-29 23:34
13 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 24:02


Macroom Castle Demense: 51 this week, 49 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:17
2 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 20:35
3 David BRADLEY Male JM15-17 21:28
15 Emma CLEVERLEY Female VW40-44 25:06
17 Eliza CANTY Female JW10 25:19
18 Rachel NEVILLE Female JW11-14 West Muskerry A.C. 25:28


Clonakilty:  63 this week, 35 last week. 

First 3 men & women...
1 Alex O SHEA Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 18:23
2 Paul DEANE Male VM45-49 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 18:46
3 John HEFFERNAN Male VM50-54 21:08
6 Stacey CLARK Female VW35-39 Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC 23:30
10 Luisne DÉISEACH Female JW15-17 24:06
11 Ailbhe BYERLEY Female JW15-17 24:17


Glengarriff Woods: 113 this week, 89 last week.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Gary CONSTABLE Male SM30-34 18:50
2 Finn CONNER Male JM15-17 19:46
3 Eamon RYAN Male VM40-44 Lucan Harriers 19:56
4 Rachel HAWKER Female SW30-34 Kenmare Athletics Club 21:07
7 Sorcha MC CARTHY Female SW20-24 22:49
10 Pamela KIRBY Female VW45-49 23:55


Bere Island: 48 this week, 24 last week. 

First 3 men & women...
1 Colin MCKEAGUE Male SM20-24 23:53
3 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 24:36
6 David O'DRISCOLL Male VM60-64 25:49
2 Sorcha BRODERICK Female SW25-29 24:30
4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:45
5 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 25:24


Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 15 finishers this week, 19 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 21:15
2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 West Cork Triathlon Club (WCTC) 22:41
3 Lucas RYAN Male SM25-29 23:56
6 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 Manchester Tri Club 28:08
7 Sharon LEVIS Female VW45-49 28:14
8 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 31:22


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

Guest Post: Mickey Mouse Zero Fly-by’s ...by Pat Walsh

 * Mickey Mouse Zero Fly-by’s *

During the week I caught up with with a fellow runner who had a fantastic London Marathon. His time came from 4hr+ to a sub 3.30. He agreed to be interviewed for this post. Name changed to assure anonymity.

Pat... Well done John, what do you put your big improvement down to?

John... Well you know like, I did a bit of training like, and prep work as well but I bought these new super shoes and jaysus man they were fantastic. The bees knees, top class, pure mule man…!

Pat... That is brilliant, can you tell me what shoe type you wore.?

John... It was the Mickey Mouse Zero Fly-by’s 9.0.1 with the go-faster stripe on the side. I was bouncing off the road so much I had to be careful I didn’t hit my head off the low bridges. My wife said I was moving like Roo from Winnie the Pooh. I was a Johnny Dazzler type, I even had to put sunglasses on while I was wearing them. There was bounce from them, it was like running across a new King Koil mattress in a furniture showroom.

Pat... You mention a go-faster stripe on these.

John... Indeed. A little orange strip from front to back and it improves the aero dynamic co-efficient by 0.001% which equates to 6 seconds over an entire marathon. Surely they were worth the small fortune I paid for them, even though we won’t get on any family holiday this year.

Pat... You mentioned training and prep work.

John... Yes I actually trained for this one for 9 months. I did the long and short runs, paced tempo, hills, fartlek, you know the usual stuff you should be doing before a marathon. I was training so much the neighbours starting calling me Kipchoge. Normally I wouldn’t put the runners on until 6 weeks before a marathon. Someone shouted 'Run Forrest Run' at me one day and I don't even look like Tom Hanks.

Pat... I hardly recognized you today, you are looking very fit.

John... Ahhh fair play and thanks. I gave up the fast food and the fry-ups. I only have the occasional beer and I think I’m 2 stone lighter than I was a year ago. I have discovered salads, fresh fruit and vegetables. To be fair, if I died and they buried me tomorrow it would be like planting a human grow-bag. 

Pat... Did you do anything else that may have helped?

John... I suppose I did start that ol’ stretching lark. I touched my toes for the first time since P.E. in secondary school. Herself took me to a yoga class one night. ‘In ainm Dé‘, I did more twisting and turning than a politician on Prime Time. I tried a few stretches on the ground at home one day and the dog ran out of the house barking as he thought I was after getting a seizure.

Pat... I’m absolutely thrilled for you but can I ask a hard question. Maybe your improvement was down to your own work, dedication, diet, training and little to do with the shoe you paid so much for.

