Preview of the Youghal 'Emer Casey Memorial' 10km road race - Sun 25th May (3pm)
This charity 10km road race and walk takes place next Sunday in the town of Youghal in East Cork at 3pm. The is the 2nd year of this event and it's purpose is to raise funds for cancer research. You can find out more about the Emer Casey Foundation at this link...http://www.emercaseyfoundation.com/index.php


Registration...
If you are coming from Cork and as you approach Youghal, stay on the bypass. At the top of the hill, take the 1st left. You then go left again, cross over the bridge over the bypass and head in towards Youghal. (If you are coming from Waterford, take the bypass and at the highest point, take the slip road left before the bridge. Proceed towards Youghal).
As you head towards Youghal, you'll see the Pobalscoil na Trionoide school where you register for the race. Seeing as how this is a charity event, the entry fee is €20.


Course...
By all accounts, it looks like it should be a fast course. The race starts on a height near the registration point. You then run towards the bypass but you turn off left before you get anywhere near it. Then, its a steady drop down until you join the main road into Youghal. The race then basically goes through the town to the far side and then turns around and returns through the town again. The only hill worth talking about is the slight drag after 5.5 miles when you need to pass the small lighthouse on the left. Then around the corner, stay left and finish near the beachfront.

If you want to have a closer look at the course, I have put the route up on the MapMyRun website.

Overall...
This race is for a good cause and it's worth attending for that reason alone. However, if you are running the full Marathon in Cork, you really must make sure that you do not run too fast. It's just way too close to the Marathon to be doing a fast 10km. Take it easy and jog around. For anyone else, it should be all guns blazing as usual!! ;o) The current forecast is for a bright dry day.

Windy Gap Trail Half Marathon in Kenmare - Sun 25th May - CANCELLED...
This Half-Marathon was due to take place next Sunday on the Old Kenmare Road near Kenmare, Co.Kerry. The event was going to be partly country roads and partly off-road on trails. It looks like this event has now been cancelled. The Cork Triathlon Club issued the following statement...."Cork Triathlon club regrets to announce that the 'Windy gap' trail half marathon, Kenmare, Co Kerry planned for 25/5/2008 has been cancelled. All entries will be refunded"

Comments...
"I really wonder who thought that putting on that race one week before the Cork City marathon was a good idea in the first place. I would have been very interested in running this one had it been on even one week earlier (or 3 weeks later), and I'm sure I was not the only one who did not sign up because of Cork....Thomas"

Results of the Ballyandreen 5 Mile Road Race - Thurs 22nd May 2008
The first race in the Ballycotton 5 mile Summer series kicked off last night in Ballyandreen in East Cork on what was a lovely Summers evening. What a difference 24 hours makes because on the previous evening, the weather was awful, cold and wet. Yet again, Ballycotton Running Promotions had everything organised to perfection, even the weather! How do they do it???

As for the race, they managed to attract a record crowd of 279 runners which is some going for a race that has been going for 25 plus years. The previous record was set 25 years ago back in 1983 when there were 271 finishers. Back then, 84 runners broke the 30 minute mark. Last night, just 20 runners got under. Reasons for the change??? People have less time?...More people just running to stay fit rather than to compete in races?...More sports to choose from?

Photos... (Updated Sat 24th May)
The are 32 photos of the 2008 Ballyandreen race up on the Ballycotton website. Click HERE.

Comments...
Like to comment....click on the Comment link below this post.
"First Race since the Mallow 10m due to injury, what a great feeling to be back....Aiden Hickey"
"What a beautiful evening it turned out to be. It was lovely to cross the finish and head straight down to the beach and soothe the legs in the sea. Then up for a cup of tea afterwards. A really enjoyable evening, except for the hill at 3.5!!!!......Simon"
"Ahhh...the 'Beast of Ballyandreen' at 3.5!!! I thought people might 'enjoy' that one ;o) .....John Desmond"
"Great finish! You feel like your hang gliding coming down the hill for the last quarter mile......Phil"
"Hi John, with regard to the the slow times, it's the bloody women, they are dragging all the fast runners around shopping with them to carry their bloody bags!! ;o) Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. Good course last night. Last mile was great, a very fast mile for me. What can I say about this race? Well, it had it's up and downs ha ha.........John Dunphy, Rising Sun AC."

