GOAL Virtual Mile - Christmas 2020

The GOAL mile is usually held over the Christmas period at various locations all over the country and raises much needed funds for charity.

With the ongoing pandemic, the GOAL mile is going virtual this year.

More details HERE

Elite entry for the Virtual Manchester Road Race

This time last year, I had a guest article from John Walshe up on the blog about Michael Coakley from West Waterford who was running the famous Manchester Road Race in Connecticut.

First held in 1927, this year's race scheduled for Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) of course won't take place. As with most races at the moment, there is a 'virtual race' with over 1,880 entered.

John Walshe sent on a note about 22 elite entries this year which includes six Irish (including two from Cork, Mark Carroll and Richard O'Flynn). 

The website is: www.manchesterroadrace.com

An excerpt about the 22 elite entries is shown below...

Virtual Manchester Road Race Will Have a World-Class Elite Field

Runners who sign up for the 2020 Virtual Manchester Road Race will find themselves in excellent company this November. They will be joined by some of the best performers in the history of Manchester’s storied Turkey Day run.

Twelve former winners who have accounted for 35 MRR championships, and ten other elite athletes who have strong connections to the race, have volunteered to participate in the virtual event by running the road race’s 4.748-mile distance at locations throughout the country and the world.

“These great athletes won’t be receiving prizes or appearances fees this year, but they will all earn our eternal gratitude for supporting the Manchester Road Race during the Covid-19 crisis,” said Dr. Tris Carta, President of the Manchester Road Race Committee.  “Jim Harvey, our elite runner coordinator, did a terrific job soliciting their participation, which adds excitement and enthusiasm for the virtual race.”

Past champions who are participating in the virtual road race are Edna Kiplagat, John Treacy, Amy Rudolph, Amby Burfoot, Diane Nukuri, Eamon Coghlan, Kim Smith, Paul Chelimo, John Gregorek, Aaron Bruan, Mark Carroll and Charlie Duggan.

Other notable entrants include Molly Huddle, Donn Cabral, Chris Thompson, Eilish McColgan, Johnny Gregorek, Christine Gregorek, Ray Treacy, Frank Conway, Brendan Reilly and Richard O’Flynn.

Carta said that the elite runners will download apps with GPS capabilities to their smart phones that will permit them to run the virtual race at any location of their choice between November 19-25.  An event map depicting the MRR route will appear on their phones, enabling them to monitor their progress on the actual Manchester course as they run. Their names and times will be uploaded to MRR officials when they complete the virtual race.

EDNA KIPLAGAT:  Kiplagat is one of the world’s most distinguished female marathon runners and a two-time World Champion. She has won the New York City, London and Boston Marathons. Her time of 2:19.50 at the 2012 London Marathon is a personal record for the event. Kiplagat became the MRR’s oldest champion last Thanksgiving when she won the Thanksgiving Day run in 24:30.
 
JOHN TREACY:  Part of the MRR’s famous “Irish Connection,” Treacy won the silver medal in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and was the world cross country champion in 1978 and 1979.  Treacy, an All-American runner at Providence College, won the MRR four times (1978, 1979, 1984 and 1985).  His winning time of 21:26 at the 1979 MRR set a course record that stood until 1995

Results & Photos of the 2020 Kerry Way Ultra

 

The big running event this weekend in Munster was the annual Kerry Way Ultra. Contestants started the 200km course on Friday morning at 6am on the 4th of September and finished on the Saturday.

Most of the course is off road or on quiet country roads and it looks as if they got some nice weather for this years event for a change.

With most running events cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, this is one that could go ahead due to nature of the race. There are no issues with social distancing as most of the contestants end up being kms apart!

First woman home... Aoife Mundow completed the 200km course in 25h 26m. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

A total of 77 men and 4 women completed the 200km Ultra course.

Top 4...

Kerry Way Ultra Female
    118        Mundow, Aoife    25:26:49    Finish
    52        Enright, Sarah    29:35:49    Finish
    174        McNamee, Julie    33:08:03    Finish
    33        Costa, Jennifer    37:32:02    Finish

Kerry Way Ultra Male
    20        Byrne, Gavin    23:37:17    Finish
    94        Lane, Keith    24:01:18    Finish
    16        Buckley, Brian    24:32:13    Finish
    43        Delille, Remi    24:32:13    Finish

Full results

46 contestants had to retire which gives an indication of just how daunting a course this is.