John... Ahh jeepers no way man. If you spend the big money on the best of gear it must be a guarantee of a good finishing time. If it was that simple a solution with training and diet then why wouldn’t we all be doing it the proper way in the first place.

Interview suspended a minute later as John fainted when reality dawned on him.

#PWR #satire

Friday, May 01, 2026

Notice: West Waterford AC Summer Series - May to July 2026



This might be of interest to any runners in east Cork. There are six races in this years West Waterford AC Summer Series with most of them in or to the west of Dungarvan. Each race costs just €12 to enter online or €15 on the night.

From West Waterford AC... " WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB, SUMMER RACING SCHEDULE LAUNCHED.

We are delighted to announce our Summer Schedule of races starting in Ballinroad on the 8th May with our very popular 5k race and finishing with the Dungarvan 10k on the 17th July in another very popular 10k route with all past participants. 

This is a unique opportunity to enter all 6 races in advance and just turn up on the night to each race and run! For your €70 you will be entered into all 6 races and receive a commemorative Gilet Jacket. 

Each race can be entered separately online prior to the event for €12 but entry on the night will be €15 per race. So get your entries in quickly and be ready for a super summer of racing once more. 

Come along to West Waterford AC organised races over the summer months with Scenic coastal and countryside routes a guaranteed Friendly club atmosphere, races Ideal for all levels—from beginners to competitive runners, all Progressive distances building to a strong 10K finish in July.

A NICE CUPPA WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL EVENTS FOR THE POST RACE ANALYSES.

Ballinroad 5K - 8th May 2026

Ardmore 5 Miles - 22nd May 2026

Dromana 5 Miles - 5th June 2026

Ballymacarby 5 Miles - 26th June 2026

Ballinameela 5K - 03th July 2026

Dungarvan 10K - 17th July 2026

ENTRY LINK - https://eventmaster.ie/event/b95qU9AHjr "


Results of the Carraig Na BhFear GAA 5km road race - Wed 29th Apr 2026

The annual Carraig Na Bhfear Gaa 5k Road Race was held on Wed 29th Apr 2026 on what was the last evening of the recent spell of fine weather. 

There were 238 finishers this year which is down a bit of the 257 in 2025.

Full results below...

Place Race Number Times First Name Second name
1 308 16'56 Andy Goulding
2 10 17'16 Patrick Buckley
3 36 18'17 Tim Healy
4 56 18'24 Keith Finn
5 214 18'26 William Walsh
6 205 18'29 Richard Maes
7 304 18'44 Cormac Murphy
8 25 18'55 James Maher
9 3 19'02 Olive Mc Carthy

Results of the Run the Line 5k in Carrigaline - Sat 25th Apr 2026

The most recent edition of the Run the Line timed 5k was held on Saturday the 25th of April on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven walkway.



Thursday, April 30, 2026

Results of the Bandon 5km road race - Thurs 30th Apr 2026


The annual Bandon AC 5km road race was held on Thurs 30th of April 2026. There were 416 finishers this year which is up 31% on the figure last year.

The 2026 event sold out about a week ago. As the image shows above, there is limited space at the start line as the rear of the field must not reach the Bandon relief road which is shown in the background.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Conor KISSANE #512 Killarney Valley A.C. M MS 15:02
2 Aidan NOONE #613 Glanmire A.C. M MS 15:28
3 Michael DULLEA #400 Skibbereen A.C. M M45 15:38
28 Michelle KENNY #6302 Leevale A.C. F F45 17:35
33 Marie HOWARD #482 Leevale A.C. F FS 17:57
35 April QUINN #721 Togher A.C. F FS 17:57

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has the following galleries... a) Album 1 b) Album 2 c) Album 3 d) Album 4 e) Album 5 



Conor Kissane & Michelle Kenny were the respective winners in the 2026 Bandon AC 5k


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Aideen Coleman of Ballincollig parkrun chosen as the Vhi parkrun Hero for March 2026


From parkrun Ireland... "The Vhi parkrun Hero award for the month of March has been awarded to Aideen Coleman from Ballincollig parkrun!

The Vhi parkrun Hero award recognises inspirational, hardworking, and dedicated members of parkrun community who embody the spirit of parkrun or have made an outstanding contribution.

As a run director at both the junior and 5k parkruns in Ballincollig, Aideen plays a central role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all parkrunners. She’s well known for the enthusiasm and energy she brings to each and every event. 

