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 "

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. 

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

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 

2) Derek Costello has the following galleries...
part 1   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514170244045442&type=3
part 2   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514176150711518&type=3
part 3   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514185267377273&type=3
part 4   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514193330709800&type=3
part 5   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514199770709156&type=3
part 6   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514205920708541&type=3
part 7   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1514212997374500&type=3

Passage West with 13k to go...

The main man Jerry Forde stopped for a quick photo

Results of the Dromahane 5k - Sat 18th Apr 2026

The annual Dromahane 5k was held this year On Sat 18th of Apr 2026 on what was a nice sunny evening. A total of 201 runners finished which is down about 9% on last year.

Top 3 men & women...
1 John Longan St Finbarrs AC     16:27 MS 424
2 Darren Coleman Mallow AC     16:41 MS 120
3 Patrick Buckley Duhallow AC     16:45 MS 65
11 Carol Finn Leevale AC     18:17 FS 434
17 Breeda McGinn Aghabullogue     18:49 F40 426
29 Clotilde Fitzgibbon Grange Fermoy AC     19:46 F50 273

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Joe Murphy has some photos... 

a) Album 1 

Results of the Spike Island 5k - Sat 18th Apr 2026

Top 3 men & women...
5k Keelan Desmond 343 00:17:30 1 1
5k Michael Furlong 236 00:17:44 2 2
5k Keith Sheehan 173 00:17:58 3 3
5k Rebecca Kelleher 406 00:19:55 9 1
5k Aoife Greene 59 00:20:22 10 2
5k Brid Kerrisk 255 00:21:38 19 3

 Results HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 18th Apr 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 18th April 2026. Approximately 1212 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... With the threat of fuel shortages out of the way, it was back to normality this week as runners and walkers returned to the local parkruns.

Tramore Valley Park... Bernice Glavin has been attending local road races for many years and this weekend, she completed her 100th 5k parkrun. All 100 have been at this event.

Run director Emma Hayes with Bernice Glavin who reaches the 100 milestone

Glen River... Well done to Cynthia Coyne who completed her 250th parkrun this weekend!

Cynthia also has 118 volunteer credits and was one of the original members that set up the parkrun in the Glen. 

Ballincollig... Niamh Lee reaches the century mark and 93 of those were at Ballincollig.

Midleton... Josephine Cronin reached the 100 mark on her first visit to the Greenway parkrun. 78 of the 100 were in Killarney. 

Macroom... Well done to Bridie Leary who completed her 250th 5k parkrun! 226 of these were at Macroom. Jude Murphy completed his 100th parkrun with 98 there. Vincent Cronin also earned his 400th volunteer credit!

Bere Island... Maureen Power completed her 250th parkrun in Bere Island. 249 of them have been on the island with one visit to Killarney.

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:  290 this week, 230 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Anthony MANNIX Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 18:08

2 Paul KELLY Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 18:48

4 Colin WALSH Male SM30-34 19:07

3 Jennifer MARTIN Female VW35-39 18:58

22 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 21:31

36 Rhea TUMMON Female SW30-34 23:19

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/420/

Tramore Valley Park: 286 this week, 169 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David CARRASCO COQUILLAT Male SM25-29 17:19

2 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:14

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:40

14 Isabelle CROWLEY Female JW11-14 20:28

20 Irene EIGHAN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:08

22 Jenny COTTER Female VW40-44 21:24

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/198/

Glen River: 80 this week, 48 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Declan KENNEDY Male SM20-24 Dooneen AC 21:34

2 David MCEVOY Male VM40-44 21:40

3 Edward BARRY Male VM40-44 21:42

6 Mary KILKENNY BARRETT Female VW45-49 22:03

14 Orla COFFEY Female SW20-24 23:27

24 Maura FITZGERALD Female VW35-39 24:57

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/307/

Midleton Greenway: 154 this week, 106 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jack MURPHY Male VM35-39 Eagle A.C. 17:53

2 Diarmaid NOLAN Male VM35-39 18:13

3 Jack MONAHAN Male SM30-34 18:13

13 Maeve BOLAND Female SW30-34 Eagle A.C. 20:58

29 Carmel FITZGIBBON Female VW40-44 22:34

33 Sonia O'SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 22:58

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/62/

Mallow Castle: 95 this week, 58 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David EDWARDS Male VM40-44 19:18

2 James MAHER Male VM35-39 20:00

4 Leo BRAVO Male VM35-39 20:45

3 Breda GAFFNEY Female VW50-54 Mallow AC 20:36

11 Martina LYONS Female VW50-54 22:47

17 Georgina ENDERSON Female VW40-44 Trilogy Triathlon Club 23:53

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/225/

Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 43 this week, 37 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ciaran MITCHELL Male VM35-39 21:14

2 Ger FOX Male VM50-54 22:28

3 Don O ROURKE Male VM45-49 22:42

4 Cait DELANEY Female SW25-29 22:50

6 Laura BEAUSANG Female JW11-14 23:35

13 Aoife LEAHY Female SW25-29 25:47

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/206/

Macroom Castle Demense: 55 this week, 51 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 19:02

2 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:08

3 David BRADLEY Male JM15-17 20:45

15 Tina POWER Female VW40-44 23:40

20 Karen OLEARY Female VW40-44 24:43

24 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:35

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/573/

Clonakilty:  53 this week, 41 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Paul DEANE Male VM45-49 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 19:47

2 Killian O'LEARY Male VM35-39 19:56

3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 West Cork Triathlon Club (WCTC) 20:47

8 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 23:03

13 Emer O'CONNOR Female JW15-17 24:32

14 Henebry IRENE Female VW55-59 Kilkenny City Harriers 24:44

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/528/

Glengarriff Woods: 86 this week, 75 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 David WEIR Male  VM45-49 Trent Park Running Club 19:40

2 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM15-17 21:52

3 Michael MCCOLGAN Male VM35-39 21:54

6 Ashling CREEDON Female VW35-39 24:45

8 Bríd O'LEARY Female VW35-39 25:15

13 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW15-17 26:44

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/450/

Bere Island: 55 this week, 40 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Ken JINKS Male VM55-59 21:50

2 Unknown

3 Michael HALPIN Male VM60-64 23:56

6 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:41

10 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 25:55

11 Michele TIGHE Female VW40-44 26:24

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/541/

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

First 3 men & women...

1 Unknown

2 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 21:12

3 Karl LEWIS London FrontRunners 22:43

12 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW55-59 Castlehaven GAA 32:22

13 Aisling KELLY Female VW40-44 35:41

14 Sarah O'MAHONY Female VW40-44 36:22

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/461/

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

Guest Post: A Mug for Mug ...by Pat Walsh

 * A Mug for Mug *

I, along with 869 other runners completed the BHAA 5k race this week. Great to be back with evening races and the numbers competing showed the enthusiasm is there for these runs. Cheap entry on the day and off you go. No AI fee, no online surcharge. Thanks to all in the BHAA organization and PWC company who sponsored this event.

On completion we all received a PWC mug to mark our exploits. A mug for a mug. Lovely cuppa afterwards and while I didn’t find the perfect ham sandwich, we were well catered for, with the highlight being a little butterfly bun like my mother used to make many years ago.

I was feeling down after being so tired and sore from my efforts in the hilly Cobh 10mile last Sunday and really not much in the mood for running but I dragged myself along.

The people, the mood, just getting out there again was a fantastic lift. 

Did I run brilliantly? Absolutely not but I ran better than I thought I would, so that is something.

Did I have fun? I did indeed.

Which brings me to the main point (long winded as usual).

It is never as bad as you think it will be, negative thoughts only drain you and impede your performance.

We worry too much what others may think of us if we are back the field a bit, when in fact most people don’t care and look after themselves. They might be happy to see you but are busy enough trying to do their own run.

Performance slide is only natural when you age, there is nothing you can do about it. Which gives 2 options. Accept it or quit running. Personally I like to  think I am aging gracefully, I’m not a quitter.

There are good days and bad days. Good days are when you run, bad days are when you don’t. The time doesn’t matter, every day moving is a good day.

Other runners are brilliant and you get such a lift from being with like minded people who just want to move. Young and old, all with different motivations and goals but sharing the same road space to get there.

Don’t be complacent or lazy, there is a good life out there as long as you can move. Appreciate it, don't take it for granted and learn to accept it and enjoy it. Look after your mental health.

Can’t let the week pass without mentioning the passing of Moya Brennan. An ever present in my playlists since I first heard the Dúlamán album in 1976. (50 years ago) The first lady of Celtic music and an ambassador for the Country. She will be missed but with a voice like that she can easily sing with the angels where she resides.