Photos... 

1) Valerie O'Sullivan as always took to the hills to get some stunning shots.

a) Gallery 1

Connemara 100 mile - Aug 2020

 

While most running events are cancelled at the moment, the Connemara 100 mile went ahead last weekend with 37 runners completing the spectacular looped course.

The runners set off from Clifden at 6am with the winner finishing later that evening.

Top 3 men & women...

Alastair Higgins 14:56:28
Rolando Espina 16.07.10
Fozzy Forristal 16.14.30
Anne Jennings 17.48.56
Liz Morrin 23.34.34
Miriam O'Connor 25.18.24

As can be seen from the results, many of the finishers were going throughout the night and finished the course up to noon on Sunday.

Full results

Notice: Dublin Virtual Marathon 2020 - October Bank Holiday Weekend

A few weeks back, the 2020 Dublin City Marathon was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They have now announced that there will be a virtual marathon instead on the October Bank Holiday weekend.

Update 16th July 2020: You can enter online HERE until the 24th of July.

*****

Summary of the statement from the organisers...

Dublin Marathon organisers have today announced details of the official KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon. There are also options to sign up the KBC Virtual Race Series distances; 4 Mile, 10km and Half Marathon. Runners, participating with their smartphone, can complete the distances safely in their local area and will be supported by the Dublin Marathon app, which will record their distance and upload their time automatically.

Jim Aughney race director said: “The KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will allow runners to feel a sense of togetherness while they run in their own cities, town and villages around Ireland and worldwide. We are urging all those who sign up to be responsible and safe in adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.”

Olympic Marathon runner Lizzie Lee said: “While nothing can beat the atmosphere and support on the streets of Dublin of the friendly marathon, the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will be a close second. I am delighted for runners that they can stay motivated by having a goal to aim towards.”

Finishers of the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive the official commemorative medal, with the much sought-after beanie hat the bonus for all those who complete the marathon distance.

Marathon organisers have also worked to develop an app to support runners completing the marathon distance. The app has a built-in GPS tracking feature which automatically records your distance and time with results uploaded automatically when runners have completed their race.

Existing runners in the database for the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive an email today (Monday the 13th of July) with an opportunity to sign-up. While entries for the public will be open on Wednesday 15th of July at noon on kbcdublinmarathon.ie. Entry closes on Friday 24th of July.)

FAQ...

What day can I run the virtual races? Entrants can run the events on the October bank holiday weekend, Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th October.

I have entered the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon/Race Series why do I have to pay for the virtual run? ...An entry fee is charged for the virtual races as all entries for the 2020 KBC Dublin Marathon, and the Race Series are valid for the 2021 races.

What is the entry fee? ...The KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon entry fee is €15 plus postage for beanie plus medal.  The KBC Virtual Race Series: Half Marathon, 10km and 4 Mile entry fee is €12 plus postage for the medal.

Entries: ...Existing runners in the database for the KBC Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive an email Monday 13th July with an opportunity to sign-up. While entries for the public will be open on Wednesday 15th July at noon on kbcdublinmarathon.ie. Entry closes on midnight Friday 24th July.

How is my distance tracked? ...You need to download the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon app, which has a built-in GPS tracking feature that will automatically record your distance, pace and time. You must run with your phone to have your results uploaded automatically to the results.

How does the App work? ...Entrants can run the events over the following days, Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th October. Runners must download the Dublin Marathon app to your Android or iPhone device to record the time and distance.

Do I have to run with my phone? ...Yes, you firstly need to download the Dublin Marathon app which has a built-in GPS tracking feature that will automatically map and record your distance, pace and time. Then you must run with your phone to have your results uploaded automatically.

I do not live in Ireland; can I still register for an event? ...Of course! We encourage everyone to register.

Can I run the races on a treadmill? ...No, you need to complete the distance outdoors for the GPS tracker to be activated


Why are there only 2 weeks to enter? ...This is to ensure we have medals ordered in time for all runners who have entered.

