Looking back at 2009...

Considering that its the end of 2009, it might be an idea to look back at the last year and reflect on it.

Numbers.......One of the obvious features of 2009 was the obvious growth in the number of people attending road races. Looking at the Cork BHAA races, they continued the trend of recent years with ever increasing numbers. The same can be said for most of the other local races as well, especially the big local events. The Cork Marathon with it's relay event attracted even more runners in 2009 while races like the Ballycotton '10' closed even sooner compared to previous years.

Why the increase in numbers???......What are the factors that makes more people start running in 2009 compared to 2008 and previous years? Is it because people are becoming more concerned about their health?

I have no doubt that there are probably many factors but one of the main ones I would think is the fact that more and more people are getting online especially with the advent of broadband. A lot of people may at first get attracted by the high profile events like the Cork Marathon, the Ladies Mini-Marathon or the Ballycotton '10'. Once they go online to get some more info.....and especially if they go to Google...then they discover that there is a busy local running scene.

Events of 2009....some of the highlights that I have picked out...

1) The Mallow '10' in January......The numbers have really grown in recent years and it has made the transition from 'just another local road race' to one of the main races on the race calendar.

2) The Ballycotton '10' in March.....As always, one of the main races every year.

3) The Cork Marathon & Relay in June.....This event attracted records numbers....but the heat!!

4) The FOTA race in May.....Just for the novelty of the location and the fact that a local 4 mile race attracted over 650 runners.

5) The Cork BHAA 'Cork to Cobh' race in October...Well organised with a modest entry fee!

Of course, there were plenty of other events as well worthy of mention but the list would be too long!

Looking back at 2009, it would be worth remembering exactly why there is such a vibrant local running scene. We have the likes of the Cork BHAA who have a calendar of races throughout the year that only cost €5 to enter. We have John Walshe, Liam O'Brien and the crew at Ballycotton Running Promotions who are behind so many of the races on the local scene. And finally, we have all of the many members of the various local athletic clubs who give up their time to help organise their own races.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to all of the fine work that they did in 2009.

Comments.........

So what was your highlight in 2009? Maybe it was a particular race? Maybe a race where you got a Personal Best? .....or just enjoyed the buzz of the event? Click on the Comment link below...

Events on New Years Day...Fri 1st Jan 2010

With all of the local races getting cancelled due to the recent cold snap, some of you must be suffering from 'cabin fever' at this stage ;o)

Well, if you are brave enough to venture out into the cold then you have a choice of 2 events next Friday....one in Cork and one in Kerry.

Every year, Mallow AC organise a GOAL Mile event in Doneraile Park on Christmas Day. As expected, it had to be cancelled on the day due to ice on the local roads in the area. However, they are now holding it next Friday instead. The event starts at 10am and finishes at 12 noon so you can turn up at any stage between those times. It's up to you whether to race the mile or just jog it. On a sunny day, Doneraile Park is a lovely spot and between warming up, running the mile and warming down, it will make for a good run on the day.

If you are not sure of where it is then follow these directions.....from Mallow, stay on the Limerick road until you get to New Two Pot House. Turn off right here and take the R581 for Doneraile. Once you get there, just drive slowly through the town and you'll see the entrance on the right.

Elsewhere, there is the annual 10 km road race in Beaufort to the west of Killarney in Kerry. More details on the Running in Munster website.

New Provisional Date for the Belgooly AC 4 mile race...
The big problem when a race is cancelled is trying to find another free date on the calendar. When you examine all of the Sundays in January to March, you soon realise how busy the upcoming season is!

As a result, the provisional date set for the 'Dick Copithorne' 4 mile road race in Belgooly is Sunday, the 4th of April which I believe is Easter Sunday.

First 2,500 entries for the 2010 Ballycotton '10' is now on the net...

With all of this icy cold weather and race cancellations, it's time for some good news!!........at least for some anyway ;o)

The first successful 2,500 entries for the 2010 Ballycotton '10' are now up on the Ballycotton Running Promotions website. As most of you know, the entry forms came out on Monday, the 30th of November and by Thursday morning the 3rd, the 2,500 limit had been reached.

The first 2,500 entries in numberical order can be seen HERE.

The first 2,500 entries in alphabethical order can be seen HERE.

Please note that if you are not listed and you are a club runner / did all 4 of the Summer series or are overeas then you could still be ok. A full list of entries will be published sometime early in the new year.

Update...

I had barely put up this post when I get an update from John Quigley of Eagle AC with the breakdown of club entries...