Results...
Ballycotton Summer Road Race Series 2008 - BALLYANDREEN '5' - Thursday 22 May 2008. 8:00pm
Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:26:15 ZAKIS, Raivis West Waterford AC M 05:14.9
2 0:26:52 MCGRATH, Sean East Cork AC M 05:22.3
3 0:27:30 GIBBONS, Paul Sliabh Buidhe Rovers AC M 05:29.9
4 0:27:37 ARCHER, Anthony St. Finbarrs AC M45 05:31.3
5 0:27:59 DORAN, James Riocht AC M 05:35.7
6 0:28:05 O'CONNOR, Tim Riocht AC M 05:36.9
7 0:28:13 SIMCOX, Shane Mallow AC M 05:38.5
8 0:28:24 KENNEDY, Larry Waterford AC M45 05:40.7
9 0:28:38 CURTIN, Noel Youghal AC M40 05:43.5 34 9
10 0:28:45 MCCARTHY, Denis East Cork AC M45 05:44.9
11 0:28:47 O'REGAN, Noel Midleton AC M40 05:45.3
12 0:28:51 O'LEARY, Fergal Eagle AC M 05:46.1
13 0:29:13 HEGARTY, Brian East Cork AC M 05:50.5
14 0:29:15 COFFEY, Donal Millstreet AC M 05:50.9
15 0:29:18 O'SULLIVAN, Ian East Cork AC M 05:51.5
16 0:29:25 TUCKER, Paul St. Finbarrs AC M 05:52.9
17 0:29:42 BYCZEK, Stanislaw Midleton AC M45 05:56.3
18 0:29:43 DESMOND, John Eagle AC M40 05:56.5
19 0:29:46 KELLY, Joe West Waterford AC M 05:57.1
20 0:29:52 LYNCH, Rhona Eagle AC F 05:58.3
21 0:30:09 O'KEEFFE, Marty Youghal AC M 06:01.7
22 0:30:12 MAHER, Shane Grange-Fermoy AC M 06:02.3
23 0:30:19 HICKEY, David St. Finbarrs AC M 06:03.7
24 0:30:22 GOUGH, Joe West Waterford AC M55 06:04.3
25 0:30:23 PATERSON, Robert Dunmanway M 06:04.5
26 0:30:24 BRODERICK, Donal Midleton AC M40 06:04.7
27 0:30:34 LUCEY, Tim Bandon AC M40 06:06.7
28 0:30:36 CODY, Tom Midleton AC M50 06:07.1
29 0:30:37 FLYNN, Declan Stragglers M45 06:07.3
30 0:30:39 CARROLL, Denis Eagle AC M45 06:07.7
31 0:30:43 HENNESSY, John Midleton AC M 06:08.5
32 0:30:51 O'LEARY, Kevin Glenbower AC MJ 06:10.1
33 0:31:09 MURPHY, Dermot Eagle AC M 06:13.7
34 0:31:15 O'DWYER, David East Cork AC M 06:14.9
35 0:31:17 O'MAHONY, John Cork M 06:15.3
36 0:31:20 KELLY, Norman Eagle AC M 06:15.9
37 0:31:21 SMITH, Kevin Ballinacurra M 06:16.1
38 0:31:23 MCCARTHY, Padraig Skibbereen AC M40 06:16.5
39 0:31:26 GRIFFIN, John Grange-Fermoy AC M 06:17.1
40 0:31:33 O'CALLAGHAN, David Eagle AC M40 06:18.5
41 0:31:36 TIERNEY, Conor East Cork AC M 06:19.1
42 0:31:38 O'RIORDAN, William St. Brendans AC M50 06:19.5
43 0:31:41 NICHOLSON, Andrew Youghal AC M 06:20.1
44 0:31:46 COONEY, Kevin Midleton AC M45 06:21.1
45 0:31:47 O'MAHONY, David Ballincolig M 06:21.3
46 0:31:51 BRENNAN, Kieran Ballymore-Cobh AC M40 06:22.1
47 0:32:00 SAVAGE, Mark Midleton M 06:23.9
48 0:32:20 KEVANY, Sinead Eagle AC F 06:27.9
49 0:32:21 TWOMEY, Tim East Cork AC M50 06:28.1
50 0:32:33 CASHMAN, John Midleton AC M40 06:30.5
51 0:32:34 CORCORAN, Phil Cork M 06:30.7
52 0:32:41 COLLINS, Damien Leevale AC M 06:32.1
53 0:32:43 KELLY, Ed Dungarvan M 06:32.5
54 0:32:43 FLYNN, Phyllis Stragglers F45 06:32.5
55 0:32:44 HEGARTY, Paddy Eagle AC M50 06:32.7
56 0:32:45 HIGGINS, Terence Eagle AC M 06:32.9
57 0:32:47 BIRMINGHAM, Paudie Mallow AC M 06:33.3
58 0:32:48 MOORE, Ger Ladysbridge M 06:33.5
59 0:32:56 O'REGAN, Damian Waterford AC M 06:35.1
60 0:32:57 BOONAERT, Matthew Cork M 06:35.3
61 0:33:01 CLEARY, James Ballymore-Cobh AC M 06:36.1
62 0:33:05 GOULDING, Tim Leevale AC M50 06:36.9
63 0:33:07 DUNPHY, John Rising Sun AC M 06:37.3
64 0:33:08 COTTER, Brian Bandon M 06:37.5
65 0:33:09 O'BRIEN, Tom Cork M40 06:37.7
66 0:33:11 FITZGERALD, John Grange-Fermoy AC M 06:38.1
67 0:33:14 O'NEILL, Niall Midleton AC M40 06:38.7
68 0:33:18 FLAVIN, Diarmuid Enniskeane M 06:39.5
69 0:33:19 MURPHY, Sean Bandon AC M 06:39.7
70 0:33:20 FOGARTY, Pat Cork M40 06:39.9
71 0:33:28 O'MAHONY, Brendan Fermoy M 06:41.5
72 0:33:30 KELLEHER, Hanorah Donoughmore AC F40 06:41.9
73 0:33:31 O'SULLIVAN, Billy Midleton AC M 06:42.1
74 0:33:32 KELLY, Alan Midleton AC M 06:42.3
75 0:33:34 O'REILLY, Martin St. Finbarrs AC M 06:42.7
76 0:33:38 WALSH, St. John Rathfarnham-WSAF AC M 06:43.5
77 0:33:41 CLEARY, Paul Whitegate M 06:44.1
78 0:33:41 DINAN, Margo St. Finbarrs AC F40 06:44.1
79 0:33:49 QUINLAN, Fergal Cobh M 06:45.7
80 0:33:54 MCGRATH, Mike Eagle AC M45 06:46.7
81 0:33:57 O'CALLAGHAN, John Rising Sun AC M 06:47.3
82 0:34:10 O'DONNABHAIN, Donnchadh Cobh M 06:49.9
83 0:34:14 BULMAN, Mark Donoughmore AC M40 06:50.7
84 0:34:14 O'DONOVAN, John Bishopstown M 06:50.7
85 0:34:19 GEARY, Kevin Ladysbridge M 06:51.7
86 0:34:21 O'LEARY, Liam St. Finbarrs AC M60 06:52.1
87 0:34:28 FINNEGAN, Timothy Mallow AC M40 06:53.5
88 0:34:37 HELLEN, Denis Glanmire M 06:55.3
89 0:34:39 NAGLE, Damien Killeens M40 06:55.7
90 0:34:40 MCCARTHY, Sally Grange-Fermoy AC F 06:55.9
91 0:34:43 LONG, Simon Rochestown M 06:56.5
92 0:34:47 CURLEY, Kieran Youghal AC M45 06:57.3