Siúil A Rún:  1976 Clannad
I wish I was on yonder hill',
Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill,
Until every tear would turn a mills,
go dté tú mo mhúirnín slán (And may you go safely, my darling)

#pwr

Comparison of Cork 10-mile races - Spring 2026

The chart above shows the relative sizes of the 10-mile road races held in Co Cork in the Spring of 2026.

The chart starts in 2017 when things were very different. The largest 10-miler in Munster back then was the Ballycotton 10m with almost 3000 finishers. The Dungarvan 10m was then the second largest in Munster with just over 1900 finishers. The Mallow 10m back then was the second largest 10-miler in Co Cork and the third largest in Munster.

With the demise of the Ballycotton race in 2017, the other 10-milers got a boost in numbers. Dungarvan went on to become the largest 10-miler in Munster and now has almost 3000 finishers. The figures for 2019 show Mallow reaching an all-time high while Cobh dropped a bit with the appearance of the Kinsale 10m on the scene.

If we look at 2019 then it was a case of Mallow having a clear lead over the rest. If we fast forward to 2026 then there's not a whole lot between the top three.

Looking at the growth trajectories, the Cobh 10-mile may well become the largest 10-miler in Co Cork by the end of the decade.

Results of the Cork BHAA PwC 5k - Wed 15th Apr 2026

The Cork BHAA PwC Anthony Reidy Memorial 5k in Cork City was held on Wednesday 15th of April 2026 and there were 870 finishers.

Top 3 men & women...
 1 Jer Sheehan M1 00:15:09 Dept of Ed
2 Tadhg O'Sullivan M2 00:15:24 Cork University Hospital
3 Shane Collins 00:15:41 Temp Reg
40 Orla Drumm 0/40F F1 00:17:58 HSE
50 Siobhan Hoare 0/45F F2 00:18:13 Bon Secours
65 Maire Howard F3 00:18:35 Cork University Hospital

Full results HERE

Photos...

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

2) Joe Murphy has the following finish photos... Album 1 ... Album 2 ... Album 3 ... Album 4 ... Album 5 ... Album 6 ... Album 7 

From the organisers... We welcome donations to our chosen charity for this year, Focus Ireland. Please donate at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/PwCCorkFocus

Echo article... 'Audit finds €120k Cork city marathon shortfall'

On the 15th of April 2026, the Echo published a story titled 'Audit finds €120k Cork city marathon shortfall'

The article outlines how an independent auditor found issues with how Cork City Council dealt with a previous event management company which was involved in the Cork City Marathon.

You can find the article HERE

Johnny Dineen's Charity Couch to 5k - 15th Apr 2026

Johnny Dineen is taking part in the Cork BHAA PwC 5k this evening as part of his charity Couch to 5k campaign. 

More details at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/johnnydineen

Notice: Cork BHAA PwC Anthony Reidy Memorial 5k in Cork City - Wed 15th Apr 2026

The Cork BHAA PwC 5k in Cork City is coming up on Wednesday the 15th of April 2026 at 7:30pm.

Reminder from the organisers... We would encourage people to register in advance. Pre-register on Eventmaster http://www.eventmaster.ie/custom/event/pwc5k until 2pm on Tuesday 14 April. Race numbers can be collected from One Albert Quay from 9am-7pm on race day.

Registration is also available on the evening in PwC, One Albert Quay from 6pm.

This is always a very popular race and should get a good crowd again as it's centrally located in the heart of Cork City and about as flat a 5k course as you can get. It's also the first evening race of spring 2026 in Cork City!

Official opening of the Bandon AC athletics track - 11th Apr 2026

The official opening of the Bandon AC athletics track took place on Saturday 11th of April 2026.

The new track is located about 2kms to the south of the town of Bandon on the R603 road to Kilbrittain.

The photo above shows the new track during a club training session just after sunset. If you look carefully, you'll notice that it has six lanes rather than the usual eight.

The home strait that is shown below has eight lanes and that's used for events like 100m sprint or the 110m hurdles.

You'll notice that it's not just a track, it has the full facilities for the infield disciplines as well. You can see the throwing cage above for the hammer and discus and the runway for the pole vault above.

They have two sand pits and 3 lanes for the long jump so they can have 6 jumping at the same time. You can imagine the advantage of this when there are lots of juveniles competing at the event.