Eagle-57

West Waterford AC-45

St. Finbarrs AC-38

Midleton AC-37

Mallow AC-32

Waterford AC-27

Gneeveguilla AC-23

Limerick Country Club AC-17

Bandon AC-12

Donoughmore AC-10

West Limerick AC-10

East Cork AC-9

UCC AC-9

Youghal AC-6

Will the clubs be in the same position once all the entries are in? I have my doubts.

The breakdown on a gender basis is 881 women (35%) and 1619 men (65%).

..........and even more stats!!

Unattached Cork runners: Area...Number

Cork...481, Glanmire...79, Carrigaline...67,

Ballincollig...34, Rochestown...28, Douglas...27,

Blarney...22, Passage Wes...21, Kinsale...19,

Ovens...16, Glounthaune...15, Blackrock...14,

Watergrasshill...13, Crosshaven...11, Ballinhassig...6,

Monkstown...6, Dripsey...5, Wilton...5,

Nohoval...4, Waterfall...4, Belgooly...3,

Grenagh...3, Inniscarra...3, Myrtleville...3,

Tower...3, Whitescross...3, Ballintemple...2,

Crookstown...2, Fountainstown...2, Leamlara...2,

Little Island...2, Riverstick...2, Carrigrohane...1,

Grange...1, Knockraha...1, Oysterhaven...1,

Togher...1,

Masters Categories:

F35...182, F40...118, F45...63, F50...35, F55...10, F60...0, F65...2, F70...1

Total 411

M40...276, M45...138, M50...81, M55...50, M60...16, M65...10, M70...2, M75...1

Total 574


Total Masters M&F 985 (39% of total)

Bandon 5 mile road race on Mon 28th Dec cancelled!!

It looks as if the Bandon 5 mile road race is another victim of the current cold snap. During an inspection of the course around mid-day on Sunday, there were still icy patches out along the course. With a hard frost predicted for tonight, there will be no improvement by 11am tomorrow. As a result, the race has been cancelled.

If you know of anyone who might have been planning to go, please let them know.

Preview of the Bandon 5 mile road race - Mon 28th Dec (11am)
The preview this year is based on the assumption that it is going ahead and won't be cancelled. With all of the cold weather recently, the ground temperatures have dropped a lot and ice in sheltered spots is persisting on the roads. I know that in parts of Cork City the roads are clear but outside of the city on untreated roads, the roads are still bad (i.e. Blarney on Saturday night was like a ice rink!). Before you travel, check back here or have a listen to C103 or 96FM for updates.

The race...This year, the sign on for this race is back in the Bandon GAA grounds. Assuming that you are coming from Cork, take the left when you get to the 1st roundabout on the main road as you enter the town. Follow this relief road up the hill........you'll probably see signposts for Clonakilty...follow these. At the end of the relief road as you drop down again, you come to a T-junction. Turn right here and the GAA grounds are just on your left before you get to the next junction. It's very easy to find.

Please note the new start time this year....11am rather than the usual 2pm.

The course...The start is about half a mile away near the top of the relief road. Just follow the other runners to the start. The start and 1st mile is mostly downhill or flat. Then you run through the town until you turn left and go past the GAA club. Here the hard work starts. There is a good climb after the 2 mile mark until you turn off left. Nothing too serious but enough to make you go into oxygen debt if you push too hard. Once you turn off, you are on some nice quiet country roads until the finish. So, overall, it is probably not the fastest of courses but it's not too bad. Just remember to keep something in the tank for the 2nd half after the long hill at 2 miles.

If you want to have a closer look at the course, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. The link is HERE.

You will find a race flyer HERE.

Belgooly 4 mile road race re-scheduled...
As most of you know by now, the Belgooly 4 mile road race on St.Stephens day had to be cancelled due to ice on the route. Belgooly AC are now looking at holding the race sometime towards the end of January or the start of February. Details to be confirmed...

Belgooly Race Cancelled!!
It looks as if the milder weather that Met Eireann had predicted wasn't that mild after all! With the low overnight temperatures, the roads around Belgooly have some icy spots and the race has been cancelled as a result.

I have no details to hand at the moment as to whether it will be on at a later date.

If you can, please pass the word to friends and colleagues to stop them making an unnecessary trip.

Next big race in Cork....the Belgooly AC 4 Mile - 26th Dec

This 4 mile road race in Belgooly on the way to Kinsale is a bit of a Christmas tradition for a lot of people and is likely to attract well in excess of 500 entries. The race starts at 12 noon and with the big numbers entering, you should try and get there early to avoid the queues.

Note that the entry fee is €10 and 50% of that will be donated to the Bowel Cancer Treatment Fund at Cork University Hospital.

A flyer for the race can be seen HERE.

A rough preview of what the course is like can be found on the Belgooly AC website.

