Notice: Bandon AC 5k road race - Thurs 25th Apr 2024

The Bandon AC 5k is a brand new road race on the calendar and it's coming up on Thursday 25th April 2024 at 7:30pm.

Entries HERE

Latest info from the organisers: "The registration will be in the secondary school Colaiste na Toirbhirte, Presentation College, Bandon, Co.Cork. The school is located on the bypass and is right next to where the race will start from.

Registration on the night will be open from 18:00. Online entries will be closed at 7:30pm on the 24th April. We will accept Late Entries on the night (€ 20 to enter then), this will be closed strictly at 18:30.

Parking: There will be limited parking around registration, there is plenty of parking in the town of Bandon (GAA club should have some parking available), but please do not park in any housing estates near the startline. There will also be parking in the church grounds- St Patrick’s on the night

We have been delighted to get sponsorship from Supervalu, Lilly Kinsale, The Edge Sports, Callan Kitchens, B Fit and Wild Side Sports.

We have been overwhelmed with the support locally and this has been a huge help for us in organising prizes and paying for the event."

Bandon Athletic Club are currently building a new 400m athletics track and as you might imagine, it's an expensive project. Proceeds from the race will go towards their track development fund.

Artists impression of the new athletics track

Course... The 5k course uses a lot of the old course that was used for the 5-miler on New Years Day some years ago.

Notice: Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 8th June 2024

The annual Run Killarney Half-Marathon & 10k is coming up this year on Saturday the 8th of June 2024. This event is popular with a lot of runners as it's a scenic route and many use it as a weekend away in Killarney.

Entries and info on the event website... https://runkillarney.com/

UPDATE - 23rd April: The Half-Marathon has sold out. Fewer than 70 places left now for the 10k.

The Half-Marathon starts at 8am while the 10k starts at 9:30am.

Notice: IMRA Gougane Barra 9.7km trail race - Sun 28th Apr 2024

The next IMRA event in Co Cork is the Gougane Barra 9.7km trail race on Sunday 28th Apr 2024 with an 11am start time.

DESCRIPTION: Gougane Barra
COUNTY: Cork
DATE: Sunday 28th April, 2024
TIME: 11:00
CLIMB (M): 475
DISTANCE (KM): 9.70
RACE MARKING: Only major junctions marked - Only major junctions marked
GPS ALLOWED: Yes

LEAGUES: Whiskey In The Jar League 
MANDATORY KIT: Level B - Standard - Waterproof jacket, Hat or buff, Gloves, Whistle, Charged mobile phone with emergency number stored, Foil blanket, bivvy bag or equivalent, All runners must bring the above items to the race. The actual kit to be carried during the race will be finalised on the day, depending on conditions etc., and clearly advised at Registration. You should also have the means to carry all the kit in case required.
ENTRY CLOSES: Saturday 27th April 2024, 18:00
ENTRY COST: €7 for seniors, €5 for over 65s and under 18s

Info & entries... https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/2431

Notice: The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 16th May 2024

The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park organised by Eagle AC is coming up on Thursday the 16th of May 2024 at 8pm. As well as there being the usual 5k race, there is also a one-mile race for juveniles (11-15 year olds).

Enter HERE

22nd April - Update on entries... There are now just 120-places left for the 5k and 4 for the 1-mile.

10th April - Update on entries... Demand is really strong this year, up nearly 20% on the same time last year which sold out a week early. Just over half of the 850 entries are now gone after just 3 days. For the Juvenile mile race, there are just 40 spaces left.

From Eagle AC... "We are delighted once again to announce that entries open for our Eagle A.C. Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park, on Sunday 7th April 2024, at 9am. The Cheetah Run is always a hugely popular and fast selling event, so do book your places quickly to avoid disappointment!

Results & Photos of the Great Railway Run 25k race - Sun 21st Apr 2024

(L-R) Barry Twohig 1st & John Meade 2nd

The weather couldn't be better for this years Great Railway Run 25km race from Cork City to Carrigaline. A total of 426 runners crossed the finish line, up 8% on last year.

Looking at the results and the photos that I took in Passage West, the top spots were both the men's and women's race were hotly contested. 

The photo above is of Barry Twohig & John Meade who finished 1st and 2nd respectively. At the 6 mile mark in Passage West, they were 5th & 6th so it looks like the steady pace on a warm day paid dividends.

(L-R) Niamh Moore & Aoife Cooke neck and neck at mile 6 is Passage West

The women's race was also hotly contested with both Niamh Moore and Aoife Cooke neck and neck in Passage West. Niamh would go on to win in the end by 50-seconds.

Top 5 men & women...

1 Barry Twohig St Finbarrs AC   1:25:38 SM 518
2 John Meade St Finbarrs AC   1:26:18 SM 350
3 Donal Coakley Leevale AC   1:26:35 MS 277
4 Danny Mullins Bantry AC   1:27:00 MS 242
5 Cillian O'Leary Raheny Shamrock AC   1:27:54 M40 489
12 Niamh Moore Leevale AC   1:36:05 FS 12
14 Aoife Cooke Eagle AC   1:36:55 FS 529
27 Catherine Murphy Eagle AC   1:40:40 F45 203
38 Lorna Wolfe Leevale AC   1:42:54 FS 427
44 Sandra Manning Leevale AC   1:44:12 F40 65

Full results HERE

Photos... (Updated Mon 22nd 7:50am)

1) There are 5 albums up on the Running in Cork Facebook page...

Passage West (6m mark) - a) Album 1 (finish 1:25-1:57) b) Album 2 (finish 1:57 - 2:09) c) Album 3 (finish 2:09 - 2:19) d) Album 4 (finish 2:19 - 2:45) e) Album 5 (finish 2:45 - 3:20)

2) Derek Costello has the following albums from the 5-mile mark at Harty's Quay...

1) Album 1  2) Album 2  3) