Champion Sports Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2008....Part 9 of 12 by Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA

(Mick Dooley of the Cork Business Houses Athletic Association is writing a 12 part series of articles for the Evening Echo. He has very kindly sent them on to me so that I can put them up here on this blog. They are written with the beginner in mind. Part 9 is based on 4 weeks to go, about the 5th of May)

Cork Marathon Relay Event

It is now getting very close to marathon day and you'll hear all the hype and talk about the event and you wish you were part of it. Well the good news is that everyone can still can still be part of it in some way. Don’t be disappointed when you see many of your friends on the road on marathon Monday and you feel you could do that also.
The marathon relay can also be a very enjoyable event also and is run directly alongside the main event, you can run as little as 4 miles for a short stage or up to 6 miles for a longer stage. If you are a regular fun runner or even took part in the mini marathon in the past, this would be ideal for you.
The relay participants will each receive a marathon relay t-shirt and a relay finish medal.

Team members
The relay team event is quiet simple, there are 5 relay stages varying between 4 and 6 miles and each team member must complete a stage. If you have less than 5 on your team, one person must do a second stage and all 5 stages must be covered by your team.
The team may have as little as 2 runners or as many as 5 runners and can be mixed with men and ladies, all work mates, all soul mates, all house mates, all family relay, all dads relay, all mothers relay or all want to be runners!

Team captain
Each team should have a team captain who is responsible for picking up the race numbers at the city hall on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd. He/She will be issued with 2 race numbers for each team member , a wrist band to hand over at the relay change points and marathon relay t-shirts for each team member. It is important that that the team captain gives each runner their race number and t-shirt well in advance of the race start and make sure that the first runner has the wrist band for to pass on to runner number 2.
Each relay runner will wear 2 numbers, one on the front of the vest and one on the back. These numbers will be a different colour to the main marathon runners. It is also very important that the team member doing the final stage of the relay wears the race number with the chip timing insert for the official timing. The start time will be taken from the official start, relay runners will start the same time as the marathon runners.

Important points to note
· Buses to and from the relay change over points will be provided and will leave the city hall well in advance of your relay changeover time.
· Please pay particular attention to the time of the last bus to your change point. if you miss that bus, you'll let your team down.
· Make sure you know your team members in advance of race day.
· Do not impede on marathon runners and do not ask them questions while they are competing. You may just be starting your race but they may have 20 miles done. Never the less, you can give them plenty of encouragement at this point by just being on the road .
· Please note that due to technical restraints, there will not be a change over point at the half way stage unlike previously mentioned. However the half way point will be clearly marked.

Entry forms are still available at major sports centres and from all champion sports outlets nationwide and also on the marathon website www.corkcitymarathon.com

Week 9 of a 12 week training plan

Beginners
Week 9
Mon rest, Tue 4x5mins fast, Wed 75mins easy, Thurs rest, Fri 30mins easy, Sat rest or jog, Sun half marathon distance.

Improvers
Week 9
Mon 30mins easy, Tues 3x10mins with 5min jog, Wed 90mins easy, Thurs rest, Fri 45mins easy, Sat 30mins easy, Sun 3 hours easy

Serious Runners
Week 9
Mon 60mins easy, Tues 15x1mins hills, Wed 90mins easy, Thurs 8x5mins or 6mile race, Fri Rest, Sat 45mins easy, Sun 3hours steady pace

Upcoming Events
Pfizer 6 Mile Road RaceVenue: Pfizer Sports Complex, Ringaskiddy, Co. CorkDate & Time: Thursday May 8th, 2008 @ 8pm sharp (Note the day / date change)Contact: Kevin O'Driscoll (021 4328253)

IPS / Garda 5Km Road Race - RingaskiddyVenue: Pfizer Sports Complex, Ringaskiddy, Co. CorkDate & Time: Thursday May 15th, 2008 @ 8pm sharp Contact: Mick Dooley (087-9790806)

Appeal for a lady training partner in Kerry...

I recently received an e-mail from Catherine who lives near Killarney in Co.Kerry.

She wrote..."I plan to run the Dublin City Marathon this year. I did it back in 2004 and I would like to train for the 2008 marathon. I was hoping to try and find a training partner, ie a female from Kerry who also plans to compete."

Well ladies...anyone living near Killarney interested??? Just send me an e-mail and I'll pass on your details to Catherine. (My mail address is shown on the right hand side of this page).

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2008....Part 8 of 12 by Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA

(Mick Dooley of the Cork Business Houses Athletic Association is writing a 12 part series of articles for the Evening Echo. He has very kindly sent them on to me so that I can put them up here on this blog. They are written with the beginner in mind. Part 8 is based on 5 weeks to go, about the 28th of April)

Run for Charity
Running a marathon is a great achievement. It gives great personal satisfaction having completed several weeks of intensive training.
However, you can also help many other people if you decide to run for a charity. This can make your event much more rewarding, knowing, that you are helping other people while also achieving your goal. You may think that your effort to raise money for charity is of little significance but all charities are based on small amounts of money raised on a continuous basis. So no matter how small your donation is, it will be gratefully received by the charity of your choice. If you have not already found a charity to run for, you can view a comprehensive list of registered charities on the marathon website. You can contact the charity of your choice directly for your race pack.
Cork city marathon has not endorsed any particular charity for this year’s event but, has made a comprehensive list of charities available to view, on their website.

Charity running is a great way to enable runners to prepare and compete in a classic event as well as raise significant funds for a cause of their choice.

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon Training Guide

Week 8 of a 12 week training plan

Beginners
Week 8
Mon, 30mins jog, Tue 40mins easy, Wed 60mins steady, Thurs rest, Fri 30mins easy, Sat rest, Sun- two and half hour run

Improvers
Week 8
Mon 30mins jog, Tues 45mins easy, Wed 90mins easy, Thurs rest, Fri 16x1mins fast, Sat 30mins easy, Sun 20 mile steady pace

Serious Runners
Week 8
Mon 60mins easy, Tues 12x2mins 1min off, Wed 100mins easy, Thurs 7x5mins with 3mins recovery, Fri 45mins easy, Sat Rest, Sun 20mile steady pace

Upcoming events...
Pfizer 6 Mile Road RaceVenue: Pfizer Sports Complex, Ringaskiddy, Co. CorkDate & Time: Thursday May 8th, 2008 @ 8pm sharp (Note the day / date change)Contact: Kevin O'Driscoll (021 4328253)

IPS / Garda 5Km Road Race - RingaskiddyVenue: Pfizer Sports Complex, Ringaskiddy, Co. CorkDate & Time: Thursday May 15th, 2008 @ 8pm sharp Contact: Mick Dooley (087-9790806)

Races for the May Bank Holiday weekend...