Note that this year, the start and finish points have been moved slightly and the course has been re-measured by John Quigley of Eagle AC.

With the current cold snap, you might be wondering if there is any chance that the roads will be icy and that the race might be cancelled? The current forecast is that the temperatures will rise to about 5 - 7 deg C in the next 48 hours and that should be enough to get rid of any ice.

GOAL Mile Charity Run in various locations...

The traditional GOAL Mile takes place on Christmas Day, the 25th of December at various locations throughout the country. Most of them are during the morning time. You just turn up, make a donation to GOAL and run your mile. At the one in Cork City, there are several 1 mile runs and you can go as fast or as slow as you want to.

In the county of Cork, it takes place at 6 different locations.

Cork...Ballydesmond...Meet in the Church Grounds...25th Dec. 11:30am
Cork...Bantry...The Square...25th Dec. 12.45pm
Cork...Cork IT, Bishopstown...25th Dec. 10am - 12.30pm
Cork...Mallow...Doneraile Park...25th Dec.10am - 12 noon
Cork...Ballynoe near Fermoy...Ballynoe, St Catherine's GAA...25th Dec. 11am - 12.30pm
Cork...Youghal...Tower Park...25th Dec. 11am - 12noon

3 km race in Midleton on Tuesday 22nd Dec cancelled...!!

The East Cork AC 3 km road race in Midleton that was supposed to take place on Tuesday, the 22nd of Dec at 7:30pm has been cancelled. With the low temperatures and weak winter sunshine, there are some dangerous icy spots out along the course.

Here is the information from the organisers...

Due to some icy patches persisting on some sheltered parts of the course, it is considered that the safest option is to cancel the 4th leg of the 3k series. The next race will be the '5th leg' on the 12th of January.
Anyone who now completes 4 of the 6 legs will be entitled to a race tee shirt.......Liam O'Brien, East Cork AC.

Results of the Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile road race...Sun 20th Dec 2009
It looks as if they got all kinds of weather for this 5 mile road race in North-West Cork. The overall numbers seemed ti have been down on last year........perhaps it was the cold? In spite of the lower turnout, there were plenty of good times posted but none fast enough to break the existing course records and claim the bonus €200 prize.

Here is a race report by John Dunphy with the results below...

Race report by John Dunphy,Eagle A.C...........All roads led to Newmarket for this eagerly awaited Duhallow Ac 5 mile road race that's fast becoming one of the better 5 mile road races on the road race calendar. This course has the reputation of being one of the fastest course's to compete on and I have to agree with that assessment of it. Not only that but it seems to attract some of the best athletes from many counties in Munster and the setting is there for a competitive road race.

The race itself got off to a false start when the whistle was blown but the lead car and a van in front of us failed to move but I'm sure they were taken by surprise and were not ready to move and the front athletes didn't really have anywhere to go. They only got a few yards before stopping and returning to the start line.

We were then greeted by a heavy downpour of snow which lasted for the first half of the race but did not stay on the ground. It melted almost straight away so the surface was still good for running. When the majority of the athletes had finished the race, it began to snow again and became very heavy. So much so that in no time, the place was covered in a blanket of snow and road conditions became very poor for the athletes that decided to run back to Newmarket for an extra 5 miles for their training for the up and coming Mallow 10 race.

The first three athlete's today managed to break sub 25 averaging 4.49.3, 4.53.5 and 4.56.1 per mile. Sergiu Ciobanu of Clonliffe Harriers Dublin City Marathon Irish National Champion 2009 was first man home in 24.07 followed by Cork City Marathon winner 2009 Michael Herlihy in a time of 24.28 with well known Raivis Zakis of West Waterford Ac not to far behind in third place.

Michelle Scott-Murphy of Carraig na bhfear AC took the women's race in an impressive time of 28.11 with Michelle Finn of Duhallow AC second woman home with a solid performance in a time of 29.46 with Mary Dempsey of St Finbarrs Ac 30.56 in third place.

Eagle Ac regular Joe Murphy once again continued his good form after taking second over 50 in the most recent Killarney 5k series with a second place finish in the over 50 category today only 10 seconds separating himself and over 50 winner Philip Withers of Duhallow Ac.

Well done to all at Duhallow Ac and I wish you continued success with this well organised event......John Dunphy, Eagle AC.

Runners returning to Newmarket were welcomed by a blanket of snow.

Joe Murphy and John Dunphy of Eagle AC braving the conditions in shorts!

Results....

DUHALLOW Athletic Club NEWMARKET-KANTURK '5'
Sunday 20 December 2009. 2:00pm
Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:24:07 CIOBANU, Sergiu Clonliffe Harriers M 04:49.3 16 1
2 0:24:28 HERLIHY, Michael North Cork AC M 04:53.5 1 2
3 0:24:41 ZAKIS, Raivis West Waterford AC M 04:56.1 66 3
4 0:25:45 O'CONNOR, Tim Riocht AC M 05:08.9 81 4
5 0:26:05 MURPHY, Ed Gneeveguilla AC M 05:12.9 10 5
6 0:26:06 O'LEARY, Ian Dundrum South Dublin AC M40 05:13.1 99 6
7 0:26:11 O'MAHONY, Donnacha East Cork AC M40 05:14.1 15 7
8 0:26:19 SMITH, Danny Ballynonty AC M 05:15.7 57 8
9 0:26:27 LINEHAN, Adrian Duhallow AC M 05:17.3 25 9
10 0:27:00 WAUGH, George Rising Sun AC M 05:23.9 46 10
11 0:27:51 O'BRIEN, Billy Riocht AC M 05:34.1 20 11
12 0:28:00 CUNNINGHAM, Mike Bilboa AC M40 05:35.9 110 12
13 0:28:11 MURPHY-SCOTT, Michelle Carraig na bhFear AC F35 05:38.1 38 13
14 0:28:20 O'SHEA, Patrick Iveragh AC M55 05:39.9 41 14
15 0:28:50 COLLINS, Niall North Cork AC M 05:45.9 86 15
16 0:28:55 KELLEHER, Frances unatt/Millstreet M 05:46.9 125 16
17 0:28:57 O'DONOVAN, Eamonn Rising Sun AC M 05:47.3 47 17
18 0:29:00 MCLOUGHLIN, John unatt/Kanturk M 05:47.9 63 18
19 0:29:27 O'RIORDAN, Niall West Limerick AC M 05:53.3 13 19
20 0:29:36 MURPHY, Humphrey Riocht AC M45 05:55.1 18 20
21 0:29:46 FINN, Michelle Duhallow AC F 05:57.1 78 21
22 0:29:58 O'CALLAGHAN, John Rising Sun AC M45 05:59.5 58 22
23 0:30:15 BARRY, Kenneth unatt/Shanballymore M 06:02.9 73 23
24 0:30:16 HEALY, Tim unatt/Kanturk M45 06:03.1 29 24
25 0:30:29 WITHERS, Philip Duhallow AC M50 06:05.7 36 25
26 0:30:34 BIRMINGHAM, Paudie Mallow AC M 06:06.7 89 26
27 0:30:39 MURPHY, Joe Eagle AC M50 06:07.7 24 27
28 0:30:49 DUNPHY, John Eagle AC M40 06:09.7 60 28
29 0:30:52 O'CALLAGHAN, David Eagle AC M45 06:10.3 108 29
30 0:30:54 MURPHY, Seamus Gneeveguilla AC M40 06:10.7 80 30
31 0:30:56 DEMPSEY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 06:11.1 33 31
32 0:30:59 COSTELLOE, Anna-Marie Gneeveguilla AC F 06:11.7 65 32
33 0:31:05 TOBIN, Maurice Grange-Fermoy AC M60 06:12.9 21 33
34 0:31:18 BARRY, Fergal Gneeveguilla AC M40 06:15.5 11 34
35 0:31:21 MANGAN, Mike Star Of The Laune AC M50 06:16.1 124 35
36 0:31:22 DINEEN, Niall Iveragh AC M 06:16.3 84 36
37 0:31:23 CRONIN, Pat Mallow AC MJ 06:16.5 49 37
38 0:31:25 MCCARTHY, Fergus unatt/Farranfore M 06:16.9 134 38
39 0:31:31 O'SHEA, Ger Iveragh AC M 06:18.1 42 39
40 0:31:33 DALY, Dan unatt/Kiskeam M 06:18.5 72 40
41 0:31:35 BARRETT, Olan Grange-Fermoy AC M 06:18.9 22 41
42 0:32:01 CLANCY, Michael unatt/Castlelyons M 06:24.1 54 42
43 0:32:10 FINN, Carol Duhallow AC F 06:25.9 77 43
44 0:32:16 O'BRIEN, Con unatt/Banteer M55 06:27.1 30 44
45 0:32:21 O'CONNOR, Mary Riocht AC F40 06:28.1 19 45
46 0:32:24 RAHILLY, Patrick St. Finbarrs AC M 06:28.7 26 46
47 0:32:27 CASHMAN, Miriam Duhallow AC F 06:29.3 39 47
48 0:32:30 KELLY, James Liscarroll AC MJ 06:29.9 7 48
49 0:32:40 O'CALLAGHAN, Rachel St. Finbarrs AC F35 06:31.9 91 49
50 0:32:41 MCCARTHY, Jerry Mallow AC M50 06:32.1 101 50
51 0:32:49 COFFEY, Philip Carraig na bhFear AC M 06:33.7 75 51
52 0:32:52 JONES, Daniel unatt/Melin MJ 06:34.3 109 52
53 0:32:55 DALY, Paul Eagle AC M40 06:34.9 114 53
54 0:32:58 ANGLAND, Mattie Gneeveguilla AC M50 06:35.5 31 54
55 0:32:58 SHEEHAN, Mary Grange-Fermoy AC F50 06:35.5 35 55
56 0:33:03 CRONIN, Denis Mallow AC M45 06:36.5 48 56
57 0:33:08 GIBSON, Andy Eagle AC M40 06:37.5 113 57
58 0:33:09 NAGLE, Deirdre unatt/Glanmire F 06:37.7 111 58
59 0:33:26 O'BRIEN, Niall Liscarroll AC MJ 06:41.1 6 59
60 0:33:30 FORREST, Richard unatt/Blarney M 06:41.9 121 60
61 0:33:38 O'DRISCOLL, John Rising Sun AC M50 06:43.5 59 61
62 0:33:46 HEFFERNAN, Maire Liscarroll AC F 06:45.1 40 62
63 0:33:51 MURPHY, Phil Bandon AC M45 06:46.1 37 63
64 0:34:06 BROSNAN, TJ unatt/Newmarket MJ 06:49.1 112 64
65 0:34:09 O'RIORDAN, Pakie West Limerick AC M45 06:49.7 12 65
66 0:34:13 GUINAN, Danny unatt/Newmarket M 06:50.5 96 66