93 0:34:48 WALSH, Niamh Youghal AC F 06:57.5
94 0:34:49 DRENNAN, Sally Midleton AC F40 06:57.7
95 0:34:55 O'DRISCOLL, Patrick Eagle AC M 06:58.9
96 0:34:56 OSBORNE, Colm Ballymore-Cobh AC M 06:59.1
97 0:34:58 GYVES, Paddy Mallow AC M60 06:59.5
98 0:34:59 O'SULLIVAN, Noel Carignavar M45 06:59.7
99 0:35:07 HERLIHY, Diarmuid Ballyclough M 07:01.3
100 0:35:11 BLAIR, Don Indiana M 07:02.1
101 0:35:15 WAKEFIELD, Brian Cork M45 07:02.8
102 0:35:17 MCGRATH, Phil East Cork AC M55 07:03.2
103 0:35:17 DUKELOW, Fiona Midleton AC F35 07:03.2
104 0:35:19 MURPHY, Paddy Bandon AC M 07:03.6
105 0:35:24 MORRISSEY, John Donoughmore AC M 07:04.6
106 0:35:26 O'MAHONY, Tony West Waterford AC M40 07:05.0
107 0:35:27 HARTIGAN, Irene Cork F 07:05.2
108 0:35:33 O'HANLON, Clare Eagle AC F 07:06.4
109 0:35:33 MURPHY, Jeff Cork M50 07:06.4
110 0:35:35 TOBIN, Noel Carrigaline M 07:06.8
111 0:35:37 SHEEHAN, Denis Mallow AC M45 07:07.2
112 0:35:45 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 07:08.8
113 0:35:50 RIORDAN, Eoin Lisgoold M 07:09.8
114 0:35:52 PRENDERGAST, Rick Castlemartyr M40 07:10.2
115 0:35:57 MURPHY, Esther St. Finbarrs AC F 07:11.2
116 0:36:06 NOLAN, Michelle Midleton AC F35 07:13.0
117 0:36:06 KENNEDY, Dan St. Finbarrs AC M55 07:13.0
118 0:36:08 BUCKLEY, Tim-Joe Donoughmore AC M55 07:13.4
119 0:36:15 DUGGAN, Paul Cork M40 07:14.8
120 0:36:16 TWOHIG, Flor Eagle AC M40 07:15.0
121 0:36:19 RICHARD, Archer Midleton M 07:15.6
122 0:36:20 HEALY, Brian Midleton AC M45 07:15.8
123 0:36:21 LISTON, Brighid Eagle AC F 07:16.0
124 0:36:23 MCCARTHY, Luke Baltimore M 07:16.4
125 0:36:25 FLEMING, Jim West Waterford AC M40 07:16.8
126 0:36:26 FLYNN, Darren Grange-Fermoy AC M 07:17.0
127 0:36:28 BENT, Nick Donoughmore AC M45 07:17.4
128 0:36:30 MULLANE, Kieran Cork M 07:17.8
129 0:36:30 O'SULLIVAN, Patrick Cloyne M55 07:17.8
130 0:36:31 HANRAHAN, Michael Midleton AC M 07:18.0
131 0:36:32 MURPHY, Patrick Ladysbridge M 07:18.2
132 0:36:38 FLANAGAN, Eamon Youghal AC M 07:19.4
133 0:36:39 COLLINS, Trevor Naas AC M 07:19.6
134 0:36:46 O'HANLON, Don Cork M 07:21.0
135 0:36:47 BYRD, Charlie Cork M40 07:21.2
136 0:36:49 O'MEARA, Fergal Midleton M 07:21.6
137 0:36:50 KELLY, Tom Ballymore-Cobh AC M50 07:21.8
138 0:36:53 O'CALLAGHAN, Clare Midleton F 07:22.4
139 0:36:54 LINEHAN, Frank Togher AC M55 07:22.6
140 0:36:58 KEARNEY, Batt Leevale AC M50 07:23.4
141 0:37:00 GEARY, Ann Lisgoold F 07:23.8
142 0:37:01 BUCKLEY, Laura Eagle AC F 07:24.0
143 0:37:04 RING, Gerard Midleton AC M 07:24.6
144 0:37:09 RAMSELL, Ned Midleton AC M 07:25.6
145 0:37:12 ROONEY, Dominic Cork M 07:26.2
146 0:37:15 O'HALLORAN, John Glounthaune M55 07:26.8
147 0:37:18 COFFEY, Bridget West Waterford AC F35 07:27.4
148 0:37:19 O'MAHONY, Noel Ballinhassig M50 07:27.6
149 0:37:20 O'SHAUGHNESSY, Tim Cork M 07:27.8
150 0:37:22 MURPHY, Austin St. Finbarrs AC M55 07:28.2
151 0:37:23 OWENS, Ken Togher AC M 07:28.4
152 0:37:24 WALSH, Adrian Midleton M 07:28.6
153 0:37:26 CONNOLLY, Vincent Midleton AC M50 07:29.0
154 0:37:29 O'CONNELL, William Cork M 07:29.6
155 0:37:31 RING, Pascal Lombardstown M 07:30.0
156 0:37:33 COTTER, John Cobh M60 07:30.4
157 0:37:36 GEOGHEGAN, Stephen Eagle AC M 07:31.0
158 0:37:37 BUCKLEY, Patrick Mallow AC M 07:31.2
159 0:37:38 KELLY, Joseph Athen M 07:31.4
160 0:37:39 MURPHY, Michael Carrigtwohill M 07:31.6
161 0:37:40 ARNOTT, Pat Youghal AC M50 07:31.8
162 0:37:46 O'BRIEN, Mark Aghada M 07:33.0
163 0:37:52 COONEY, Tony Ballincollig AC M50 07:34.2
164 0:37:54 COLLINS, Tim Cork M 07:34.6
165 0:38:00 O'CONNOR, Noel Cork M 07:35.8
166 0:38:08 DOYLE, Paul Grange-Fermoy AC M 07:37.4
167 0:38:11 COUGHLAN, David Cork M 07:38.0
168 0:38:16 CAHILL, Breda Midleton AC F35 07:39.0
169 0:38:17 MCCARTHY, Danny Midleton AC M55 07:39.2
170 0:38:18 O'REILLY, Liam Saleen M 07:39.4
171 0:38:20 HAMILL, Robert Youghal AC M 07:39.8
172 0:38:23 HENNESSY, Michael West Waterford AC M60 07:40.4
173 0:38:26 TROY, Monica Midleton F35 07:41.0
174 0:38:33 CLIFFORD, Tim Cork M 07:42.4
175 0:38:35 BARRY, Dave Midleton M 07:42.8
176 0:38:36 POWER, Kevin Youghal M40 07:43.0
177 0:38:38 MURPHY, Gillian Cork F 07:43.4
178 0:38:41 RYAN, James Killeens M40 07:44.0
179 0:38:42 MCCARTHY, David Ballycotton M 07:44.2
180 0:38:45 O'LEARY, John Leevale AC M65 07:44.8
181 0:38:49 O'CONNELL, Donie Midleton AC M55 07:45.6
182 0:38:57 CURRAN, Raymond West Waterford AC M40 07:47.2
183 0:39:02 DELANEY, Susan Cork F 07:48.2
184 0:39:06 GAFFNEY, Peter Mallow AC M65 07:49.0
185 0:39:10 BURKE, Stephen Cork M 07:49.8
186 0:39:20 MONAHER, Liam Cork M 07:51.8
187 0:39:25 HENDERSON, Liz Eagle AC F35 07:52.8
188 0:39:28 SHERIDAN, Catherine Midleton F 07:53.4
189 0:39:29 TWOHIG, Monica Eagle AC F40 07:53.6
190 0:39:30 O'CONNOR, Gerry Eagle AC M50 07:53.8
191 0:39:43 FENNELL, John West Waterford AC M 07:56.4
192 0:39:44 WALSH, Cyril Cork M 07:56.6
193 0:39:47 WILLIAMS, Samantha Gneeveguilla AC F 07:57.2
194 0:39:52 MULCAHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 07:58.2
195 0:39:55 COSTELLO, Catherine Waterfall F 07:58.8
196 0:39:56 AHERNE, Neilus Midleton AC M50 07:59.0
197 0:39:57 WALSH, Des Cork M 07:59.2
198 0:40:00 NICHOLSON, Gordon Youghal AC M45 07:59.8
199 0:40:06 LANE, Alan Glenbower AC MJ 08:01.0
200 0:40:10 STAVROU, Amanda St. Finbarrs AC F45 08:01.8
201 0:40:12 MCCARTHY, Michael West Waterford AC M50 08:02.2
202 0:40:14 KELLEHER, Elaine Cork F 08:02.6
203 0:40:19 WIGGINS, Frances Ladysbridge F35 08:03.6
204 0:40:20 MONAHER, Steven Cork M 08:03.8
205 0:40:21 O'DONOGHUE, Donal Little Island M 08:04.0
206 0:40:25 O'DOHERTY, Maura Midleton AC F35 08:04.8
207 0:40:27 BARRY, Margaret Midleton AC F55 08:05.2
208 0:40:31 MERRIMAN, David Cork M40 08:06.0
209 0:40:39 QUINLAN, Deirdre Cork F45 08:07.6
210 0:40:40 O'CALLAGHAN, Denis Glanmire M 08:07.8
211 0:40:47 O'LEARY, Humphrey Macroom M 08:09.2
212 0:40:52 NAGLE, Dan Mallow AC M60 08:10.2
213 0:40:53 THORNHILL, Maurice Cork M 08:10.4
214 0:40:57 SEXTON, Michael Cork M 08:11.2
215 0:41:13 HIGGINS, Clare Midleton AC F 08:14.4
216 0:41:16 O'MAHONY, Philip Michigan M 08:15.0
217 0:41:30 O'CALLAGHAN, John Glanmire M 08:17.8
218 0:41:34 LYNCH, Grainne Minane Bridge F 08:18.6
219 0:41:35 LAWLOR, Michael Belgooly AC M60 08:18.8
220 0:41:46 WISEMAN, Blathnaid Cork F 08:21.0
221 0:41:46 O'SULLIVAN, Martin Ballincollig AC M50 08:21.0
222 0:42:17 O'KEEFFE, David Cork M 08:27.2
223 0:42:19 PIEPER, Claudia Eagle AC F 08:27.6
224 0:42:22 SAVAGE, Ann Midleton AC F45 08:28.2
225 0:42:29 DUGGAN, Craig Cork M 08:29.6
226 0:42:40 O'MAHONY, Willie Youghal AC M60 08:31.8
227 0:42:42 DONEGAN, Jimmy Ovens M 08:32.2
228 0:42:44 FITTON, Marion Cork F45 08:32.6
229 0:42:52 O'SULLIVAN, Jim Carrignavar M 08:34.2
230 0:43:03 O'RIORDAN, Fiona Eagle AC F35 08:36.4
231 0:43:12 SWEENEY, Pat Cork M55 08:38.2
232 0:43:23 GRIFFIN, Billy Midleton AC M70 08:40.4
233 0:43:39 O'HALLORAN, Orna Glounthaune F 08:43.6
234 0:43:41 HICKEY, Aiden Cobh M 08:44.0
235 0:43:53 SISK, Bernard Cork M60 08:46.4
236 0:43:56 MOLONEY, Valerie Carrigaline F50 08:47.0
237 0:44:07 CORCORAN, Sunita Cork F 08:49.2
238 0:44:13 DUNNE, Maggie Grange-Fermoy AC F60 08:50.4
239 0:44:20 O'LEARY, Andrew Wexford M 08:51.8
240 0:44:26 MURRAY, Marie Youghal F 08:53.0
241 0:44:43 WALSH, Elizabeth Cork F50 08:56.4
242 0:44:44 O'CONNOR, Frances Cork F45 08:56.6
243 0:44:48 O'KEEFFE, Mary Midleton AC F40 08:57.4
244 0:44:51 KELLEHER, Frank Cork M65 08:58.0
245 0:45:37 O'BRIEN, Eoin Cloyne M 09:07.2
246 0:45:49 DUCHNICZ, Adam Carrigtwohill M 09:09.6
247 0:45:50 O'DONOVAN, Michelle Ballycotton F 09:09.8
248 0:45:58 O'KEEFFE, Aine Ballycotton F 09:11.4
249 0:45:59 O'KEEFFE, Niall Ballycotton M 09:11.6
250 0:46:02 MURRAY, Bridget Michigan F45 09:12.2
251 0:46:04 SHERIDAN, Anne-Marie Midleton F 09:12.6
252 0:46:05 O'KEEFFE, Darren Cork M 09:12.8
253 0:46:05 FOLEY, Alan Glanmire M 09:12.8
254 0:46:24 FIRMO, Josephine Mallow AC F 09:16.6
255 0:46:30 GHELFI, Nicola Carrigaline F 09:17.8
256 0:46:54 CREEDON, Marie Cork F45 09:22.6
257 0:46:55 PHELAN, Kevin Eagle AC M 09:22.8
258 0:47:26 O'DRISCOLL, Glen Cork M 09:29.0
259 0:47:28 JOST, Caroline Cork F 09:29.4
260 0:47:29 HEGARTY, Linda Midleton AC F 09:29.6
261 0:47:57 CARROLL, Catherine East Cork AC F 09:35.2
262 0:49:08 ARNOTT, Evet Youghal AC F 09:49.4
263 0:50:01 GLAVIN, Bernice Cork F45 10:00.0
264 0:50:54 DOLAN, Eamon Ballymore-Cobh AC M40 10:10.6
265 0:51:00 RYAN, Norma Glantane F 10:11.8
266 0:51:14 DOLAN, Killian Ballymore-Cobh AC M 10:14.6
267 0:51:19 O'LEARY, Claire Midleton AC F 10:15.6
268 0:51:28 TOHER, Mary Midleton AC F50 10:17.4
269 0:52:04 O'CONNELL, Kathleen Midleton AC F50 10:24.6
270 0:52:14 DONEGAN, Margaret Ovens F 10:26.6
271 0:52:17 O'BRIEN, Denise Ballyclough F 10:27.2
272 0:53:38 KENNEFICK, Mary Ballymacoda F 10:43.4
273 0:54:40 LIEBISCH, Wiliam Youghal AC M 10:55.8
274 0:54:47 O'SULLIVAN, Valerie Cloyne F 10:57.2
275 0:54:47 JONES, Mary Cloyne F35 10:57.2
276 0:54:50 MURRAY, Greg Michigan M55 10:57.8
277 0:58:27 TWOHIG, Teddy Donoughmore AC M 11:41.2
278 0:58:28 MCMURTRY, Jim Midleton AC M60 11:41.4
WHEELCHAIR: FORDE, Jerry Blarney-Inniscarra AC M55 49:43
Ireland's Original Road Racing Series.
(...with thanks to John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions for sending me these results)