Full update here... http://kbcdublinmarathon.ie/2020-race-update/

Malin to Mizen Run for Cappagh Kids - Starts 29th June 2020

 Update: Congrats to Barry Sheehan and his team who arrived at Mizen Head on Saturday the 4th of July and have raised over €70,000 for charity in the process.

* * * * *
Barry Sheehan has started out on his journey today the 29th of June to run from Malin Head in Donegal to Mizen Head in Cork.

 Details below...

On June 29th 2020, Barry Sheehan started the challenge to RUN from Malin Head to Mizen Head....600+ km in one week to raise funds for Cappagh Kids.

In 2017, Barry’s son, Michael, was diagnosed with Osteofibrous Dysplasia in his left tibia and so began their journey with the National Orthopaedic (Cappagh) Hospital. Overtime, without intervention, Michael’s shin would break easily and was likely to deform. Surgery was the only option, if any, of fixing the bone.

Over the past four years, Michael has had countless surgeries and related treatments.

Michael's treatment and rehabilitation has taken place at Cappagh under the exceptional expertise and care of Mr Connor Green and his team.

Cappagh, the National Orthopaedic Hospital, is primarily an adult hospital, but with many children travelling from all over Ireland to avail of the unique orthopaedic specialist skills and equipment. Barry, Michael and the rest of their family have seen first-hand how child friendly facilities are crucial but non-existent at present.

Cappagh Hospital Foundation is the charity arm that raises funds for the hospital and the money raised by the run will be used by them for Cappagh Kids, the new child friendly paediatric orthopaedic department at Cappagh.

Michael’s journey, the team who have treated him and the many people they have met at Cappagh along the way have inspired Barry to undertake this HUGE run in an effort to raise these much needed funds.

Any donation to this wonderful cause is greatly appreciated.

Live tracker... http://live.primaltracking.com/malinmizen2020/http://live.primaltracking.com/malinmizen2020/

Donation link... https://www.gofundme.com/f/runmalin2mizen-for-cappagh-kids

Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/Malin2Mizen-for-Cappagh-Kids-110837850534329

Cork Easter Weekend Garden Runs - Fri 10th to Mon 13th April 2020

Thanks to everyone who took part in the Cork Easter Garden Run. Pat Walsh kindly donated €100 to two charities chosen from two runners.

Ann Bogan did the run in aid of Cork Penny Dinners and Eilis Mannion did it for Marymount Hospice.

List of garden runs below...

Guest Post: St.Patrick wins the 2020 Ballycotton '10' ... by Pat Walsh

If you turn on the radio or TV today then it seems to be nothing but news about the Coronavirus epidemic. To get away from all the doom and gloom, here is a guest post from Pat Walsh to lighten the mood...

(Originally posted 17th March 2020 before the lock down)

Shock winner of the 2020 Ballycotton 10 was none other than St Patrick.

In news that will shock the Athletics world, he romped home in a field of 1 to win by a clear margin.

In a long and detailed interview after the race we asked him some deep thoughtful questions on what it all meant to him.

☘️ How are you feeling now?
Delighted to have won the race. Long time ambition of mine and I am glad it finally happened. I had no Parade or Pub today so I said I would have a go.

☘️ How will you celebrate?
My throat is dry for a few scoops and you would think that, I, the Patron Saint of this country could get a pint somewhere. Will just have to go home and make a crisp sandwich and see is there a bottle somewhere in the cupboard.
Might watch Netflix, I am in the mood for “Chariots of Fire” after today.

☘️ What do you think of the winning trophy?
I am over the Moon to win the specially embossed #pwr Loo-Roll. I will put it pride of place with my other stash. I have a few Velvet soft and Kitten soft left as well. Most of the stuff I hoarded last few days was the cheap hard stuff. Those things would tear the arse off of you.🤣😂

☘️ What about lack of Competition in the race?
It was well known that I was in good form recently and maybe they stayed away because they didn’t want to be beaten by a Man in a dress. I don’t know. Was hoping Aoife Cooke would be here today as I reckon I had a chance this year.