Fri 2nd May...
For anyone prepared to travel, there is a 5km road race in Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary (~15kms East of the Horse & Jockey on the main Dublin road).
Details...Friday 2nd of May at 8 pm. 5 km at Commons, Ballingarry, County Tipperary This race, organised by Coolquill Athletic Club, honours one of Ireland's finest middle distance runners, the renowned John Joe Barry also known as the Ballincurry Hare, in his home place.

Sat 3rd May...
There is a Marathon and Half-Marathon in the Ballyhoura Mountains on the Cork/Limerick border. Note that a lot if not most of this, is off road and on a rough surface.
Details...Mountain Marathon. The 2008 Marathon will traverse a strenuous well marked route, through varied woodlands on the wayto Slieve Reagh. Then continuing on through the “real” Glenroe and Darragh hills. Returning viaMolanna river and Magniers wood to Kilfinane O.E.C. where a hot meal, and showers are provided. (Towels not supplied).
Registration at The Outdoor Education Centre, Kilfinane, from 830AM.Start time 9.30AM. Distance 42km, (26.2Miles).
Half Marthon. Starting in Kilfinane the route leads through Magniers Wood, on to Kilflynn Church and Ballyorganvillage. Through picturesque Glenosheen, returning via Castle Oliver to Kilfinane for refreshments at the Maple Ballroom. Registration from 9AM at Maple Ballroom. Start lOAM. Distance 21KM (13 Miles).
Click HERE for more information.

Sun 4th May... (Updated 3rd May)
Good luck to anyone heading down to Bantry to do the Bay Run Half-Marathon. Note that this race is pre-entry only. The weather forecast above suggests that it should be bright and dry with a light wind from the South.

Results of the Midleton 5 mile road race - 1st May 2008
An impressive crowd of 237 runners turned out for the 'Joe Hourigan Memorial' 5 mile road race in Midleton. The organisers were hoping to break last years figure of 199 runners and they certainly did that. Conditions for the race were ideal.......dry, bright and a little bit cool. Despite the fact that the race went though a busy part of town, the club had plenty of stewards on hand and every seemed to go pretty smoothly.
This was the last time that this particular course will be used. I hear that next year, they will be trying to use some quiet country roads so traffic will be less of an issue.

Results...
Maybe I'm wrong but I got the impression that there was a very fast field there last night?? Anyway, on to the results...
Joe Hourigan Memorial - MIDLETON '5' - Thursday 1 May 2008. 8:00pm

Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:25:20 BRALITIS, Sandis West Waterford AC M 05:03.9
2 0:26:01 O'CALLAGHAN, Donal Riocht AC M 05:12.1
3 0:26:08 SWEENEY, Gavin Cork M 05:13.5
4 0:26:34 HEFFERNAN, Elton Togher AC M 05:18.7
5 0:26:41 O'CONNELL, Cathal St. Finbarrs AC M40 05:20.1
6 0:27:09 MCKENNA, Eoin Riocht AC M 05:25.7
7 0:27:14 O'LEARY, Derek St. Finbarrs AC M 05:26.7
8 0:27:15 KENNEDY, Larry Waterford AC M45 05:26.9
9 0:27:32 MARSHALL, Cornelius St. Finbarrs AC M 05:30.3
10 0:27:36 O'CONNOR, Tim Riocht AC M 05:31.1
11 0:27:41 O'SULLIVAN, Gary Grange-Fermoy AC M 05:32.1
12 0:27:51 GRUFFERTY, James Leevale AC M 05:34.1
13 0:28:06 HEALY, Padraig West Waterford AC M 05:37.1
14 0:28:08 KELLY, Cathal St. Finbarrs AC M 05:37.5
15 0:28:09 STILWELL, Sean West Waterford AC M 05:37.7
16 0:28:19 CURTIN, Noel Youghal AC M40 05:39.7
17 0:28:25 NEUMERZHITSKIY, Vasiliy Clonmel AC M40 05:40.9
18 0:28:29 COLLINS, John Leevale AC M50 05:41.7
19 0:28:37 O'SHEA, Declan Eagle AC M 05:43.3
20 0:28:41 SHANAHAN, Tom Riocht AC M45 05:44.1
21 0:29:02 O'REGAN, Noel Midleton AC M40 05:48.3
22 0:29:06 TURCAN, Valeru Clonmel AC M 05:49.1
23 0:29:22 DUNNE, Ciaran Eagle AC M 05:52.3
24 0:29:23 O'DUBHGAIN, Padraig Leevale AC M 05:52.5
25 0:29:26 MAHER, Shane Grange-Fermoy AC M 05:53.1
26 0:29:30 DESMOND, John Eagle AC M40 05:53.9
27 0:29:45 BRODERICK, Donal Midleton AC M40 05:56.9
28 0:29:51 MULDOWNEY, David Eagle AC M 05:58.1
29 0:29:57 O'REGAN, Oliver Midleton AC M 05:59.3
30 0:30:01 O'CALLAGHAN, David Eagle AC M40 06:00.1
31 0:30:05 COAKLEY, Donal Togher AC M 06:00.9
32 0:30:08 BYCZEK, Stanislaw Midleton AC M45 06:01.5
33 0:30:12 CARROLL, Denis Eagle AC M45 06:02.3
34 0:30:22 CODY, Tom Midleton AC M50 06:04.3
35 0:30:37 WALSH, Colin Cork M 06:07.3
36 0:30:46 O'MAHONY, John Cork M 06:09.1
37 0:31:06 NICHOLSON, Andrew Youghal AC M 06:13.1
38 0:31:07 SMITH, Kevin Ballinacurra M 06:13.3
39 0:31:08 O'RIORDAN, William St. Brendans AC M50 06:13.5
40 0:31:09 O'KEEFFE, Eoin Ballincollig M 06:13.7
41 0:31:10 CURTIN, Martin Castlemartyr M 06:13.9
42 0:31:16 MURPHY, Dermot Eagle AC M 06:15.1
43 0:31:18 O'SULLIVAN, Eoin Togher AC M 06:15.5
44 0:31:19 TIERNEY, Conor East Cork AC M 06:15.7
45 0:31:23 O'SULLIVAN, Diarmuid Clonakilty M 06:16.5
46 0:31:24 GEDEN, Matthew Bandon AC M40 06:16.7
47 0:31:24 KENNY, Sean Midleton AC M 06:16.7
48 0:31:26 BRENNAN, Kieran Ballymore-Cobh AC M40 06:17.1
49 0:31:27 COONEY, Kevin Midleton AC M45 06:17.3
50 0:31:28 O'MAHONY, David Ballincollig M 06:17.5
51 0:31:30 VONHATTEN, Jessica Leevale AC F 06:17.9
52 0:31:36 GRIFFIN, John Grange-Fermoy AC M 06:19.1
53 0:31:40 CASHMAN, John Midleton AC M40 06:19.9
54 0:31:44 SAVAGE, Mark Midleton M 06:20.7
55 0:31:50 GEARY, Linda Midleton AC F 06:21.9
56 0:31:52 TWOMEY, Pat Eagle AC M55 06:22.3
57 0:31:56 KEVANY, Sinead Eagle AC F 06:23.1
58 0:31:59 TWOMEY, Tim East Cork AC M50 06:23.7
59 0:32:00 O'SULLIVAN, Edmond Midleton AC M45 06:23.9
60 0:32:29 O'SULLIVAN, Billy Midleton AC M 06:29.7
61 0:32:34 CAHILL , Seamus Eagle AC M45 06:30.7
62 0:32:38 BRYAN, Nigel Eagle AC M 06:31.5
63 0:32:41 LENIHAN, Brian Cork M40 06:32.1
64 0:32:46 FOGARTY, Pat Cork M40 06:33.1
65 0:32:49 DOOLAN, Mary St. Josephs AC F 06:33.7
66 0:32:57 HENNESSY, Emmett Midleton M 06:35.3
67 0:32:59 KENNEDY, Dan St. Finbarrs AC M55 06:35.7
68 0:33:00 O'FLYNN, Ted St. Finbarrs AC M45 06:35.9
69 0:33:06 DUNPHY, John Rising Sun AC M 06:37.1
70 0:33:07 SIEVEWRIGHT, Kevin Eagle AC M40 06:37.3
71 0:33:09 LYNCH, John Cork M 06:37.7
72 0:33:10 HIGGINS, Terence Eagle AC M 06:37.9
73 0:33:13 CASEY, Conor Menapians AC M 06:38.5
74 0:33:14 O'NEILL, Niall Midleton AC M40 06:38.7
75 0:33:18 COTTER, Brian Bandon M 06:39.5
76 0:33:21 RAMSELL, Ned Midleton AC M 06:40.1
77 0:33:39 O'LEARY, Liam St. Finbarrs AC M60 06:43.7
78 0:33:40 DUNNE, Kevin Ballinacurra M 06:43.9
79 0:33:43 MCGRATH, Mike Eagle AC M45 06:44.5
80 0:33:45 KELLY, Alan Midleton AC M 06:44.9
81 0:33:47 GEARY, Kevin Ladysbridge M 06:45.3
82 0:33:48 HOUGH, Joan Midleton AC F45 06:45.5
83 0:33:53 O'REGAN, Damian Waterford AC M 06:46.5
84 0:33:54 RYAN, John Glanmire M40 06:46.7
85 0:33:55 HANRAHAN, Michael Midleton AC M 06:46.9
86 0:34:07 O'DRISCOLL, Patrick Eagle AC M 06:49.3
87 0:34:19 O'SULLIVAN, Sean Midleton AC M 06:51.7
88 0:34:23 KELLEHER, Hanorah Donoughmore AC F40 06:52.5
89 0:34:34 COLLINS, Damien Leevale AC M 06:54.7
90 0:34:38 BUCKLEY, Aidan Eagle AC M40 06:55.5
91 0:34:40 OSBORNE, Colm Ballymore-Cobh AC M 06:55.9
92 0:34:42 EGAN, Colm Midleton AC M40 06:56.3
93 0:34:45 GYVES, Paddy Mallow AC M60 06:56.9
94 0:34:48 SHELLY, David Eagle AC M 06:57.5
95 0:34:49 O'HANLON, Clare Eagle AC F 06:57.7
96 0:34:51 COLEMAN, Darren Liscarroll AC MJ 06:58.1
97 0:34:54 KEARNEY, Batt Leevale AC M50 06:58.7
98 0:34:57 O'SHEA, Geraldine St. Finbarrs AC F35 06:59.3
99 0:34:58 O'CALLAGHAN, Tim Glanmire M45 06:59.5
100 0:35:15 LINEHAN, Ted Eagle AC M50 07:02.8
101 0:35:16 DUGGAN, Shane Cork M 07:03.0
102 0:35:24 TWOMEY, June Lisgold F 07:04.6
103 0:35:29 BUCKLEY, Tim-Joe Donoughmore AC M55 07:05.6
104 0:35:33 O'CALLAGHAN, Clare Midleton F 07:06.4
105 0:35:35 DESMOND, Alan Glanmire M45 07:06.8
106 0:35:41 GOGGIN, Jennifer UCC AC F 07:08.0
107 0:35:43 QUIGLEY, John Eagle AC M50 07:08.4
108 0:35:46 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 07:09.0
109 0:35:54 LINEHAN, Frank Togher AC M55 07:10.6
110 0:36:03 RING, Gerard Midleton AC M 07:12.4
111 0:36:09 ROONEY, Dominic Midleton M 07:13.6
112 0:36:10 CONNOLLY, Vincent Midleton AC M50 07:13.8
113 0:36:11 O'CONNELL, Donie Midleton AC M55 07:14.0
114 0:36:14 HUFF, Tony Ballynonty AC M55 07:14.6
115 0:36:15 CURTIS, Peadar Mallow AC M50 07:14.8
116 0:36:25 TROY, Monica Midleton F35 07:16.8
117 0:36:29 TANGNEY, Nick Ladysbridge M 07:17.6
118 0:36:30 TREACY, JP Cork M 07:17.8
119 0:36:30 PRENDERGAST, Rick Castlemartyr M40 07:17.8
120 0:36:31 MELNE, Inese West Waterford AC F 07:18.0
121 0:36:34 MURPHY, Austin St. Finbarrs AC M55 07:18.6
122 0:36:42 WALSH, Mark Midleton AC M45 07:20.2
123 0:36:44 O'MEARA, Fergal Midleton M 07:20.6
124 0:36:50 BUCKLEY, Denis Glanmire M45 07:21.8
125 0:36:52 FLANAGAN, Eamon Youghal AC M 07:22.2
126 0:36:53 BROWN, Fiona Midleton AC F40 07:22.4
127 0:36:54 MCCARTHY, Danny Midleton AC M55 07:22.6
128 0:37:01 SMITH, Miriam Grange-Fermoy AC F 07:24.0
129 0:37:02 BOYLE, Jim Midleton AC M 07:24.2
130 0:37:04 O'SULLIVAN, Tony Glanmire M 07:24.6
131 0:37:12 MCCARTHY, Joseph Midleton AC MJ 07:26.2
132 0:37:16 GEARY, Ann Lisgoold F 07:27.0
133 0:37:17 MARSHALL, Maire Midleton AC F 07:27.2
134 0:37:25 MURPHY, Paddy Bandon AC M 07:28.8
135 0:37:28 HEDDERMAN, Kevin Blarney M 07:29.4
136 0:37:29 O'CONNOR, Gerry Eagle AC M50 07:29.6
137 0:37:47 DOYLE, Paul Grange-Fermoy AC M 07:33.2
138 0:37:56 DOLAN, Brendon Glanmire M 07:35.0
139 0:38:00 MCCARTHY, David Ballycotton M 07:35.8
140 0:38:04 SHERIDAN, Catherine Midleton F 07:36.6
141 0:38:13 MELLERICK, Catherine Eagle AC F35 07:38.4
142 0:38:20 CHRISTIE, Eidin St. Finbarrs AC F35 07:39.8
143 0:38:21 O'LEARY, Brendan Ballincollig M 07:40.0
144 0:38:26 BURKE, Martina St. Finbarrs AC F 07:41.0
145 0:38:27 O'SHAUGHNESSY, Ger Midleton M 07:41.2
146 0:38:34 O'LEARY, John Leevale AC M65 07:42.6
147 0:38:37 O'SHEA, Gerry Mogeely M45 07:43.2
148 0:38:38 CAHILL, Alan Midleton M 07:43.4
149 0:38:39 O'BRIEN, Mark Aghada M 07:43.6
150 0:38:41 CAHILL, Breda Midleton AC F35 07:44.0
151 0:38:42 ORGAN, Patrick Midleton M 07:44.2
152 0:38:43 COTTER, Donal Cork M 07:44.4
153 0:38:54 MCPARLAND, Cian Cobh M 07:46.6
154 0:39:03 FENNELL, John West Waterford AC M 07:48.4
155 0:39:05 KELLY, Brendan Cork M 07:48.8
156 0:39:14 MURPHY, Marie Youghal F 07:50.6
157 0:39:19 DUNNE, Tony Grange-Fermoy AC M65 07:51.6
158 0:39:21 HENDERSON, Liz Eagle AC F35 07:52.0
159 0:39:25 WALSH, Cyril Cork M 07:52.8
160 0:39:27 RYAN, Elga Midleton AC F 07:53.2
161 0:39:31 GARVEY, Colette Eagle AC F 07:54.0
162 0:39:37 BARRY, Dave Midleton M 07:55.2
163 0:39:38 O'DOHERTY, Maura Midleton AC F35 07:55.4
164 0:39:39 O'DONOGHUE, Donal Little Island M40 07:55.6
165 0:39:40 HEALY, Brian Midleton AC M45 07:55.8
166 0:39:41 O'REGAN, Padraig Ladysbridge M 07:56.0
167 0:39:43 MURPHY, Gillian Carrigtwohill F 07:56.4
168 0:39:44 KELLEHER, Eileen Cork F 07:56.6
169 0:40:03 NAGLE, Dan Mallow AC M60 08:00.4
170 0:40:09 BARRY, Margaret Midleton AC F55 08:01.6
171 0:40:24 CARROLL, Norman Cork M55 08:04.6
172 0:40:30 DUCHNICZ, Adam Carrigtwohill M 08:05.8
173 0:40:31 MCCARTHY, Mick West Waterford AC M45 08:06.0
174 0:40:32 BUCKLEY, Eileen St. Finbarrs AC F40 08:06.2
175 0:40:33 DALY, Paddy Cork M60 08:06.4
176 0:40:35 MULCAHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 08:06.8
177 0:40:41 HEALY, Tim Togher AC M 08:08.0
178 0:40:56 THORNHILL, Chris Watergrasshill M 08:11.0
179 0:40:57 FOLEY, Brendan Midleton M 08:11.2
180 0:41:02 FOLEY, Rose Cork F50 08:12.2
181 0:41:02 BYRNE, Sheila Eagle AC F40 08:12.2
182 0:41:08 GRIFFIN, Billy Midleton AC M65 08:13.4
183 0:41:12 MCEVOY, Angela St. Finbarrs AC F40 08:14.2
184 0:41:12 MCEVOY, Eamonn St. Finbarrs AC M50 08:14.2
185 0:41:15 MURPHY, Mick Carrigtwohill M 08:14.8
186 0:41:19 LINEHAN, Padraig Cork M 08:15.6
187 0:41:24 O'BRIEN, Denise Midleton AC F 08:16.6
188 0:41:28 WHITE, Lorna Midleton F 08:17.4
189 0:41:33 SWEENEY, Pat Cork M55 08:18.4
190 0:41:37 SAVAGE, Ann Midleton AC F45 08:19.2
191 0:41:41 FITTON, Marion Ballincollig F45 08:20.0
192 0:41:45 O'RIORDAN, Fiona Eagle AC F35 08:20.8
193 0:41:47 AHERNE, Marian Midleton F 08:21.2
194 0:41:57 SISK, Bernard Cork M60 08:23.2
195 0:41:58 PHELAN, Kevin Eagle AC M 08:23.4
196 0:42:07 CABALL, Billy Cork M60 08:25.2
197 0:42:08 BEAUSANG, Margaret Midleton AC F50 08:25.4
198 0:42:10 CLIFFORD, Sonia Watergrasshill F 08:25.8
199 0:42:17 O'KEEFFE, Mary Midleton AC F40 08:27.2
200 0:42:24 DUNNE, Maggie Grange-Fermoy AC F55 08:28.6
201 0:42:46 LEONARD, Karl Youghal M40 08:33.0
202 0:42:53 MEANEY, Pat Cork M55 08:34.4
203 0:42:59 SMITH, David Dungourney M 08:35.6
204 0:43:20 BARRETT, Rosemarie Midleton AC F40 08:39.8
205 0:43:45 O'HANLON, Don Cork M 08:44.8
206 0:43:57 HIGGINS, Carrie Midleton AC FJ 08:47.2
207 0:44:06 HEGARTY, Linda Midleton AC F 08:49.0
208 0:44:10 WALSH, Mary Midleton AC F45 08:49.8
209 0:44:15 HENNESSY, Elaine Midleton F50 08:50.8
210 0:44:16 MULLANE, Eddie Cork BHAA M60 08:51.0
211 0:44:26 PHELAN, Eamonn Glanmire M55 08:53.0
212 0:44:32 CREEDON, Marie Cork F45 08:54.2
213 0:44:37 KELLEHER, Frank Cork M65 08:55.2
214 0:44:41 SHERIDAN, Anne-Marie Midleton F 08:56.0
215 0:45:00 LYNCH, Norma Midleton F 08:59.8
216 0:45:03 MURPHY, Holly Kinsale F 09:00.4
217 0:45:07 O'CONNOR, Frances Carigaline F 09:01.2
218 0:45:29 UNKNOWN, NDB 09:05.6
219 0:46:05 TWOMEY, Veronica Lisgoold F 09:12.8
220 0:46:06 RIGNEY, Miriam Midleton F 09:13.0
221 0:46:09 MANNING, Mel Carrigtwohill F 09:13.6
222 0:46:10 LEAHY, Nell Midleton F 09:13.8
223 0:46:21 MCCARTHY, Joan Midleton AC F50 09:16.0
224 0:46:21 DUKELOW, Fiona Midleton AC F35 09:16.0
225 0:46:22 TWOHIG, Teddy Donoughmore AC M 09:16.2
226 0:46:47 HIGGINS, Leslie Watergrasshill M 09:21.2
227 0:47:16 O'MAHONEY, Patrica Youghal F 09:27.0
228 0:48:01 NATHALIE, Catino Cork F 09:36.0
229 0:49:56 O'CONNELL, Kathleen Midleton AC F50 09:59.0
230 0:49:57 O'LEARY, Clare Midleton AC F 09:59.2
231 0:50:29 GLAVIN, Bernice Cork F45 10:05.6
232 0:51:26 WHITE, Fiona Midleton F 10:17.0
233 0:51:56 CROWLEY, Eugene Cork M 10:23.0
234 0:52:03 MURPHY, Anne Rising Sun AC F40 10:24.4
235 0:56:07 TOHER, Mary Midleton AC F50 11:13.2
236 0:57:36 CONNOLLY, Noelelle Midleton F 11:31.0
WHEELCHAIR: FORDE, Jerry Blarney-Inniscarra AC M55 42:55

(....with thanks to John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions for these results)

Comments...
"Hi John. Well done to all in Midelton AC for Thursday night. Excellent course, well organized, plenty of stewards, great food and cakes afterwards, a fantastic turn out. Just a tip for you, keep an eye out for the up and coming Gavin Sweeney who finished 1st in Mallow and 3rd last night. This guy is just starting to attend road races regulary, there's more to come from him if he stays committed.........John Dunphy "

"Hi. Had a great night in Midleton last week, unfortunately we didn't get to register. After asking at least 6 people in Midleton, nobody could actually say where AC Club was. They sent us in all directions but the right one. I don't know the area well at all. We did eventually see people running up by the roundabout so we followed and yes at last we got to the starting point. Delighted to be able to run it. Maybe a good idea to have a few signs. Other than all that we really enjoyed it. Will be there again next year....Karen "

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2008....Part 7 of 12 by Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA

(Mick Dooley of the Cork Business Houses Athletic Association is writing a 12 part series of articles for the Evening Echo. He has very kindly sent them on to me so that I can put them up here on this blog. They are written with the beginner in mind. Part 7 is based on 6 weeks to go, about the 21st of April)

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon - Running Injuries

When it comes to marathon training or long distance running, the word injury is a dreaded word to hear but many injuries may not be as bad as first thought. You should not panic or loose hope, many of the everyday aches and pains are caused by high mileage and bad footwear and may be very easily remedied by a short lay off from training and some gentle stretches and a good foot and leg message.
If your training is going ok and you are sticking to a plan, a short rest period of 7 to 10 days should not affect your overall preparation and you should not loose your overall fitness because of a short lay off. If you feel pain while running you must stop, do not run through pain simply because you have to complete your long run on a given date, pain means stop.
If your injury is more serious, you should immediately seek professional help and advice once and again, even some of the more serious injuries can be treated very successfully with a few treatment sessions. There are numerous sports injuries therapists available that will identify and treat whatever injury is presented. The important thing is that you must give yourself every chance to be on the start line on June 2nd, you have the commitment made, you have the training mileage logged now you must watch the niggling injuries. Two of the most common running injuries worth mentioning are Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendonitis.

Achilles Tendonitis.
The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the leg just above the heel. The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the lower leg muscles. An Achilles strain is a common sports injury and can often become chronic and prevent any form of running at all. Even with a slight strain you should stop running for at least 7 to 10 days depending with the severity of the injury with a gradual increase to normal training. Achilles tendonitis is generally caused a sudden increase in speed, sharp hill work and bad stretching before and after running. Tight hamstrings and calf muscles also increase the risk of Achilles tendonitis

Ankle Strain.
Ankle sprain affects the ligaments around the ankle and with many runners, they often prefer to run on cross country and running trails as opposed to roadways. Running on uneven surfaces can result in ankle sprain. Total recovery from ankle sprain can take up to six weeks depending on the extent of the ligament and soft tissue damage.
The treatment of ankle sprain can be treated by the RICE method, a treatment commonly used in sport for sprains and strains.

R - Rest will speed up the healing time
I - Ice using ice packs for 10 minutes sessions will decrease swelling
C - Compression bandages will speed up healing also
E - Elevate your foot using pillows to decrease swelling

Injury Prevention
Do proper warm ups and warm downs
Don’t start or finish your run with a sprint
Ensure that you have the correct footwear for your foot type

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon Training Guide

Week 7 of the 12 week training plan (...intended for the 21st of April)

Beginners
Week 7
Mon 20mins easy, Tue 15x90secs fast, Wed Rest, Thurs 80mins easy or 4mile race, Fri Rest,
Sat 30mins quick, Sun- two and half very easy.

Improvers
Week 7
Mon 45mins easy, Tues 5x5min fast, Wed 90mins easy, Thurs hills 12x90secs or 4 mile race,
Fri rest- jog, Sat 30mins easy, Sun 3hrs very easy

Serious Runners
Week 7
Mon 60mins easy, Tues 20x1mins fast, Wed 90mins easy,
Thurs 3x10 with 3mins recovery or 4 mile race, Fri rest/jog, Sat 1hour hilly run hard, Sun 3 hours steady

Preview of the Midleton 5 Mile Road Race - Thurs 1st May (8pm)

The 'Joe Hourigan' 5 Mile road race takes place in Midleton in East Cork, on Thursday night at 8pm. Due to the re-introduction of the railway to Midleton in the next few years, this will be the last time the Midleton 5 race will be run over this particular route.

Entry...
The sign-on point for this race is in the GAA clubhouse which is just off the Mill road. To get there from Cork, you need to take the turn-off from the Midleton bypass and enter Midleton itself. Near the centre of the town, you cross over a bridge and come to a major roundabout and junction. You need to stay left and take the 2nd left exit and onto the road with the petrol station. About 400 metres up this road, keep a look-out for a small road to the right just after the traffic lights. This narrow little road will bring you up to the Midleton GAA grounds (see the X on the map above). In this general area, there is a limited amount of parking. Note that the start point for the race is almost a mile away so make sure you arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to get there. The entry fee is €10.
Course...

The start is on a wide quiet road. After a few hundred metres, you are back onto the busy main road and you will be running back towards the GAA club. As soon as you pass the entrance to the club and the 1 mile mark, the traffic dies down a bit as you head out towards the 2 mile mark which up a slight incline. At about 2.5 miles, you turn off left and there are a series of small climbs here until about the 3.5 mile mark. Than there is a rapid descent and from there until the finish is pretty flat. Just around the 4 mile mark, you are back onto the hard shoulder of the busy main road. From here, you need to be careful of passing traffic as you head back in towards the town. Soon, you'll turn left, back onto the quiet road where you started from and on to the finish.

Overall...

A reasonable course with a few small hills and you should expect to get a reasonable time on it.

If you want to have a closer look at the course, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/ireland/cork/841118877616

Additional Info.....

Latest News - from John Cashman – club PRO - - Midleton Athletic Club have stressed that their annual ‘5’ mile road race will begin at 8pm sharp this Thursday evening. There are road works taking place currently in a number of areas in the vicinity of the town, most notably in the Knockgriffin area just beyond the starting and finishing point. This allied to the fact that the registration area and race headquarters is located almost a half mile away at Midleton GAA Pavilion means that participants should allow added time in advance. It’s the 25th anniversary of the Midleton AC race and thus has added extra significance to what is looked upon as of the high points of the summer sporting season in the East Cork town. There are plenty of vantage points around the course whereby spectators can sample the atmosphere and see some of the inform runners of the season bid for the top hopnours. Reflecting back on the history of the race club spokesperson Danny McCarthy has special thoughts for the late Joe Hourigan is whose memory the event now takes place . “Joe was a tremendous character and a tremendous club man. He was always involved in our activities and had a friendly word for everybody as he and his colleagues under took their regular training runs around the town and its environs”.

Headquarters for the occasion will again be the local GAA pavilion which will be open for entries from 6.30pm onwards. It will also be the base for the prize giving ceremony and the renowned after race hospitality which has become synonymous with this early summer fixture. Entry fee this year will be 10 euro, with a 2 euro contribution from each entry going towards the Robert Heffernan Olympic Games fund. Robert is currently at a very advanced stage of preparations for the trip to China later this summer and has greatly welcomed this gesture by the host club and the wider running community. The club is donating 500 euro also.
There will be NO HEADPHONES ALLOWED in this race........Thanks Danny McCarthy, Midleton AC.

Results of the Cork BHAA 'Stride by the Tide' 4 mile beach race - Tues 29th April 2008

From what I hear, there were about 190 runners in this 4 mile race on the beach in Redbarn near Youghal in East Cork. It certainly was'nt an easy race with a stiff North-Easterly breeze making the going tough at times and the odd patch of soft sand making it difficult to run. All of this though was outweighed by the fact that a race on a beach is still a novel event and makes a nice change from all of the road races. It's also a great way of keeping an eye on your team mates and making sure they're not slacking off !! ;o)

Results... (Updated Wed 30th Apr)

The results for this race can be found HERE.

Comments...

Anyone like to comment on the race...??? How did you think it compared to the usual road races? Like or dislike running on sand?

"It was a good race, not as cold and wet as last year. Jogging on sand is not easy, and I prefer the road. But it's nice to support all the BHAA races.........Maggie"

Race report and photos of the Mallow 5 race are now up....see down the page.

Preview of the Cork BHAA 'Stride by the Tide' 4 mile Road Race - Tues 29th Apr (8pm)

This race which is sponsored by Quality Hotels takes place on Redbarn beach near Youghal in East Cork. It is the only race during the year which is run on a beach.

Directions...

Take the main road for Youghal from Cork. As you approach Youghal, do not go on the Youghal bypass but take the left just before it, go under the bypass and head towards the town. After a few hundred metres, look out for and take the turn off right. It should be signposted as the R633 for Ballymacoda. After 1.5 kms on this road, you come to a crossroads. Turn left here. You should see the signposts for the Quality Hotel anyway. See the map above.

Entry...

As per normal at Cork BHAA events, it is €5 for registered runners and €7 for non-registered.

Course...

From what I remember, it is basically two and a half laps of a course that is marked out on the beach. It is a very unusual race in that as you take the sharp turn at the end of each loop, you are watching everyone else who is ahead and behind you. It's a bit like running a race and spectating at the same time. The race is run on a part of the beach which is between the low tide and high tide mark. As a result, you are not running on soft sand and you should have no problem doing it in your normal runners.

Overall...
The fact you can watch a race at the same time as running in it makes this a special and unusual event. The softer surface, while ok for running on, definetly means that your time for this 4 mile race will be slower than usual. The sand seems to absorb most of the energy when you foot hits the surface and you need to put more effort in than you would on the road.

If you want to see where the race is, have a look at this link... http://pininthemap.com/27c8f39995f0d9723

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2008....Part 6 of 12 by Mick Dooley, Cork BHAA

(Mick Dooley of the Cork Business Houses Athletic Association is writing a 12 part series of articles for the Evening Echo. He has very kindly sent them on to me so that I can put them up here on this blog. They are written with the beginner in mind. Part 6 is based on 7 weeks to go, about the 14th of April)

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon - Running Gear
It’s not always the running gear that looks good that is the best. Most of all, your running gear should be comfortable and appropriate to the weather conditions.

Footwear
Choosing your running gear is the one of the important decision you will make as a runner. Having the right running shoe for your foot strike will help you avoid injury and also avoid serious discomfort while doing long mileage. The shoe companies have designed many different shoe types to meet the needs of different runners. If you are buying new shoes, you should go to a specialist running store where you will get good advice on what you need. It is a good idea to bring your own shoes with you, this will give them a good indication of your foot strike and they can then recommend shoe type and style. Some shops also have specialist equipment to measure your foot strike. Make sure that you are training in shoes with low mileage wear to maximize absorption of shock.

Stop Watch
A good stopwatch is an invaluable piece of equipment for a runner to use. Most stopwatches have a clear display showing your total running time, and are also able to record split and lap times which will be very use full when you start to run specific training sessions.

Apparel, and Accessories
Wear Cool-max or synthetic blend socks, singlet, and shorts that wick away moisture/perspiration and won't cause chafing to enhance your comfort level.
Use Body Glide, Skin Lube, Vaseline, or similar products (on feet, under arms, between thighs, nipples, etc.) to eliminate or reduce chafing and/or blisters.
Do not over-dress. Assess the need to wear tights, long-sleeves, etc. as excess clothing can lead to overheating of the body. Doing so makes the "real feel" 10 degrees warmer once you begin running. In cooler weather and/or in windy conditions, consider wearing an old t-shirt that you can discard once your long run or marathon begins, but be sure that you won't be running into the wind later on your return route. Also remember that if you choose to wear a hat, it will trap body heat (great in cold weather) but a bad idea for a long run or marathon with hot/humid conditions).

Kit Bag
Your kit bag should be large enough to contain all your running gear, a change of clothing, shower gear, running shoes, a small amount of money and a small medical pouch. All of which should have it’s own place so you can find whatever it is you need without, having to scour the whole bag if something particular is required. A good kit bag will have different compartments which will help you to organise each section. Remember, to label your bag with your name, address and mobile number in case you misplace it.

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon Training Guide
Week 6 of the 12 week training plan (...intended for the 14th of April)

Beginners
Week 5
Mon 40mins easy, Tue Rest, Wed 70mins Steady, Thurs Rest, Fri warm up 6x3mins warm down,
Sat Rest, Sun.2 hours or 10mile race

Improvers
Week 5
Mon 30mins easy, Tues 45mins steady, Wed 90mins easy, Thurs Rest , Fri 30mins easy,
Sat warm up 30mins hard warm down, Sun two and half hours steady or 10mile race

Serious Runners
Week 5
Mon 45mins steady, Tues 8x2mins fast, Wed 90mins easy, Thurs 3x10mins 5mins recovery,
Fri rest/jog, Sat warm ups 4miles fast warm downs, Sun 3 hours very steady or 10mile race

Please note that all of these local events are very comprehensively covered by John Desmond on his blogspot
corkrunning.blogspot.com John is a runner himself and runs with Eagle AC . The blog gives directions course maps and local knowledge of most of the events taking part in the Munster area. Very worth while to log on to.

Results of the Mallow 5 mile Road Race - Friday 25th Apr 2008

A modest crowd of 91 runners turned out for this 5 mile race in Mallow on what was a dull evening. This was a race that I had hoped to get to however the thought of having to cross Cork City through rush hour traffic put me off. Maybe next time.

The results are up on the Mallow AC website. The link is HERE.

Photos... (updated Mon 28th Apr)

Paudie Birmingham of Mallow AC now has a set of 64 photos up on his photo page. The link is HERE.

Race Report... (updated Mon 28th Apr)

Donal O'Donoughue has very kindly written a short race report on the Mallow 5 race.

"In comparison to the race in Ballynoe on Thursday, it was dull and overcast when leaving Cork, which threatened to rain down on us. This and the early start at 7:30pm may have deterred some people from travelling. I was actually worried about getting soaked, so I changed from tee-shirt to yellow jacket at the last moment. However the rain held off until 20:30. So I sweated instead! The temperature was a reasonable 12 degrees C.
The Gardai held traffic for a few minutes at the start, but traffic began to flow again before we reached the left-turn off the N72. We had to run the first two miles on the hard shoulder, which was not in the best condition. Also there were a few small areas on the N72 near entrances, where a small kerbed area covered the hard-shoulder. One could miss seeing these, and almost run into them if one wasn't paying full attention.
Also complicating matters were pedestrians out for an evening walk, on the same hard-shoulder, going in the same direction, and unable to see runners approaching from behind.
At the first turn, we passed a sign warning of flood risk after heavy rain. This reminded me of a picture of a flooded Mallow racecourse that appeared in the papers a few months ago.
The second-half twisted and turned somewhat, and people were crossing from one side to the other, to take the shortest route, but one compromises safety somewhat. The last 2 miles had some footpath, but this was rather narrow at the beginning. There were plenty of race marshals, and an ambulance on patrol.
There was one odd part at 3.5 miles where we passed a small river, where a section of wall was missing. One minor slip-up and one could have ended up in the river! I don't know if there was any hall at the back of the pub, but there was an area at the front of the pub with tea and biscuits, and even Jaffa Cakes!
This is the first time I've run competitive races on successive days, and it really shakes one up. I needed it!..........Donal O'Donoughue"

Results of the East Cork Road Championships (Ballynoe) - Thurs 24th Apr 2008

This race was essentially an AAI inter club competition between the East Cork Athletic clubs. It was however open to everyone. The results are shown below and Donal O'Donoughue has very kindly written a race report on what he thought of the race.

Results...

Imokilly Oil/East Cork Road Championships
Men 5-mile

Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:28:50 MCGRATH, Sean East Cork AC M 05:45.9
2 0:29:21 HAYES, Frank East Cork AC M 05:52.1

3 0:29:28 CURTIN, Noel Youghal AC M40 05:53.5
4 0:30:19 MCCARTHY, Denis East Cork AC M45 06:03.7
5 0:30:24 BYCZEK, Stanislaw Midleton AC M45 06:04.7

6 0:30:51 O'KEEFFE, Marty Youghal AC M 06:10.1
7 0:31:10 BRODERICK, Donal Midleton AC M40 06:13.9

8 0:31:44 CURLEY, Paul Youghal AC M40 06:20.7
9 0:32:37 COONEY, Kevin Midleton AC M45 06:31.3
10 0:32:47 NICHOLSON, Andrew Youghal AC M 06:33.3
11 0:32:54 TIERNEY, Conor East Cork AC M 06:34.7
12 0:32:56 CASHMAN, John Midleton AC M40 06:35.1
13 0:33:14 GRIFFIN, John Carraig na bhFear AC M 06:38.7
14 0:33:34 KELLEHER, Denis Midleton AC M40 06:42.7
15 0:34:43 DUNPHY, John Rising Sun AC M 06:56.5
16 0:35:22 PENTONY, Gerard Ballymore-Cobh AC M40 07:04.2
17 0:36:04 CURLEY, Kieran Youghal AC M45 07:12.6 283 17
18 0:36:17 DUNNING, Steve Ballynoe M 07:15.2 291 18
19 0:36:31 MCGRATH, Phil East Cork AC M55 07:18.0 268 19
20 0:36:50 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 07:21.8 267 20
21 0:37:10 KELLY, Tom Ballymore-Cobh AC M50 07:25.8 271 21
22 0:37:21 RAMSELL, Ned Midleton AC M 07:28.0 277 22
23 0:37:33 CONNOLLY, Vincent Midleton AC M50 07:30.4 285 23
24 0:37:38 MCCARTHY, Danny Midleton AC M55 07:31.4 275 24
25 0:37:58 FLANAGAN, Eamon Youghal AC M 07:35.4 280 25
26 0:38:04 ARNOTT, Pat Youghal AC M50 07:36.6 279 26
27 0:38:14 HANRAHAN, Michael Midleton AC M 07:38.6 278 27
28 0:38:29 O'CONNELL, Donie Midleton AC M55 07:41.6 286 28
29 0:39:25 KEARNEY, Batt Leevale AC M50 07:52.8 293 29
30 0:42:08 O'DONOGHUE, Donal Little Island M40 08:25.4 294 30