67 0:34:14 KEARNEY, Batt Leevale AC M50 06:50.7 74 67
68 0:34:16 O'DONOVAN, John unatt/Shanballymore M45 06:51.1 82 68
69 0:34:24 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 06:52.7 3 69
70 0:34:25 O'RIORDAN, Mark unatt/Croom M 06:52.9 14 70
71 0:34:50 O'CONNELL, John Midleton AC M 06:57.9 130 71
72 0:34:51 BUCKLEY, Aidan Mallow AC M 06:58.1 9 72
73 0:34:52 KIELY, Michael Rising Sun AC M60 06:58.3 34 73
74 0:34:54 GYVES, Paddy Mallow AC M60 06:58.7 95 74
75 0:34:55 O'DONNABHAIN, Donnchadh unatt/Cobh M 06:58.9 120 75
76 0:34:59 MCDERMOTT, Barry unatt/Dromahane M 06:59.7 71 76
77 0:35:04 AHERNE, Brian unatt/Ballinhassig M 07:00.7 132 77
78 0:35:07 CURTIS, Peadar Mallow AC M55 07:01.3 119 78
79 0:35:13 LANGAN, Jim Tullamore Harriers M65 07:02.4 5 79
80 0:35:14 MURPHY, Caroline Gneeveguilla AC F45 07:02.6 116 80
81 0:35:15 O'BRIEN, Jack unatt/Banteer M 07:02.8 55 81
82 0:35:28 O'SHEA, Mick Duhallow AC M45 07:05.4 90 82
83 0:35:45 HIGGINS, Vincent Duhallow AC M45 07:08.8 85 83
84 0:35:47 QUILLIGAN, Kevin Mallow AC M50 07:09.2 43 84
85 0:35:54 TWOMEY, Tadhg Metro-St. Brigids AC M70 07:10.6 23 85
86 0:35:56 O'CONNOR, Diarmuid unatt/Boherbue M 07:11.0 83 86
87 0:36:00 GEANEY, Andrew unatt/Whitechurch M50 07:11.8 100 87
88 0:36:08 MURPHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 07:13.4 32 88
89 0:36:20 HORGAN, John unatt/Knocknagree M40 07:15.8 70 89
90 0:36:23 BUTLER, Seamus Duhallow AC M40 07:16.4 122 90
91 0:36:32 MURPHY, Tim unatt/Knocknagree M 07:18.2 69 91
92 0:36:58 LINEHAN, Diarmuid unatt/Cork M40 07:23.4 115 92
93 0:36:59 FOLEY, Stephen unatt/Blarney M 07:23.6 105 93
94 0:37:02 QUILLIGAN, Shane Mallow AC M 07:24.2 44 94
95 0:37:08 HAYES, Cormac unatt/Tower M 07:25.4 103 95
96 0:37:09 O'LEARY, Ted West Waterford AC M40 07:25.6 123 96
97 0:37:12 O'DONOGHUE, Donal unatt/Little Island M40 07:26.2 127 97
98 0:37:14 UNKNOWN, NDB 07:26.6 1000 98
99 0:37:17 LAKE, Una unatt/Kanturk F 07:27.2 87 99
100 0:37:23 CARROLL, Aoife Mallow AC F 07:28.4 118 100
101 0:37:30 BREEN, Sarah unatt/Buttevent M 07:29.8 61 101
102 0:37:36 BARRETT, Breeda Gneeveguilla AC F45 07:31.0 76 102
103 0:37:46 TWOHIG, Monica Eagle AC F45 07:33.0 68 103
104 0:37:48 O'CONNOR, Gerry Eagle AC M50 07:33.4 67 104
105 0:37:57 DINEEN, Micheal Gneeveguilla AC M45 07:35.2 52 105
106 0:37:59 DALY, Olan unatt/Kanturk MJ 07:35.6 64 106
107 0:38:01 HEALY, John unatt/Kanturk M 07:36.0 62 107
108 0:38:12 FINN, Mary Millstreet AC F45 07:38.2 79 108
109 0:38:25 MURPHY, Gerard unatt/Newmarket MJ 07:40.8 27 109
110 0:38:34 DALY, Tony St. Abbans AC M60 07:42.6 93 110
111 0:38:50 HARRINGTON, Colm unatt/Glanmire M40 07:45.8 133 111
112 0:38:54 HAYES, Diarmuid unatt/Tower M 07:46.6 104 112
113 0:38:55 FEEHAN, Ted Gneeveguilla AC M65 07:46.8 8 113
114 0:38:55 MULLANE, Michael Duhallow AC M45 07:46.8 28 114
115 0:39:00 O'CONNELL, Pat unatt/Dromahane M40 07:47.8 97 115
116 0:39:03 O'KEEFFE, Sean unatt/Kanturk M 07:48.4 56 116
117 0:39:04 HARVEY, Noreen unatt/Dromahane F35 07:48.6 106 117
118 0:39:12 HARRINGTON-BUCKLEY, Kitty unatt/Inniscarra F45 07:50.2 129 118
119 0:39:14 UI CHONGAILE, Maire Donoughmore AC F50 07:50.6 128 119
120 0:40:26 O'DRISCOLL, Jason unatt/Kanturk M 08:05.0 88 120
121 0:40:33 O'CALLAGHAN, Sharon St. Finbarrs AC F35 08:06.4 92 121
122 0:40:39 O'LEARY, Margaret Gneeveguilla AC F40 08:07.6 117 122
123 0:40:53 WALSH, Anne Ballincollig AC F45 08:10.4 53 123
124 0:41:58 BARRETT, Anne unatt/Dromahane F35 08:23.4 107 124
125 0:42:45 CRONIN, Joseph Mallow AC MJ 08:32.8 50 125
126 0:44:27 SEXTON, John unatt/Rathcoole M45 08:53.2 17 126
127 0:44:29 BROWNE, Shane Duhallow AC M 08:53.6 131 127
128 0:44:30 O'KEEFFE, Marie unatt/Kanturk F 08:53.8 126 128
129 0:45:00 KELLEHER, Frank unatt/Cork M65 08:59.8 94 129
130 0:50:09 O'CONNELL, Ann unatt/Dromahane F35 10:01.6 98 130
131 0:58:12 TOHER, Mary Midleton AC F50 11:38.2 51 131
All proceeds to Marymount Hospice, Cork
Results produced by Ballycotton Running Promotions.