She has a kind word for everyone she meets, and her infectious positivity has made a lasting impression on the entire Ballincollig parkrun community. She is especially loved by the younger parkrunners, who look forward to seeing her each week.

Aideen is a fantastic ambassador for parkrun, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every participant feels encouraged and included.

We’re thrilled to recognise the amazing impact Aideen brings to the parkrun community every week. "

Results of the Cork BHAA Stryker 4-mile road race - Tues 28th Apr 2026


The 2026 edition of the Cork BHAA Stryker 4-mile road race was held on Tuesday 28th of April on a lovely dry evening in Carrigtwohill. There were 548 finishers this year which is up just over 3% on the 530 last year.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Aidan Connell M1 00:20:37 Smartply
2 Fearghal Desmond M2 00:20:44 Induct
3 Mark McGarry 0/40M M3 00:21:19 Stryker
11 Sharon Rynne 0/35F F1 00:23:22 Kepak
12 Orla Drumm 0/40F F2 00:23:24 HSE
17 Kealey Tideswell 0/40F F3 00:23:34 OpenText

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Michael Buckley has about 200 photos HERE

2) Graham Meikle has the following photos...
a) Finish line 1 b) Finish line 2 c) Finish line 3 d) 

3) There are two galleries from Thomas Anglim up on the Running in Cork Facebook page... Album 1 ... Album 2 

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Notice: Cork BHAA Stryker 4 mile race in Carrigtwohill - Tues 28th Apr 2026



This 4 mile race in Carrigtwohill in East Cork is coming up on Tuesday the 28th of April at 7:30pm

Monday, April 27, 2026

Results of the Bartlemy School 6km fun run... Sun 26th Apr 2026

First 3 men (L-R)... Donal Coakley 2nd, John Meade 1st & Tomas Macak 3rd

The annual Bartlemy School 6km fun run was held on Sunday 26th of April 2026 and there were 63 finishers. 

Full results below...

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Results of the Karen Fenton Memorial 5k in Ballinora - Sun 26th Apr 2026

Race winner John Longan with a comfortable lead at the 3km mark

The annual Karen Fenton Memorial 5k road race was held this year on Sunday 26th of April 2026.

Top 3 men & women...
1. 1282 John Longan m St Finbarr's 16:27  
2. 1223 Conrad Watt m Cork Track Club A.C. 17:10  
3. 1222 Jack Murphy m Eagle A.C. 17:44  
11. 4618 Josephine Kelleher f Donoughmore A.C. 20:24  
17. 1268 Mairead Perez f Eagle A.C. 21:11  
21. 1832 Judy Murphy f 21:26
 

Full results HERE

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


Josephine Kelleher of Donoughmore AC was the first woman home


Saturday, April 25, 2026

Results of the Rosscarbery Surf, Turf n Tar Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 25th Apr 2026


The annual Rosscarbery Surf, Turf n Tar Half-Marathon & 10k was held on Sat 25th Apr 2026 on what was a fine dry day.

There were 220 finishers in the half-marathon which is down a bit on last year while the 10k seems to be growing in popularity with 739 this year.

Half-Marathon - Top 3 men & women...

1 Conor O'Leary Clonakilty M40   1:25:05 1381
2 Jerome O'Brien Drimoleague MS   1:27:39 1114
3 Barry Kelly Cork MS   1:28:11 172
8 Julie O'Brien Durrus AC F40   1:33:10 1325
10 Karen Walsh Cork F45   1:34:03 1398
15 Emer Perkins Castlefreke FS   1:37:47 1150

Half results HERE

10k - top 3 men & women...

1 Liam Cotter UCC AC MS     35:37 819
2 Michael Dullea Skibbereen AC MS     35:51 895
3 Thomas Heising MS     39:09 959
12 Rachael O'Shea Cork Track Club AC FS     44:49 620
20 Genevieve Collins Beara AC FS     45:38 796
24 Nicole Harrington FS     46:19 996

10k results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 25th Apr 2026



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 25th April 2026. Approximately 1274 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... The overnight rain had cleared in plenty of time for this weeks 5k parkruns in Co Cork. The satellite photo shows blue skies and sunshine in Cork City, Mallow and in the east of the county while it cloudier in west Cork.

The person in Co Cork with the highest number of parkruns this week is Joanne Sullivan on Bere Island with 484 finishes.

Tramore Valley Park... Tramore Valley turned out to be the largest parkrun this week with 302 finishers. This is the 4th time this year it has passed the 300 mark.