The first track image shows the space for the shot put, javelin and the high jump. The only thing that is missing is a water pit for the steeplechase.

The home strait is running towards the west-south-west which is in the direction of the prevailing wind so there might be an issue with headwinds at times for sprinters although there is higher ground to the west, south-west and south shielding the site.

The site is about 90m above sea level and the local hills to the west and south-west are about 20-30m higher.

It's interesting to note that the orientation of the athletics track is almost identical to the new one in Clonmel, Tipperary... see this post.

The Clonmel track is located on high ground on the north side of the town and is wide open to the elements to the south, south-west and west whereas the Bandon track seems to have more protection.

Testing out the new track

In conclusion... The new Bandon AC athletics track is the third such facility in Co Cork and it offers more options for training and competitions not only for locals but for the whole west Cork area.

Bandon AC are holding their annual 5k road race on the 30th of April 2026. See this previous post.

Notice: The Great Railway Run 25km - Sun 19th Apr 2026

The annual 25km Great Railway Run from Cork City to Carrigaline is coming up on Sunday the 19th of April 2026. 

Enter: You can enter online HERE

A bus service is provided between start and finish locations. Bus (€5) including return baggage transfer can ONLY be booked when registering.

Results & Photos of the Cobh 10-mile road race - Sun 12th Apr 2026

The annual Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10-mile road race was held this year on Sunday 12th of April 2026. The conditions were pretty good as it was cool with some sunshine, a marked difference from all of the showers the previous day.

The first woman home was Lily Partridge from the UK who made it two in a row after winning the 2025 race as well.

Top 5 men & women

1 Adam CLARKE #2 M MS 50:39 
2 Sean DOYLE #634 Cork City A.C. M MS 51:45 
3 Michael BRUTON #202 M MS 53:52 
4 Seamus SOMERS #890 Sligo A.C. M M50 54:45 
5 John MEADE #1319 St. Finbarrs A.C. M M45 55:12 

1 Lily PARTRIDGE #1 F F35 56:15 

2 Jessica COYNE #739 Leevale A.C. F FS 57:55 

3 Dee GRADY #666 Ennis Track A.C. F F35 59:12 

4 Charlotte PURDUE #3 F FS 1:01:02 

5 Emma DESMOND #631 Cork City A.C. F F35 1:05:22 

Full results HERE

Photos...
1) MyRunResults has a gallery HERE

2) Joe Murphy has loads of photos... a) Start 1 b) Start 2 c) Start 3 

d) 8m mark 1 e)  8m mark 2 f) 8m mark 3 g) 8m mark 4 h) 8m mark 5 i) 8m mark 6 j) 8m mark 7 k) 8m mark 8 l) 8m mark 9 m) 8m mark 10 n) 8m mark 11 o) 8m mark 12 p) 8m mark 13 q) 8m mark 14 r) 8m mark 15 

3) Sharon Murray has a gallery HERE

4) Gordon Kinsella has loads of photos HERE

Numbers... The number of finishers this year was 1013 which is up 8.6% on the figure for 2025.

As the chart shows, it was also a record year as it broke through the 1000 mark for the first time.

What's interesting about this is that Cobh is known for being a hilly course, they even have the motto 'It's hilly, get over it'. It suggests that having a 'flat fast course' is not the be all and end all. The proximity to Cork City, the buzz, the location, the atmosphere and sense of occasion are all factors as well.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 11th Apr 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 11th April 2026. Approximately 870 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... The weather this week was cool and windy with scattered showers. There was a significant drop in numbers this weekend and it's likely that a good part of that is due to the fuel shortage and people not wanting to travel.

Tramore Valley Park... Kenneth Day was a first time visitor to the Tramore Valley parkrun this weekend from the Croxteth Hall parkrun near Liverpool. 

As the photo shows, he has over 500 parkruns completed! Hopefully there will be one of these blue tops on Bere Island next August when the first Cork person reaches the 500 parkruns milestone.

Ballincollig... Well done to Diarmuid Coakley who completed his 250th parkrun! 247 of the 250 were at the Ballincollig event.

The person with the highest number of parkruns this week was Philip Bull from the UK. Philip was a first time visitor to the Ballincollig event and has 551 parkruns to his credit.

Mallow... Well done to Dina Vasalou who completed her 100th parkrun this weekend! 99 have been at Mallow Castle with just one at the inaugural event in Midleton.