Preview of the Ballyandreen 5 mile road race - Thurs 22nd May (8pm)

The Ballycotton 5 mile Summer Series starts on Thursday evening with the Ballyandreen 5 mile road race in East Cork. Ballyandreen is located a few miles West of Ballycotton and can be a bit difficult to find if this is your first time doing it.

Directions...

You probably have a choice of 2 routes...

A) Coming from Cork City, when you get to the centre of Cloyne in East Cork, you can turn off to the right (actually straight ahead as the main road takes a sharp left) and go past the Round tower. Stay on this road and follow the signposts for Ballycotton. After a few miles, you enter Churchtown South. Follow the Ballycotton signposts and you then need to take a right turn at a crossroads. Look for race signs on the night.

B) If that sounds a bit too complicated or if you are coming from the Waterford direction, then head for Shanagarry and then Ballycotton. Just as you enter Ballycotton, there is a small church on the right. Take a right here, go up the hill and after about 3kms, take the left at the only crossroads you will see.

There is usually parking in a field which is about a 10 minute walk from the sign-on point. Make sure you get there early and give yourself plenty of time to walk from the car park to the registration point, back up again and then to the start line.

Course...

The start point is about half way between the car park and the registration point. The initial half mile has a good bit of uphill running it with a downhill section near the 1 mile mark. After that it's not too bad although there is a very steep downhill section near the 2 mile mark, almost too steep to really run on properly. Then it's out onto the main road and head West towards the 3 mile mark. The 4th mile is without doubt the hardest. There is a bit of a drag just after the 3 mile mark but you are soon running downhill again. However, just after 3.5 miles, you take a sharp left and the 'Beast of Ballyandreen' welcomes you!! It basically is a 500 metre slog up a tough 'little' hill. You'll be glad to see the 4 mile mark because after that, the last mile is a complete contrast. After an initial flat stage, you soon start running downhill, through the crossroads and all the ways towards the finish for what will probably be your fastest mile. Keep an eye out for where you registered and the finish is about 100 metres after this near the beach.

Overall...

It basically is a 5 mile road race on country roads in a quiet corner of East Cork. I'd expect that they should get somewhere in the region of 250 entries. The entry fee is €5 and these are the prize categories from the race flyer...

First 10 men (M); First 3 M40; First 3 M45; First 3 M50; First 2 M55; First 2 M60; First M65; First M70; First 2 under 20 (MJ). First 2 AAI club teams (first 3 finishers on team to score).
First 6 women (F); First 2 F35; First 2 F40; First 2 F45; First 2 F50; First F55, First F60, First F65.
First AAI club team (first 3 finishers on team to score).
PLEASE NOTE: MASTERS/VETS (M & F) AND JUN (M) PRIZES OUTSIDE FIRST 3 INDIVIDUALS – MASTERS/VETS CAN ONLY WIN PRIZE IN CATEGORY ENTERED (AGE ON NIGHT). JUN – UNDER 20 ON 31/12/08. ALL PRIZE-WINNERS SCORE ON TEAM. ALSO - SPOT PRIZES IN EACH RACE. IMPORTANT! ALL PRIZES MUST BE COLLECTED ON NIGHT OF RACE.

And finally...

For anyone interested, I have the route up on the MapMyRun website.

Record numbers for the 2008 Cork City Marathon & Relaymarathon...

The following piece appeared in the Irish Examiner dated Mon 19th May...

It's going to be thirsty work, as runners are set to consume 80,000 litres of water when they pound the streets of Cork for the June Bank Holiday marathon. More than 8,000 people are expected to take part in this year’s event, which will be sponsored by Tipperary Water. Lord mayor of Cork Councillor Donal Counihan said teams of up to five people can run the marathon, so anyone with a little bit of training can take part. “We’ll have more than 1,000 relay teams running for all sorts of reasons. They’ll be helping a myriad of charities. It makes for a superb atmosphere on the day with teams cheering their last leg runner home to the finish,” he said.

The full article can be seen at this link. (Sorry..they moved the page. Link is broken)

Ballycotton Summer Series starts on Thursday, the 22nd of May...

The very popular Ballycotton Series of 5 mile road races kicks off next Thursday evening in the sleepy hamlet of Ballyandreen in East Cork. This will be the 1st of the 4 races in the series, with each race taking place on the 4th Thursday of the months of May, June, July and August. Each race usually attracts a large entry of between 200 and 300 runners. There are a wide variety of prizes on offer in each race with the much sought special T-shirts for the top 50 men and top 15 women in the overall series.

For more information on the 1st race in Ballyandreen, I'll have a preview of it up here on this blog on Tuesday night. In the meantime, here is some additional information on the series...

BALLYCOTTON SUMMER ROAD RACE SERIES 2008
BALLYANDREEN ‘5’ Thursday MAY 22nd 8.00pm
SHANAGARRY ‘5’ Thursday JUNE 26th 8.00pm
CHURCHTOWN SOUTH ‘5’ Thursday JULY 24th 8.00pm
BALLYCOTTON ‘5’ Thursday AUGUST 28th 7.30pm
PRIZES EACH NIGHT: First 10 men (M); First 3 M40; First 3 M45; First 3 M50; First 2 M55; First 2 M60; First M65; First M70; First 2 under 20 (MJ). First 2 AAI club teams (first 3 finishers on team to score).
First 6 women (F); First 2 F35; First 2 F40; First 2 F45; First 2 F50; First F55, First F60, First F65.
First AAI club team (first 3 finishers on team to score).
PLEASE NOTE: MASTERS/VETS (M & F) AND JUN (M) PRIZES OUTSIDE FIRST 3 INDIVIDUALS – MASTERS/VETS CAN ONLY WIN PRIZE IN CATEGORY ENTERED (AGE ON NIGHT). JUN – UNDER 20 ON 31/12/08. ALL PRIZE-WINNERS SCORE ON TEAM. ALSO - SPOT PRIZES IN EACH RACE. IMPORTANT! ALL PRIZES MUST BE COLLECTED ON NIGHT OF RACE.
OVERALL PRIZES: (Decided on cumulative time for the four races) - First 6 men; First 3 masters/veterans (any age); First junior; First 5 women.
SPECIAL T-SHIRT WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 50 MEN AND FIRST 15 WOMEN OVERALL.
ALL RUNNERS COMPLETING THE FOUR RACES WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIR PLAQUE
Result sheets are available the following day, or at the next event in the Series.
Also on website www.ballycottonrunning.com
ENTRY FEE: €5.00 per race, taken on night of race. (Final race €6.00, of which €1.00 is donated to designated charity). Ireland's Original Road Racing Series

Results of the Waterford to Tramore 7 Mile road race - Sat 17th May 2008
It look like they got a big crowd of 277 runners for this road race from Waterford City to the seaside town of Tramore in East Waterford. You can find the official results here.

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon and Marathon Relay 2008....Part 11 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 11 is based on 2 weeks to go, about the 19th of May)

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon

Final countdown to the marathon day. Anyone that was out and about over the weekend could hardly but notice the large number of runners availing of the fine weather to get in their final long run done before the big day. Now with just two weeks to go, many marathon runners feel they are drained and would barely complete a half marathon. However, this is perfectly normal and shows that you have correctly completed a good marathon training plan. The body has just been through 3 to 4 months of vigorous training and racing and is finely tuned for the big day.

Tapering

Many runners fail to realize that one of the most important aspects of marathon training is the taper phase. Reducing weekly and long run mileage during these final two weeks is vitally important so that you will be fully recovered from previous workouts while at the same time, be completely rested for the big event.