Well done to Jannie Burger who completed her 100th 5k parkrun! 50 of these were at Tramore Valley with 47 in Ballincollig.

Castlehaven... Frances Lynch completed her 200th 5k parkrun with 134 of these at the Castlehaven event.

Ballincollig... Wow! Well done to Maretta Brennan who becomes the first person in Cork to earn 500 parkrun volunteer credits! Maretta has been volunteering at the 5k parkrun and 2k junior parkrun events to amass this total.



At the same event, Donal Fennessy completed his 300th parkrun! 274 of these were in Ballincollig.



Brian Murphy who is in the SM18-19 category completed his 100th parkrun with 99 of these being in Ballincollig.

If there were no volunteers then there would be no parkruns so it's important to recognise Donna Peyton who earned her 100th volunteer credit!



Midleton... There was a huge jump in numbers for the Midleton parkrun this week with friends of the late Ann Kelleher taking part in memory of her. This was the third highest turnout ever for this event and the Midleton event was the second highest in Cork this weekend.

Sonia O'Sullivan with friends of the late Ann Kelleher


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

Upcoming milestones....
a) Tramore Valley Park - 200th event - 2nd May 2026

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  292 this week, 290 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Brian COLLINS Male SM25-29 18:46
2 Jack CONNOR Male SM25-29 19:41
3 Jure ZECEVIC Male SM30-34 19:52
11 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 21:24
18 Helen CRONIN Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 22:01
21 Rhea TUMMON Female SW30-34 22:14


Tramore Valley Park: 302 this week, 286 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Darren MCCANN Male VM35-39 17:21
2 John MULVIHILL Male VM45-49 18:45
3 Unknown
18 Jean O'DRISCOLL Female SW30-34 21:19
22 Alice O REGAN Female SW20-24 21:48
31 Helen WALSH Female VW50-54 Togher AC 22:19


Glen River: 45 this week, 80 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:12
2 Glen HOARE Male VM45-49 21:06
3 Donal FALLON Male VM40-44 Mt. Hillary AC 21:47
14 Eileen KENNY Female VW75-79 25:16 
17 Amanda HARRIS Female VW50-54 Nuneaton Triathlon Club 27:06
19 Helen LEONARD Female VW50-54 Leevale AC 27:17


Midleton Greenway: 301 this week, 154 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Michael BRUTON Male SM30-34 17:43
2 Chris MINTERN Male SM30-34 17:50
3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:39
35 Sonia O'SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 22:55
52 Jessica BRUTON Female VW35-39 Leevale AC 24:21
58 Frances RING Female VW55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 24:41


Mallow Castle: 76 this week, 95 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM20-24 17:29
2 Tobi GRAB Male VM45-49 Úlla ag Rith 18:56
3 Vinny GRIMES Male VM35-39 19:19
10 Edel BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 22:58
13 Doireann FRAWLEY Female JW15-17 23:07
17 Lisa GRIMES Female SW30-34 24:32


Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 42 this week, 43 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Ciaran MITCHELL Male VM35-39 21:05
2 Conor SHEEHAN Male JM15-17 21:52
3 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM45-49 21:57
8 Laura BEAUSANG Female JW11-14 22:56
11 Cait DELANEY Female SW25-29 23:34
13 Josephine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 24:02


Macroom Castle Demense: 49 this week, 55 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 19:03
2 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:35
3 David BRADLEY Male JM15-17 20:40
22 Meena VERMA Female VW35-39 28:40
24 Mary ODONOGHUE Female VW50-54 28:49
25 Marian O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 29:57


Clonakilty:  35 this week, 53 last week. 

First 3 men & women...
1 Lennart LINDENFELD Male JM15-17 20:33
2 Barry KIRBY Male SM25-29 20:42
3 John HEFFERNAN Male VM50-54 21:15
6 Kate WHELTON Female JW15-17 24:10
8 Eibhlín MURPHY Female JW15-17 24:18
9 Luisne DÉISEACH Female JW15-17 24:20


Glengarriff Woods: 89 this week, 86 last week.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Finn CONNER Male JM15-17 22:23
3 Gareth THOMAS Male VM70-74 23:21
5 Michael O'CALLAGHAN Male SM20-24 25:45
2 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 22:51
4 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW15-17 25:38
9 Sheelagh O DONOVAN Female SW18-19 26:31


Bere Island: 24 this week, 55 last week. 