Glengarriff... Well done to Dolf D'Hondt who completed his 100th parkrun this weekend! 96 have been at the Glengarriff event.

Pobalscoil na Tríonóide (Youghal)… Olan Coleman completed his 100th parkrun this weekend with 97 at the Youghal event.

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:  230 this week, 322 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Liam CASEY Male JM15-17 Waterford Orienteers 18:30

2 Brian COLLINS Male SM25-29 18:40

3 Padraig CLIFFORD Male VM40-44 19:03

9 Marie Claire HEALY Female VW35-39 20:25

21 Niamh CAREY Female SW30-34 Blarney Inniscarra AC 22:20

27 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 22:49

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/419/

Tramore Valley Park: 169 this week, 244 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Christopher OREILLY Male VM35-39 18:22

2 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 18:38

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:45

12 Katalin SZABO Female VW45-49 Chorlton Runners 20:39

13 Isabelle CROWLEY Female JW11-14 20:46

17 Siobhan HOARE Female VW45-49 Togher AC 21:40

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/197/

Glen River: 48 this week, 61 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Daniel BUCKLEY Male SM30-34 Donoughmore AC 20:51

3 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 23:05

4 Cian O'MEARA Male VM50-54 23:28

2 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 22:49

5 Úna OMEARA Female JW15-17 23:34

9 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 24:29

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/306/

Midleton Greenway: 106 this week, 177 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Paul COTTER Male VM50-54 Eagle A.C. 18:44

2 Derek SMYTH Male VM45-49 19:01

3 John MURPHY Male VM55-59 19:18

8 Emma BELL Female SW20-24 21:38

20 Alex SAVAGE Female SW30-34 24:13

25 Sinead COEN Female SW30-34 25:02

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/61/

Mallow Castle: 58 this week, 80 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM20-24 18:11

2 Aaron CAHILL Male VM35-39 19:40

3 Matthew COOKE Male JM15-17 20:13

8 Elaine O'CALLAGHAN Female VW40-44 22:39

17 Mary MURPHY Female VW65-69 Mallow AC 25:44

18 Elena GAVIN Female JW15-17 26:43

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/224/

Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 37 this week, 37 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Isaac LANDERS Male JM15-17 19:50

2 Seán O'SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 21:38

3 Hunter O ROURKE Male JM10 22:14

6 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 26:03

7 Claire O CONNOR Female VW35-39 26:33

9 Patricia DALY Female VW50-54 West Waterford 27:14

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/205/

Macroom Castle Demense: 51 this week, 59 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Gerard GEARY Male VM35-39 Fota Island Running Club 20:10

2 Damien OMAHONY Male SM30-34 20:16

3 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:30

8 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 22:55

14 Frances RING Female VW55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 25:12

15 Emma CLEVERLEY Female VW40-44 25:22

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/572/

Clonakilty:  41 this week, 56 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Niall MCCARTHY Male SM30-34 17:23

2 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male SM18-19 Togher AC 19:31

3 Hugh POWER Male VM35-39 21:41

8 Leah CREASE Female VW35-39 Tooting Run Club (TRC) 24:30

16 Katie HARTE Female VW35-39 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 26:42

21 Kay WARD Female VW60-64 28:33

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/527/

Glengarriff Woods: 75 this week, 109 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 19:32

2 Callum MCELHINNEY Male SM20-24 Bantry Athletic Club 21:20

3 Darragh MCELHINNEY Male SM25-29 Bantry Athletic Club 21:21

17 Elma KEANE Female VW55-59 29:26

18 Susan KELLEHER Female VW55-59 29:43

19 Mary DUNNE Female VW35-39 30:21

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/449/

Bere Island: 40 this week, 80 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Billy MORIARTY Male JM15-17 St Brendan's AC Ardfert 21:30

3 David PAYNE Male VM55-59 23:12

4 Cameron A CARR Male SM18-19 23:19

2 Shona CARR Female SW25-29 23:09

9 Yasmin EDDIE Female SW25-29 Lothian RC 25:53

12 Edel MURPHY Female VW55-59 27:43

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/540/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 46 finishers this week, 24 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 21:32

2 Stephen CONNOLLY Male VM45-49 23:38

3 Unknown

8 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 Manchester Tri Club 28:34

10 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 30:23

11 Neasa MCDONNELL Female VW50-54 31:53

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/460/

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

Guest Post: Evening Races ...by Pat Walsh

 * Evening Races *

The first of the local evening races is on next week with the staging of the BHAA PWC 5k in Cork. I haven’t heard a cuckoo yet but this surely is a sign that winter is behind us.

The evening races are here: It is time to be getting out the Summer garb and consigning the multiple layers to the back of the cupboard. Peel away the layers like an onion. Find the shades and sun lotion. Emerge from the darkness.

The evening races are here: It will be good to meet those runners who only do the shorter runs. There was limited opportunities during the winter but now I see a midweek race in the calendar almost every week.

The evening races are here: As I write this with so much doom and gloom in the world it will be a chance for escapism from realities even for a little while and mix with like-minded caring people. How are you doing? Great to see you running.

The evening races are here: I have no speed training done to prepare for them. Nothing unusual there, did I ever?. I will make it up as I go along and tell others I’m preparing for a late Summer burst of glory…! No point peaking too early in the season.

The evening races are here: Sales of fake tan lotion will increase. It still rains in Summer so ‘fake tan streak’ is a real and worrying possibility. There will be photographers.

The evening races are here: A lovely way to see the towns and villages to support the clubs or charities that organize these races. The challenge for the best after race cuppa is real and it amazes me the effort some events go to with wonderful local support. Sandwich, (ham cut from the joint with fresh white bread and Kerrygold butter)  served with a cup of tea. Simple man, simple pleasures please take note...!

The evening races are here: Life isn’t sitting at home watching the soaps on TV, it is getting out in the fresh air, being sociable and active. 

The evening races are here: Maybe I might win a prize for the first time this year. Then I suppose why change the habits of a lifetime. Participating and completing are rewards to me.

The evening races are here: I’m alive with the privilege of being healthy enough to take part for another year. Maybe see you to say hello at some event.

The evening races are here:

"Smell the sea, and feel the sky. 
Let your soul and spirit fly, 
Into the mystic" ­ Van Morrison

#pwr

MCI marathon in Westmeath cancelled due to fuel shortages

Marathon Club Ireland (MCI) has announced that they are cancelling their upcoming marathon in Westmeath on Sat 11th Apr 2026.

"Unfortunately, with concerns over the current fuel crisis/shortage and ongoing traffic disruptions across the country, we have had a number of entrants looking to defer entries, so we have made the difficult decision to cancel Saturday’s event (11th April) in Lilliput, Westmeath. Sincere apologies to all who entered or made arrangements to join us on the day. "

This isn't a typical type of road race in that the numbers are pretty small (51 in 2025) and many people are driving from many parts of Ireland to get to it.

However, it might be a sign of what might be coming with people giving road races a skip because they can't get fuel for their cars or might want to save the fuel for the rest of the week.

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

The third edition of the Bandon AC 5k is coming up this year on Thursday 30th April 2026 at 7:30pm.

Entries HERE

Bandon AC have built a full size 400m athletics track and all proceeds from the race go towards this project.

Cork runners who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns - Q1 2026

The parkrun organisation have a number of milestones going from 25 to 500 parkruns. The thing about milestones is that they are open to everyone and anyone can aspire to reach a certain level.

A number of people have recently passed the 250 mark and it's a significant achievement as it takes at least five years to complete. Thanks to all those who sent on updates and corrections.

***

Cork 250 Rules... As with any list, there must be some sort of guideline or rules. The criteria I went with are simple...

1. At least 100 of the 5k parkruns must be in Co Cork
2. Only the information on the parkrun website counts

I'm sure there are plenty of people in Dublin and elsewhere who are over 250 but this post is about the parkruns in Cork.

***

Cork runners who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns Club - Q1 2026... Since the end of March 2026, an additional seven people have passed the 250 parkrun mark.

The top 3 are from Bere Island and it looks likely that Joanne Sullivan will be the first person in Cork to reach the 500 milestone and that's might be in August of 2026. Macroom is the oldest parkrun in Co Cork and it's well represented in the list above.

The second half of the list from 250 to 340 is shown below...

At the moment, there are 69 people with 250 or more parkruns completed. Going back to when I started the list, it was people who had pretty much completed nearly all of their local parkruns. Now we're reaching a stage where more and more people will start reaching 250 and the list will eventually get huge and it will get a lot harder to track everyone. 

I'll probably change to something like the top 100 in the future once we reach that point instead of just hitting 250.