Physical Preparation
Cut back on the distance and intensity of your training runs during the two-week period prior to the marathon, eliminating long and hard efforts.
Listen to your body. Remember, there are no workouts the week prior to the marathon that will enhance your preparedness for the race. An important rule of thumb is "Less is Best", particularly if you are feeling either physically or mentally tired and/or your leg muscles are fatigued/achy, etc.
Keep stretching as much as possible during the couple of weeks prior to the marathon.
Consider getting a leg massage no more than two days before the marathon. If you've never had a leg massage, don't try it now!
Clip long toe nails and treat blisters and calluses the week or two prior to the marathon.
Do not get involved in any over strenuous work at home or in the work place unless absolutely necessary in the next couple of weeks.

Champion Sports Cork City Marathon Training Guide
Week 11 of a 12 week training plan

Beginners
Week 11
Mon Rest, Tue 30mins easy, Wed Rest, Thurs 60mins brisk or 5 mile race, Fri Rest, Sat 30mins easy, Sun 10k distance fast

Improvers
Week 11
Mon 30mins steady, Tues 8x5mins with 3min jog, Wed 75mins easy, Thurs 30mins fast or 5 mile race, Fri 45mins easy, Sat Rest, Sun 10k distance fast

Serious Runners
Week 11
Mon 30mins easy, Tues 12x1mins fast, Wed 75mins race pace , Thurs 5x3mins or 5 mile race, Fri Rest, Sat 30mins easy, Sun 10k distance fast

Upcoming Events...
Ballycotton Summer Series. Venue : Ballyandreen. Date & Time Thursday 22nd May @ 8pm
Emer Casey Memorial 10k, Venue : Youghal, Date & Time Sunday May 25th @ 3pm.

Please note...
With on line entries now closed postal entries may be accepted for another few days but you may not be included in the souvenir race booklet.
Please note that final volunteer training nights will be held in the Montenotte hotel on Tuesday 20th and Tuesday 27th from 7-30 to 9pm each night. All are welcome to attend.

Eagle AC buy new Defibrillator...

I see that Eagle Athletic Club have recently bought a new Defibrillator costing €1,750. The following message was on the Eagle website...

"Eagle has taken possession of a defibrillator for the Club. This unit cost €1750, including VAT but a very significant portion of the cost was covered very generously by an Eagle club member who wishes to remain anonymous. While the practicalities have yet to be worked out, the Club intend deploying the unit at its track training sessions and also at many of its informal training sessions, e.g. Sunday mornings at the Farm. Eagle would also hope to bring it to many races organised by others, just to be on hand if required. The Club also hopes to make the unit available to the AAI County Board for many of that organisation’s events. We fervently hope that the unit never has to be used “in anger” but the fact that eagle now has its own unit goes a long way in the Club’s efforts to minimise Health & Safety at athletic events involving the Club. On behalf of the Club, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the donor of the defibrillator....John Quigley, Chairman Eagle Athletic Club"

This unit has a bit of a history behind it in that it all started when a local runner had to be revived with a debrillator unit back in 5km race in Cobh last August. Since then, John Quigley has been instrumental in organising debrillator courses locally with others like Terry Higgins of Pfizers working behind the scenes as well. So much so, that at present, there are a pool of local runners who have now been fully trained in the use of these units. Hopefully, we'll see a few more units appearing in the other running clubs and organisations soon.

Waterford to Tramore 7 mile road race - Sat 17th May (7:30pm)

For anyone prepared to travel as far as the Eastern half of Waterford County, there is a 7 mile road race going from Waterford City to the seaside town of Tramore.

I don't have a whole of info on this race except for the following...

Waterford to Tramore 7 mile road race....starting at City Hall Waterford 7.30 pm....finishing at Majestic Hotel Tramore.....entry 8 euro,changing and showers Tramore GAA club house....Teas and Sandwiches and prize presentation in GAA club house.

Comments...

Thanks John for providing this info, I had no idea this was on, appreciate you putting this up as I know you mainly concentrate on Cork events. Will have a go at this one....John Dunphy, Rising Sun AC"

Hi John, just some updated info on this race. The registration is in Waterford itself and runners have to make their own way back to Waterford after the race as there are no buses laid on. Info supplied to me by the chairman of West Waterford AC, hope this is of some help to you....John Dunphy, Rising Sun AC.

Thanks for the update John. It looks a bit like the Marine climb in Dungarvan in that you have to make your own way back to the start in that one as well.....John Desmond"

Results of the Cork BHAA 'IPS/Garda' 5km road race - 15th May 2008

There seemed to have been a big turn out for this race. I'm not sure what the numbers were but it certainly looked in excess of 300 runners. In terms of weather conditions, it was a big contrast from the wet Pfizers 6 mile of last week as we were blessed with a lovely evening with some summer sunshine.

Results... (Updated Thurs 22nd May)

Looks like they got 314 runners which is a fairly large entry for a local 5k race. The results of this race can now be found at this LINK .

Photos...

Pat O'Driscoll of Pfizers was at the finish taking loads of shots. He has uploaded 210 of them to this website.

Comments...???