Results of the Shanagarry Christmas 5km road race...Sat 19th Dec 2009

Despite the threat of rain with some light drizzle before the race, the skies cleared nicely and the race was run in cold but dry conditions. A record crowd of 86 turned out for this low key race with all proceeds going towards the Irish charity GOAL.

The full results are available below...

23rd Annual SHANAGARRY CHRISTMAS '5K'
Saturday 19 December 2009. 12:30pm
Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:15:32 MCCARTHY, James East Cork AC M 04:59.9 111 1
2 0:15:59 MCGRATH, Sean East Cork AC M 05:08.6 130 2
3 0:16:29 O'CARROLL, Frank East Cork AC M 05:18.2 133 3
4 0:16:36 FAHY, Roy East Cork AC M 05:20.5 109 4
5 0:16:57 MEADE, Eric East Cork AC M40 05:27.2 107 5
6 0:17:01 CASEY, Eoin Midleton AC MJ 05:28.5 122 6
7 0:17:19 O'REILLY, Alan East Cork AC MJ 05:34.3 121 7
8 0:17:33 MAHER, Shane East Cork AC M 05:38.8 104 8
9 0:17:55 MCCARTHY, Denis East Cork AC M45 05:45.9 101 9
10 0:17:57 DUNNE, Denis unatt/Cork M 05:46.5 137 10
11 0:17:58 WALSH, Joe unatt/Ballinacurra M 05:46.9 108 11
12 0:18:10 O'DWYER, David East Cork AC M 05:50.7 110 12
13 0:18:20 ROE, Niamh Eagle AC F 05:53.9 125 13
14 0:18:25 GEARY, Kevin Eagle AC M 05:55.5 136 14
15 0:18:35 KELLY, Norman Eagle AC M 05:58.8 140 15
16 0:18:43 DUNPHY, John Eagle AC M40 06:01.3 124 16
17 0:18:44 TIERNEY, Conor East Cork AC M 06:01.7 131 17
18 0:18:49 DESMOND, John Eagle AC M45 06:03.3 154 18
19 0:18:53 CODY, Tom Midleton AC M55 06:04.6 165 19
20 0:18:58 CURTIN, Joyce East Cork AC F 06:06.2 159 20
21 0:19:03 PRENDERGAST, Gary unatt/Rathcormack M 06:07.8 119 21
22 0:19:07 O'CONNELL, Declan unatt/Cloyne M 06:09.1 146 22
23 0:19:09 O'SULLIVAN, Edmond Midleton AC M45 06:09.7 166 23
24 0:19:15 O'SULLIVAN, Ian East Cork AC M 06:11.6 144 24
25 0:19:19 NOLAN, Michelle Midleton AC F35 06:12.9 116 25
26 0:19:22 WALSH, Niamh Youghal AC F 06:13.9 147 26
27 0:19:27 O'CONNELL, Eoin unatt/Midleton M 06:15.5 161 27
28 0:19:35 CLEARY, Paul East Cork AC M 06:18.1 112 28
29 0:19:39 DOHERTY, David Togher AC M 06:19.4 105 29
30 0:19:41 MAHONEY, Trevor Midleton AC M 06:20.0 129 30
31 0:20:06 O'REILLY, Kevin Midleton AC M45 06:28.0 120 31
32 0:20:23 O'SULLIVAN, Billy Midleton AC M 06:33.5 123 32
33 0:20:32 O'DONOGHUE, Pat unatt/Cloyne M 06:36.4 118 33
34 0:20:42 O'LEARY, Ted West Waterford AC M 06:39.6 143 34
35 0:20:44 O'SULLIVAN, Dermot East Cork AC M45 06:40.3 170 35
36 0:20:47 MCDERMOTT, Barry unatt/Dromahane M 06:41.2 115 36
37 0:20:55 RAMSELL, Ned Midleton AC M 06:43.8 126 37
38 0:21:02 O'CONNELL, John Midleton AC M 06:46.1 160 38
39 0:21:07 CASHMAN, John Midleton AC M45 06:47.7 169 39
40 0:21:09 SCANNELL, John Eagle AC M40 06:48.3 149 40
41 0:21:24 DRENNAN, Sally Midleton AC F40 06:53.1 128 41