☘️ Did you find the hill hard on the way home?
What hill…

☘️ Did the lack of atmosphere affect your performance?
Yes I missed Dick O Brien classic song at the start and then DJ Mossie 🎧🎼🎤giving me abuse outside the Blackbird pub. Still once I settled there was a few ducks 🦆🦆on the Bog Road and a few Rabbits 🐇🐇and a Pheasant over by Ballybraher.

☘️ What is next on your plans?
I hoped to go for Olympic Qualification this year but the Country is in a crisis and needs me. I sorted the Snakes 🐍🐍out years ago and now I need to fix the Virus thing.😷😷🤧

Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit ☘️😍
#Keeponsmiling #Staysafe

Pat Walsh Running is based in Midelton in East Cork and Pat holds running sessions during the week and at weekends. For more information on Pat and his running classes, visit his Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/patwalshrunning/

Over 6,000 runners take part in Bath Half-Marathon despite COVID-19 health crisis

The Bath half marathon in England went ahead on Sunday despite the health scare over the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). A total of 6,200 took part - about half the usual number.

In a statement, the race director Andrew Taylor said he had not received any advice from public health officials not to go ahead.


The organisers also said that the risk of infection from outdoor events remained low and there was “no epidemiological or medical evidence” to suggest it should be restricted.

“Even if we were to cancel at this late stage on the eve of the event, we anticipate that thousands of runners would still turn up to run the route, and we feel we would owe a duty of care to those runners, given that our resources are ready and waiting to support them.”


Local MP Wera Hobhouse condemned the decision to go ahead. She had called for the event to be cancelled saying protecting "the most vulnerable in our city from a further spread of the infection must be the priority".

Notice: Mallow 10 mile road race cancelled - Sun 22nd March 2020

Please note that the Mallow 10 mile road race has been cancelled.

Mallow Athletic Club regret to announce that the 2020 Coop Superstores Mallow 10 mile road race scheduled for Sunday 22nd March will not go ahead at this time.

We have been monitoring recent events and in the interests of safeguarding the health of event participants, spectators, volunteers and our own club members we have decided on this course of action.

We are due to meet in the coming week to discuss options for re-scheduling the event as well as how the refund process will work. Please note a full refund will be offered to all participants.

We ask for you to bear with us at this time and we would like to thank all participants along with our sponsors, volunteers and members for all the hard work and support in organising the race to date.

Kind regards

Clive Aherne

Club chairperson

Notice: Ballintotis 4 mile road race - Thurs 16th Apr 2020

You know Summer is on the way when we start talking about evening races! The first 4-mile evening race of 2020 in Cork is coming up on  Thursday the 16th of April at 8pm.

Update: Mon 9th March - Online entries are now open... https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/Ballintotis4Mile2020

Info from the organisers... This year's Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race will take place on Thursday April 16th with an 8pm start. After last year's record entry of 1,240 for the 10th Anniversary Race, another very large crowd is expected for this year's event. Online entry opens on Monday March 9th and all those who avail of this option will automatically be entered into a draw for an overnight stay for two people at the splendid Garryvoe Hotel.
So save the date in the running diary and enjoy another great sporting and social occasion in Ballintotis.  Again this year there will be  a free running buff for all finishers and a comprehensive overall and category prize list.  This year there is a minimum age limit of 16 years on the race.

Race enquiries to 086-8778182

https://www.ballintotis.com/

* * * 

Results of the Crosshaven 10k & 5k road race - Sun 8th March 2020

Some of the large contingent of runners from the Wibbly Wobbly Wonders are the Crosshaven 10k & 5k. Photo: Joe Murphy

In the 10k event, there were 303 finishers.

10k...
1 Michael Bruton (#349) 31:43
2 Brian KEARNEY (#494) 33:33
3 Jonathan MURPHY (#493) 33:45
1 Trish Hegarty (#54) 40:46 
2 Neasa Liathßin (#12)  45:59
3 Orla NOLAN (#34) 48:59

10k results

In the 5k event, there were 228 finishers.