"May I just say that I'm disappointed that it takes so long for the BHAA to get the results up on their website when others seem to get the results up the day after the event. Can you enquire with the BHAA to see if they can do anthing to improve this......Anonymous"

"Hi John. Just to echo the comments on the BHAA, I agree with the person who left this comment. I think yes, it could be done a lot quicker. I say hand it over to John Walsh, he would have them up next day latest....Anonymous"

"The reality is that the usual race software used for the non-BHAA races does not suit the requirements of the BHAA. They need to sort out registered from non-registered runners and then they need to track the grade or handicap of each registered runner to work out the prizes in each category. At present, it takes someone several hours to generate the results and to get them up on the BHAA website. It's important to remember that all of this is done on a voluntary basis. Perhaps the whole process could be speeded up but it's not as easy or obvious as it seems...........John Desmond"

"Hello, As someone who has only being participating in the BHAA & associated races for the past few years, can I just say that these people complaining about not having results from races up immediately should really keep their thoughts to themselves. All of the work is being done on a voluntary basis, with (the same !!) people giving of their time every couple of weeks to ensure eveything runs smoothly. It is a fairly thankless job, and if complaining is the only contribution someone can make, they really should not bother. So, to all involved with the organising and running of the races over the year, thanks a million, it is very much appreciated by (almost) everyone........Anonymous"

"Hi John. Would like To reply to comments re BHAA results as I am a dedicated BHAA committee member. For years, we had the great work of a non-committee member working many long hours, sometimes while rest of us were asleep after an evening race whilst he sent results via e-mail to each of our members within 24 hrs. Were'nt we spoilt?? Maybe you guys/girls who are so disappointed could come on board our small hardworking committee and help get those results out sooner?.While ye are off home filled with Tea /Coffee, sandwiches etc, some of us are compiling results, picking up mile markers and lots more unnoticed work. To All The Rest, many thanks, we do it for the love of our sport......MT"

"I'm really sorry if I had offended anyone over my comment about BHAA results. I don't expect results to be up immediately after a race, I expect they take a day or 2 max. Thank you John for giving a better understanding of how the BHAA results systems work, I had no idea it was so complicated....Anonymous"

"Well it seems I had missed all the comments about the results as I didn't scroll down the page until now. Interesting I must say. I also personally think the BHAA do a wonderful job at all the events and thank them for all their efforts and hard work as someone said, it's for the love of the sport. To the person who made the comment on the results, your apology is excepted but don't do it again or you will be barred from running ;o) .......John Dunphy, Rising Sun AC"

"Just going to put this simply....THANK YOU to all those involved in admin and organisation of the BHAA events, your commitment is greatly appreciated. To John, I realy enjoy your blog and am very greatful for the indept information you provide.....HAPPY RUNNING.....Anonymous"

"I don't mean to stir this controversy anymore but nearly 5 days waiting for results now. As said earlier, don't want them immediately but some degree of punctuality would be nice. It is an awful shame that so much time and effort is put into organising and running these events and something important like this should be neglected so badly......Anonymous "

"Here we go again. Seriously, do some people not know when to leave it go. The results will be up whenever the person who is (voluntarily !!) doing the work gets it sorted. If these sort of things bother you that much, get off your backside and get involved. Or else go and get a life. Apologies for being blunt, but all this moaning is getting a bit tiresome......Anonymous "

"The results are now out. See the link above.....John Desmond"

Preview of the Cork BHAA 'IPS/Garda' 5km road race - Thurs 16th May (8pm)

This 5km road race take place next Thursday evening, just 1 week after the Pfizers 6 mile race and over some of the same circuit.

Registration...

The sign on is the Pfizers Sports Hall, the same spot as the 6 mile race last week. If you missed that one and are not sure as to where to go, then follow these directions. From Cork, take the main road for the Car Ferry and Ringaskiddy. As you go through Shanbally, you will pass through a small roundabout. About 400 metres later, you'll see the first turn off to the left. Take this and there will be stewards there directing you where to park. The cost of entry is €5 for registered runners and€7 for non-registered.

Course...

The start is between the entrance to the sports complex and the village of Shanbally. Just after the start, it's a bit chaotic as everyone takes the left at the roundabout and the field is still bunched. Then the road straightens out and you go up a slight uphill section, nothing serious but enough to put anyone starting too fast into oxygen debt. Then a sharp left, a sharp right, a long straight section with a steep drop at the end to the 1 mile mark near the road junction. The start of the 2nd mile starts with a short uphill section to the entrance of Novartis. Then, the going is pretty flat until there is a sharp drop down to the 2 mile mark near the road junction near Ringaskiddy. The section from the 2 mile mark to the finish is probably the hardest. It's a long section going up a gentle hill all the way. The finish is just outside the Sports complex.

Overall...

It's probably not the fastest of 5km course with the number of climbs along the route. However, none of the hills are that serious so your times won't be out that much.

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

AfricaDirect looks for sponsorship for the Cork City Marathon & Relay...
I received a phone call from John Slattery of AfricaDirect recently asking me if I would mind putting out an appeal on their behalf on the blog. The Cork based charity, which works with street children in Eastern Africa, is asking any runner doing the Cork City Marathon or Relay event to consider collecting sponsorship on their behalf. You can find out more about this charity by visiting their website...
http://www.africadirect.ie/ccmarathon.html

Cork City Marathon workshop - Saturday 17th May
Mardyke Arena, Cork

Programme:
2.00pm - Registrations
2.15pm - Marathon Injuries & Prevention
3.00pm - Marathon Nutritional Strategies
3.45pm - Tea/Coffee Break
4.00pm - Planning for Race Day
4.45pm - Conclusion

The workshop will include three presentations relevant to Marathon Training. To begin Freda Davoran (Physical Therapist) will discuss common injuries associated with Marathon training and also the very important prevention measures that can be taken. Tom Hill an exercise physiologist from UCC who has worked with numerous endurance athletes and their nutritional needs will discuss the importance of fuelling and hydrating in both training and on race day. Following a short break former Olympian Gillian O Sullivan will discuss the various ways one can prepare both physically and mentally for race day. After each presentation there will be a questions and answers session for 15 minutes.

Places are limited, therefore to avoid disappointment please contact Joe O Connor (Athletics Ireland RDO) on 087 6335565 to confirm attendance. There will be a €5 charge on the door.

Results of the 'Bulmers' 10km race in Clonmel, Co.Tipp - Sun 11th May 2008
There seems to have been a big turn out for this race with 277 runners. For anyone looking for the results of this 10km road race in Clonmel, you'll find the results HERE.