42 0:21:25 O'DONOVAN, Leo unatt/Schull M 06:53.5 148 42
43 0:21:30 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 06:55.1 102 43
44 0:21:32 O'NEILL, Pierse unatt/Aghada M 06:55.7 182 44
45 0:21:36 GEARY, Caroline Midleton AC F 06:57.0 183 45
46 0:21:47 COOKE, Tony St. Finbarrs AC M45 07:00.5 132 46
47 0:21:49 HOUGH, Joan Midleton AC F50 07:01.2 145 47
48 0:21:53 CLEARY, Eibhlin East Cork AC F 07:02.5 113 48
49 0:21:55 O'REGAN, Padraig unatt/Ladysbridge M 07:03.1 173 49
50 0:21:59 KEARNEY, Batt Leevale AC M50 07:04.4 152 50
51 0:22:04 PERRY, Anne-Marie Midleton AC F35 07:06.0 176 51
52 0:22:07 HENRY, Aidan unatt/Cork M40 07:07.0 178 52
53 0:22:10 HEALY, Brian Midleton AC M45 07:07.9 177 53
54 0:23:19 O'DONOGHUE, Donal unatt/Little Island M40 07:30.2 153 54
55 0:23:25 O'CONNELL, Donie Midleton AC M55 07:32.1 172 55
56 0:23:36 GARVEY, Colette Eagle AC F 07:35.6 174 56
57 0:23:46 KEANE, Pat Midleton AC M45 07:38.8 167 57
58 0:23:48 MCCARTHY, Danny Midleton AC M55 07:39.5 150 58
59 0:23:53 O'KEEFFE, Mary Midleton AC F40 07:41.1 117 59
60 0:24:11 O'SHEA, Louise Grange-Fermoy AC F35 07:46.9 114 60
61 0:24:27 MULCAHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 07:52.0 168 61
62 0:24:36 PIPER, Claudia Eagle AC F 07:54.9 139 62
63 0:24:51 O'BRIEN, Karen unatt/Cobh F 07:59.8 187 63
64 0:24:52 BARRY, Margaret Midleton AC F60 08:00.1 175 64
65 0:24:53 HENNESSY, Elaine Midleton AC F50 08:00.4 162 65
66 0:25:20 SPILLANE, James unatt/Cork M 08:09.1 184 66
67 0:25:27 MULLANE, Philip Midleton AC M 08:11.3 138 67
68 0:25:36 RYAN, Gillian unatt/Glanmire F35 08:14.2 127 68
69 0:26:01 CURTIN, Jim East Cork AC M60 08:22.3 158 69
70 0:26:20 HICKEY, Aiden unatt/Ballinacurra M 08:28.4 103 70
71 0:27:26 BARRY, Louise unatt/Midleton F 08:49.6 141 71
72 0:27:33 JORDAN, Colm Midleton AC M 08:51.9 106 72
73 0:27:48 PHELAN, Louise Youghal AC F 08:56.7 181 73
74 0:27:56 SHEEHAN, Marc unatt/Coachford M 08:59.3 185 74
75 0:28:56 MCGRATH, Marie Midleton AC F35 09:18.6 164 75
76 0:28:57 MCCARTHY, Joan Midleton AC F50 09:18.9 151 76
77 0:29:15 HALLAHAN, Eimear Leevale AC F 09:24.7 157 77
78 0:29:17 HALLAHAN, Olive Midleton AC F45 09:25.4 155 78
79 0:29:26 O'CONNOR, Barbara Midleton AC F 09:28.3 163 79
80 0:29:27 O'CONNELL, Kathleen Midleton AC F55 09:28.6 171 80
81 0:29:29 HALLAHAN, John Leevale AC M45 09:29.2 156 81
82 0:30:28 PRIOR, Veronica unatt/Glounthaune F 09:48.2 142 82
83 0:31:37 CUMMINS, Kevin unatt/Cork M60 10:10.4 186 83
84 0:34:42 O'REILLY, Deirdre unatt/Youghal F 11:09.9 134 84
85 0:34:43 WALSH, Ina unatt/Youghal F 11:10.3 135 85
86 0:45:29 TOHER, Mary Midleton AC F50 14:38.1 179 86
Happy Christmas - and good running in 2010!
Results produced by Ballycotton Running Promotions