5k...
1 Martin Curtin (#653) 17:08
2 Joe Kelleher (#625)  17:14
3 Aedan Bermingham (#711) 18:13
1 Jennifer Goggin Walsh (#525) 18:41
2 Rosaleen Mackeown (#696) 19:54
3 Linda O Connor (#517) 20:14

5k results

Photos...
1) Joe Murphy has two galleries... Album 1 and Album 2
2) Siobhan Russell has a gallery HERE

Results of the Duhallow 10 mile road race in Duhallow - Sun 8th March 2020

Linda Grogan & Hiko Tonosa... winners of the 2020 Duhallow 10 mile road race in Newmarket

A total of 397 runners took part in this years Duhallow 10 mile road race in Newmarket in NW Cork. In terms of the weather, it really was a mixed bag going from warm sunshine to rain and hailstones in the space of 10 minutes.

Top 10 men...
1    Hiko TONOSA    00:50:28    00:50:28 479  MS  Dundrum South Dublin A.C.
2    Cillian O'LEARY    00:51:56    00:51:56    1 MS    Raheny Shamrock A.C.
3    Tom LUPTON    00:54:34    00:54:35    387    M    40    Portlaoise A.C.
4    Donal Coakley    00:54:37    00:54:37    847 MS    Leevale A.C.
5    Kieran MCHEUWN    00:54:43    00:54:43    2 M45    Watergrasshill A.C.
6    K Collins    00:54:49    00:54:50    839 MS   
7    Raivis ZAKIS    00:54:53    00:54:53    272  M40    West Waterford A.C.
8    Kristaps LIEPINS    00:57:01    00:57:02    832 MS    Watergrasshill A.C.
9    Paul FITZGERALD    00:57:38    00:57:39    337  M40    Limerick A.C.
10    David GREENE    00:58:23    00:58:24    99 M40    Grange Fermoy A.C.
Top 10 women...
23    Linda GROGAN    01:02:17    01:02:19    100 F35    Dundrum A.C.
46    Niamh Cronin    01:05:43    01:05:46    845 F40    St Finbarrs A.C.
48    Sandra MANNING    01:05:54    01:05:57    149   F35    Eagle A.C.
52    Sharon CAHILL    01:06:28    01:06:35    299    F   F55    An Riocht A.C.
59    Lisa CROWLEY    01:07:56    01:08:03    830 F45 Watergrasshill A.C.
62    Leona BROWNE    01:08:10    01:08:14    290 F35 Watergrasshill A.C.
72    Aoife O'LEARY    01:09:34    01:09:37    225 F35    Sportsworld RC
83    Dolores DUFFY    01:11:05    01:11:12    72 F50    Watergrasshill A.C.
86    Siobhan HOLLAND    01:11:16    01:11:22    114 F40    Eagle A.C.
88    Elaine HORGAN    01:11:42    01:11:47    366  F40    Clonmel A.C.

Full results

Photos...
1) There are several albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page
...a) Pre-race and start
...b) Finish (Up to 1:14:45)
...c) Finish (1:14:45 to 1:29:15)
...d) Finish (1:29:15 and over)

2) TMC Photography has a gallery HERE

Wibbly Wobbly Wonders on tour...

Contingent from Shandrum in N Cork

Short trip up the road for members of Kanturk Road Runners

Big turnout from Watergrasshill AC

Members of Leevale AC at the start of the race

Notice: Cork BHAA Stryker 4 mile race in Carrigtwohill - Wed 22nd April 2020

This 4 mile race in Carrigtwohill in East Cork is coming up on Wednesday the 22nd of April at 7:30pm. As with all Cork BHAA events, the entry fee is €5 for registered runners and €10 for non-registered.

Located just a few minutes drive from the Jack Lynch tunnel, this one is very close to Cork City and is easy to get to.

The race HQ is the local community centre and the race route takes in a loop to the north of Carrigtwohill. Note that the start line is a few hundred metres away so allow plenty of time to get there.

As BHAA races go, this one is noted for having some pretty good prizes and of course, there are loads on offer with the various categories and teams.

Course Preview........A full preview of the course can be seen HERE

Results & Photos of the Killeagh 4 mile road race - Sun 1st March 2020

Sean Ahern of Youghal AC wins the 2020 Killeagh 4 mile road race

222 runners turned out for this years Killeagh 4 mile road race on what turned out to be a cool but sunny morning.

1     Sean Ahern     Youghal AC         22:31     SM     211
2     Paul Cashman     Watergrasshill         22:41     SM     140
3     John Goggin     Carrigaline         23:01     SM     100
11     Breda Gaffney     Mallow AC         24:38     SF     241
17     Deirdre Ansbro     Youghal AC         25:58     SF     189
18     Nadine Forde     Leevale AC         26:06     SF     165

Full results

One feature of the race that most people will probably not notice was just how streamlined the whole thing was. The race started at 11am and by 12:30pm, everyone was going home just 90 minutes later after the refreshments and prize giving.

First woman... Breda Gaffney of Mallow AC

Photos... 
1) There are 3 albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page
...a) Pre-race and prize giving
...b) Near finish - Batch 1
...c) Near finish - Batch 2

Notice: Cork BHAA CIT 5k - Sun 1st March 2020

The CIT 5k is a brand new event on the Cork BHAA calendar and it's coming up on Sunday the 1st of March 2020 at 11am.

The entry fee is just €5 for registered BHAA runners and €10 for non-registered. You enter on the morning of the race.

Update from the organisers... You will receive a 20% discount on items bought in John Buckley Sports shop on production of your CIT 5k running number up until the end of August 2020. Spot prizes will be given to down the field runners but you must be present at the prizegiving to receive the spot prizes.

Registration is in the West Atrium of CIT which is in the main building. There will be stewards on hand directing people so just park up and follow the directions.

Post race refreshments with tea, coffee, sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, etc will be in the West Atrium as well along with the prize giving afterwards.

Spot Prizes... There will be plenty of spot prizes for runners down the field and you don't have to be registered with the BHAA to receive one.

Note that they will be giving out an aluminium sports water bottle for the first 400 to enter on the day.

As for the course, it's the exact same as the popular Rebel Run 5k which takes place every November.

Other than a few corners and bends, it's a pretty fast course and of course, it's nice to finish on the CIT track.

Considering the fact that it's a BHAA event, it's located in the western suburbs of Cork City and ease of access from the N40 South Ring Road, it should get a good turnout.

Notice: Killeagh 4 mile road race - Sun 1st March 2020

This is the 5th year of this 4 mile race and it's organised by Killeagh Community Healthy Clubs Project in association with Youghal AC. It will be held this year on Sunday the 1st of March 2020 at 11am.

Entry on the day is €10.

Considering that Killeagh is on the N25 Cork-Waterford road, the race should have a pretty big catchment area.

As you can see from the course map below, the race takes in a loop to the west of Killeagh. The race finishes at the entrance to the Killeagh GAA grounds which is the race HQ. There will also be changing and shower facilities here.

Notice: CIT Sports Seminar Series - Dec 2019 to Apr 2020

Following the success of last year, there will be another CIT Sports Seminar Series again this year.

Update: 25th Feb 2020... Note the new date. The next talk is on the 25th of March 2020.

More info below...

Notice: Crosshaven 10k & 5k race - Sun 8th March 2020

Update: 13th Feb 2020 - The annual Crosshaven 10k and 5k road race which is coming up on Sunday the 8th of March 2020 has now SOLD OUT!

 All 750 adult places and 200 children's places are now gone.

Results & Photos of the Glen River 5k parkrun - Sat 8th Feb 2020

There were 127 finishers in this weeks 5k parkrun in the Glen in Cork City, the 7th week in a row where they have been above the 100 mark.

Back in January and February of 2019, there were six Saturdays where the numbers were above 100. If we look just at the Saturdays so far in 2020, there are six already that were over 100 and we still have the rest of February to go.

1 Aidan NOONE Male SM20-24 18:37
2 Damien O BRIEN Male VM45-49 19:26
3 Unknown
20 Sandra WALSH Female VW45-49 23:37
25 Sally-Ann LYNCH Female SW25-29 24:10
31 Olga OLOUGHLIN Female VW40-44 25:04

Full results

Photos... 
1) The organisers have a gallery HERE