Team 1 Midleton (5, 7, 9, 12) 33
2 Youghal (6, 8, 10, 17) 41
3 East Cork (4, 11, 19, 20) 54

Imokilly Oil/East Cork Road Championships
Women 2 km

Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:07:44 WALSH, Niamh Youghal AC F 06:13.2
2 0:08:01 HOUGH, Joan Midleton AC F45 06:26.9
3 0:08:05 DRENNAN, Sally Midleton AC F40 06:30.1

4 0:08:45 BROWN, Fiona Midleton AC F40 07:02.3
5 0:09:09 CAHILL, Breda Midleton AC F35 07:21.6
6 0:09:42 BARRY, Margaret Midleton AC F55 07:48.2

7 0:09:59 BEAUSANG, Margaret Midleton AC F50 08:01.9
8 0:11:16 MCCARTHY, Joan Midleton AC F50 09:03.8
9 0:11:51 O'CONNELL, Kathleen Midleton AC F50 09:32.0

Team: 1 Midleton (4, 5, 6) 15 points

Organised by the East Cork Board of AAI

(.....with thanks to John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions for these results)

Race Report........by Donal O'Donoughue

' The loneliness of the short-distance runner '
Despite being told by somebody who should know, that the start time was 8pm, it appeared to start at 7:50...ish. I registered at about 7:47, and was running to the start line, when the pack started running towards me. I joined near the back, did my best. However, I did cover the distance and a bit more....I'm a little out of shape.

There were 9 (NINE) women in the Women’s 2000m race, which started earlier.
There were 30 (THREE ZERO) men in the men's race, which turned out to be a five miler. All but two of the men were from Athletic clubs, i.e. me and some local guy from Ballynoe.
I honestly thought this would be a 4 mile breeze -- some competitive practice, for Friday night's Mallow race.Not so. This started out perhaps 0.5 miles south of the village on the R627 (the road from Midleton). Through the village, and then left, anti-clockwise along a back road to the west of the village, and then east along the road with the Garda Station and GAA club, and back into the centre of the village. This hill by the Garda station was a "killer". Sally Drennan and friends were standing outside the GAA club offering moral support and encouragement. I used some precious breath to ask a guy alongside me "Do we do two laps?” Depressingly, the answer was "nah, this is a four lap race!!” After the third lap, I was on my own, literally. Sally & friends ran with me up hill to the village. The end was a right turn, a hundred metres or so, and finished near a phone box, near the post office.
There were no spectacular 5-minute mile performances. The hill took care of that!
The course was very quiet, apart from an articulated trunk that arrived at the GAA pitch. This took up almost the whole road, and I had to run on the grass verge to avoid being squashed.
Not sure what route the women's 2000m followed.
No traffic Marshals, but there were highly visible 1, 2, 3, and 4 mile signs, although their positioning was a bit confusing, as the lap was slightly less than a mile. Or maybe one was suffering from Asphyxia after "the hill".
Tea & sandwiches in the Ballynoe Community Hall.....Lovely buttered fruit-cake, and jammy cakes!
I came last, but hadn't time to wait about to see if there was a booby-prize! But on the positive side, THIRTHIETH is the highest ranking I've ever achieved. I'm wrecked.
Donal

Preview of the Mallow 5 Mile road Race - Fri 25th Apr (7:30pm)
This will be the 2nd evening race since the clocks changed, coming just 1 week after the Castlemartyr race. The main thing to remember about this race is that you do NOT have to enter the centre of Mallow town itself. Everything is happening to the West of Mallow.

Registration...
The main event centre for the race is at the Roundabout Tavern. This is at the main roundabout which is on the N20 Cork to Limerick road. I am told that parking should also be available near here. Note that the entry fee is only €5!! There will be prizes for the first 4 Men and Women finishers and for the first finisher in each age category.

The course...
The 5 mile course basically follows part of the same route as the annual 10 mile road race. It starts around the 3.5 mile mark and finishes around the 8.5 mile mark. From the Roundabout Tavern, the start is just a short way out the N72 Killarney road. The first 2 miles of the race are mainly inside the hard shoulder alongside the busy road. Near the latter sections of the 2 miles, it can get very narrow so you need to be careful. Fortunately, just after the 2 mile mark you turn off left and you are onto nice quiet country roads. From here until the finish, the traffic should be light and is without doubt, the nicest part of the race. Overall, the course is pretty flat and there are only a few small drags. One is near the 2.5 mile mark just after you cross the river and the other one is just a few hundred metres before the finish. Again, nothing major so no need to worry about them.
The Finish...
Note that there is a bit of walk/jog from the finish back to the Roundabout Tavern. See red dots above. You need to go up onto the main road and jog inside the hard shoulder. The distance is about 1.2 kms.

Overall...
A pretty flat 5 mile course. Note the start time...7:30pm, not 8pm! There is also a 5 mile walk starting at 7pm. If you want to look at the course in more detail, Mallow AC have put the course up on the MapMyRun website.

Note...
There is also a 4 mile race on Thursday, the 24th of April in Ballynoe. See details under the comments below...

Comments...
"Saw on the free Midleton news booklet 2 wks ago that there is a 4 mile road race on in Ballynoe this Thursday 24th April. Is this one of those races where you have to be an athletic club member? Just wondering - was going to do it but I'm not a member of any athletic club so maybe I'm not allowed? Great website by the way - wouldn't know where any race is held if it wasn't for this website.....Anonymous"

"I have just recieved this info....The main awards (medals) are confined to East Cork clubs, it's a bit like the County/Munster setup. However, any outside runners are welcome and a regular few always turn-up. The women's race starts at 7.15pm followed by the men's. The hall in the centre of the village is the headquarters where there is usually a cup of tea afterwards. To get to Ballynoe from Cork city, take the Tallow road from Midleton (via Dungourney) and Ballynoe is signposted just past the well-known Leahy's Open Farm.....in a mail from John Walshe.....John Desmond

Overall Results of the John Buckley Sports / Munster 10 Mile Spring Classic Series for 2008...

The final list of finishers has just been compiled by Gerry McCarthy of Mallow AC. It's look like a total of 94 runners completed the series this year, exactly the same as last year! I thought it might be higher than last year considering how the numbers seemed to be up for most of the races. Not withstanding that, it's still an excellent turnout for these long distance races.

I have generated a webpage from the EXCEL file that was sent to me and I have put it up on another website so that it is easier to see. The link is... http://homepage.eircom.net/~corkrunning/2008_Classic_Series_after_4_races.htm

If you are interested in comparing your times with last year (2007), I have an old post from April last year that you can have a look at. The link is...

http://corkrunning.blogspot.com/2007/04/results-of-10-mile-spring-classic.html

(...with thanks to Gerry McCarthy & John Holland of Mallow AC and John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions for these results)