Results of the Cork BHAA 'Turkey Trot' 4 mile road race...Sun 13th Dec 2009

The results for this particular race were a bit delayed but they are available now. A total of 222 runners took part which is up on last year's figure.

The full results can be seen HERE.

Preview of the Newmarket to Kanturk 5 Mile Road Race - Sun 20th Dec (2pm)
This race has a reputation of being one of the fastest 5 mile courses that there is with a slight fall of ground most of the way. Last year, they got almost 200 entries which goes to show how popular this race is. Considering where it is in North-West Cork, it is likely to attract plenty of runners from Limerick and Kerry as well.

Getting there........The hardest part of the race is probably trying to find Newmarket!! The easiest route if you are coming from Cork City is probably to head towards Mallow and go left at the roundabout on the main road and head towards Killarney. Just look for signposts for the turn off right for Kanturk.
Once you get to Kanturk, you come to a main junction and the signpost for Newmarket is about as clear as mud! Don't take the left here! You need to go straight ahead. You pass a garage and you should pass the finish point of the race on your right. 5 miles later, you come to Newmarket.

Entries........Entries will be taken at Hourigans Bar , New Street. This is in the middle of the town. As you come into the town, go straight up a slight hill and take the next right. It's there on the left. Entries for the race cost €10. Prizes for first 10 Women and Men . Also the usual vets prizes...further details from Donie Shine 086 8149970. The organisers are also offering a prize of €200 for anyone breaking the course record....(The course record ( men ) is 22.53 Mark Hanrahan 2008 and the women's record is held by Michelle Scott 25.54).

Course.......You basically start in Newmarket, run the 5 miles to Kanturk and then the organisers provide a bus to take all runners back to Newmarket. Alternatively, you can go for a 5 mile warm down ;o)
As you can see from the map, there is a gentle downhill incline for most of the race. Should be a fast one.

For a closer look, the route is up on the MapMyRun website.