Volunteers... As always, it's the army of parkrun volunteers that keep the show on the road and the 'super volunteers' have 250 or more credits.

Prionnsias O'Keeffe and Tony Cooney have joined the list since the end of 2025. Maretta Brennan is on track to reach the 500 volunteer milestone sometime in April of 2026.

This list is very much the tip of the iceberg in terms of the number of volunteers who help out on Saturday mornings to make sure the parkruns can go ahead.

Errors & Omissions... If you know of any runner of volunteer from Cork missing who might at 250 or more, leave a comment with their name and parkrun number.

Link... More information about the 5k parkruns in Co Cork and previous lists can be found HERE

Notice: The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 14th May 2026

The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park organised by Eagle AC is coming up on Thursday the 14th of May 2026 at 8pm. As well as there being the usual 5k race, there is also a one-mile race for juveniles (11-15 year olds).

UPDATE: Entries opened Tues 7th Apr 9am

UPDATE: 9:15am - 50% gone in just 15 mins!

UPDATE: 12:05pm - Sold out in just under 3-hours! It took 21 hours to sell out in 2025.

Enter HERE

From Eagle AC... "We’re excited to announce that this year’s Cheetah Run will take place on May 14th, 2026!

Mark your calendars, as entries for our super popular Eagle AC Cheetah Run at Fota Wildlife Park open on April 7th at 9 AM - and they sell out quickly! Make sure to grab your spot and avoid any disappointment!

Get your tickets here:  https://eventmaster.ie/event/mLL2iyVFM8/vZXQuGmHQ

The 16th year of the annual Eagle Athletic Club Cheetah Run was officially launched by masters athlete Billy Cabal.

Aged 83, Billy has completed more Cheetah Runs than any other runner since its inception in 2008. Online registration opens on April 7th at Eventmaster.ie and the popular race is set to take place on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, at Fota Wildlife Park. The annual race continues to serve as a key fundraising event for Fota Wildlife Park, and funds raised during the event support the Park’s vital ongoing conservation work.

Also in attendance at the launch of this year’s event were emerging Cork athletes, Alison Brennan (Ballymore Cobh AC) and siblings Louise and Laura Twohig (Blarney Inniscarra AC).

The yearly event features a 5k route for adults (aged 16 years +) and a 1-Mile Race for junior runners (11-15 years) and is sponsored by John Buckley Sports and Brooks Running. Last year, the event raised €5,000 for the Red Panda Network, helping protect this endangered species. Funds raised annually support Fota Wildlife Park's conservation programmes, including endangered species protection and native wildlife initiatives."

*** 

5k Course... The same 5k route will be used again which takes in all areas of the Wildlife Park. There will be prizes for the first 5 men and women as well as the usual age categories.

The entry fee includes free access to the park for the park for up to 4 guests.. Access will be controlled on the night and will be open from 6:30pm.

There will also be a 20% discount voucher for John Buckley Sports. The savings on say a new pair of shoes would cover the entry fee. This must be used in the period two weeks after the race.

Juvenile 1 Mile Race.....There is also a 1 mile race for juveniles this year (Ages 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15). This will take place before the 5k race at 7:15pm. The numbers will be limited to 125. Entries for this will open also on the 1st of April. The one mile race has been measured accurately by Jones Counter, will be chip timed and all finishers will receive a medal. Please note that there are no prizes in the juvenile race. 

The minimum age is 16 for the 5k race as per Athletics Ireland permit recommendations.

5k Race...There will be prizes for the first 5 men and women as well as the usual age categories. 

I would seriously advise people that have an interest in doing this race to enter as soon as it opens. 

This is one race that sells out every year. Updates about the race will be made available here and on the race page on the Eagle AC website.

This park entry will via the main ticket booths and your number collection will be provided from the

ticket booths. This was very successful last year and allows entrants to enjoy the wildlife park

straight away, avoiding number collection queuing.

The teas, coffees and prize giving ceremony will take place in the Education

Conservation Research Centre. 

Sponsor...John Buckley Sports is one of the race sponsors and is one of the main specialist running shops in Cork City. They have a wide stock of gear in the shop and on their website....www.johnbuckleysports.com

They have been in business since 1981 and it's fair to say that the shop is highly regarded by many of the runners on the local road race scene. They also have a app which you can download to your smartphone which gives a generous discount when using it.

Brooks Running is also a sponsor... https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_ie