First 3 men & women...
1 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:17
3 Nina MURPHY Female VW35-39 25:05
4 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:14
2 Colin GLEESON Male VM70-74 Beara AC 24:45 
5 Alfie HARRINGTON Male JM10 26:50
6 Michael O'DRISCOLL Male VM70-74 27:27


Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 19 finishers this week, 15 last week.

First 3 men & women...
1 Patrick GEARY Male SM25-29 20:30
2 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 West Cork Triathlon Club (WCTC) 22:28
3 Aaron ROSS Male SM25-29 22:50
11 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:53
12 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW55-59 Castlehaven GAA 31:08
16 Catherine BAILEY Female VW45-49 34:16


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

Guest Post: Well earned ...by Pat Walsh

 * Well earned *

Beautiful spring weather and great to be alive and outdoors. I dug some of the vegetable patch today to get the plot ready for the onions and courgettes. I need to rake it next before I plant. Then weeding, watering, harvesting and drying just to have a few onions for winter. A bit of physical effort in the fresh air. Working with our hands in the soil, a time to think and be free from the world. A chat with the robin who thanked me for opening a free takeaway of worms with such a glorious song. 

If I had a literary bone I could invoke the spirit of Heaney, McGahern or Kavanagh and wax lyrical about the loamy brown fertile soil of East Cork crumbling in my fingertips but I can’t. It would be easier and cheaper to go to the supermarket and buy a few onions. But where is the satisfaction in that. 

What has all this to do with running you ask? Everything really.

We train, we plan, we start something and bring it to a conclusion by finishing a race and all you might get is a banana. But it isn’t any banana. It is one you have earned and cannot be bought. 

It isn’t the intrinsic value of whatever we are handed, it is the joy and self satisfaction that you accomplished something worthwhile. Cherish that moment, you did it. In team sports it can be an overall effort that determines winning or losing but in running it is your win and you alone. 

The greater the effort, the longer time from inception to finish the more you should value the moment. Think of the physical and mental benefits the entire process has brought to you. The fresh air, the friendships, the laughs. We forget the tears. You cannot quantify the value of that.


In a world where we think we can buy everything then it is important to appreciate the things you can’t purchase. The next time a small child, who is helping at a race, hands you the banana, then know it is a special one. My banana. When I’m having steak and onions for dinner in the depths of winter I will still hear the robin singing his beautiful refrain.

Between my finger and my thumb
The squat pen rests.
I’ll dig with it
.’….. Heaney

Take care and be kind in a world of turmoil. No fossil fuels were burned in the garden today. 

#pwr

Friday, April 24, 2026

Friday jigsaw: Tramore Valley Park parkrun - 18th Apr 2026


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo of some of early runners to turn up to the Tramore Valley 5k parkrun last Saturday.

This one has 176-pieces so it might take a bit longer than usual.

You can find it online HERE

First 500 Volunteer Milestone coming up on Sat 25th Apr 2026


A little bit of local parkrun history will be made on Saturday the 25th of April 2026 when Maretta Brennan becomes the first person in Cork to reach the 500 volunteer milestone mark at the Ballincollig 5k parkrun!

Notice: Bandon AC 5k road race - Thurs 30th Apr 2026


Update: The Bandon 5k is now sold out with six days to go.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Results of the Shandrum 4-mile road race - Thurs 23rd Apr 2026



The Shandrum 4-mile road race in N Cork was held on Thursday 24th of April 2026 on a dry evening. There was a recovery in numbers this year with 128 finishers.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Killian Lynch West Limerick AC   20:43 MS 348
2 Declan Guina West Limerick AC   21:09 MS 274
3 Padraig O'Donnell West Limerick AC  21:42 MS 398
5 Carol Finn Leevale AC  23:36 FS 460
19 Fiona Boyce North Cork AC     27:12 FS 297
20 Norma O'Sullivan Shandrum AC     27:45 FS 251


Full results HERE

Results of the Ballinotois 4-mile road race - Thurs 23rd Apr 2026


The 2026 edition of the Ballintotis 4-mile road race was held on Thurs 23rd of April in almost perfect conditions. 

A total of six athletes managed to break 20 minutes which shows the quality of the field including Niamh Allen pictured above who set a new national record for the distance.

There were almost 1200 finishers this year and almost identical to 2025. As the chart below shows, it was the third highest ever and the last three years have been very good with pretty much 1200 every year.

A typical club race might get something like 300 runners so the Ballintotis numbers just show how exceptional it is.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Jeremiah SHEEHAN #1145  MS North Cork A.C. M MS 19:18 
2 Sean DOYLE #673 M35 Cork City A.C. M MS 19:29 
3 David CARTER #583 MS Galway City Harriers A.C. M MS 19:36 
4 Niamh ALLEN #2 FS Leevale A.C. F FS 19:50 
22 Jessica COYNE #72 FS Leevale A.C. F FS 21:47 
24 Hannah STEEDS #1166 FS Leevale A.C. F FS 22:01 

Full results HERE


Photos...
1) Mick Dooley has some pre-races photos HERE and post race photos HERE

First 3 men (L-R)... Sean Doyle 2nd, Jeremiah Sheehan 1st & David Carter 3rd

First 3 women (L-R)... Jessica Coyne 2nd, Niamh Allen 1st & Hannah Steeds 3rd


Vivian Foley finishes 2nd M55 in 2026 Boston Marathon


The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world with many runners needing to achieve a certain qualifying time for their age group before they can enter.

The 2026 event was held last Monday the 20th of April and there were approximately 29,000 finishers.

Cork runner Dr Vivian Foley managed to get on the podium in the very competitive M55 category with a second place finish and a time of 2h 37m 57s.

In 2025, Vivian managed to secure four national titles in the various Irish Championships from 5-miles to the marathon. See previous post.

Notice: Karen Fenton Memorial 5k in Ballinora - Sun 26th April 2026


The Karen Fenton 5K Memorial Run is scheduled to take place this year on Sunday 26th of April 2026 @ 11:30am. 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...You can enter online HERE

Update: Please note that the start time has been changed from 12:30pm to 11:30am.

Entries will also be taken on the day for the same price.

Lost & Found: Headphones at the Great Railway Run - Apr 2026

 "Message from EdFitzAgRith.... Hi Folks,did anyone leave a pair of headphones in the back of my jeep (the pacer jeep) at the Great Railway Run last Sunday?

If you did please email me at weerunaz1 AT gmail DOT com "

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Notice: Ballintotis 4-mile road race - Thurs 23rd April 2026


As the evenings gradually begin to get brighter, it's good to look forward to the Ballintotis 4-mile road race in east Cork. The race is on Thurs 23rd April 2026 at 7:45pm.

Enter HERE

Update from the organisers... Ballintotis 4 Mile Race - Thursday April 23rd - IMPORTANT TRAFFIC UPDATES

Please note - the race begins at 7.45pm

Due to very heavy traffic eastbound from Cork City, delays have built up on a daily basis on the approach to the Lakeview Roundabout in Midleton - As a result we are asking all participants travelling from this direction to please ALLOW AN EXTRA 30  MINUTES  for your journey.

Also commuters from the east should  note that there will be a stop and go system in operation either side of Castlemartyr from 7pm onwards.

Please follow the advice of the gardai and race stewards at all times.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Ballintotis -- resurfacing om the N25, between Midleton and Ballintotis -- 22/23/24 April

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Results of the Bantry Flying 5-mile - Sun 19th Apr 2026

 Results HERE

Results of the Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline - Sun 19th Apr 2026

Tadhg O'Sullivan of Glanmire AC managed to  stay ahead of the chasing pack to win by a 49s margin


After all the rain of recent weeks, it was a stunning day for this years Great Railway Run from Cork City to Carrigaline with blue skies and sunshine.

Top 5 men & women...
1 Tadhg O'Sullivan Glanmire AC 1:25:05 MS 664  
2 Brian Murphy Iveragh AC 1:25:54 MS 837  
3 Barry Twohig St Finbarrs AC 1:25:56 M45 751  
4 Donal Coakley Glanmire AC 1:28:03 MS 760  
5 Jean-Jacques Jordaan Togher AC 1:31:26 MS 487  
7 Michelle Finn Leevale AC   1:32:21 FS 798 Course Record
13 Niamh Moore Leevale AC 1:35:47 FS 474  
15 Andrea Aza Villamor Glanmire AC   1:36:13 FS 428  
48 Laura Noonan Tallow   1:43:55 F40 726  
53 Emma Noonan Crusaders AC   1:45:04 FS 536  

Full results HERE


As the chart shows above, it was also a record year for numbers as the event grows in popularity.

Photos... 

1) There are roughly 450 photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page...
a) Album 1 b) Album 2 c) Album 3 d) Album 4 e) Album 5 f) Album 6 

Passage West with 13k to go...

The main man Jerry Forde stopped for a quick photo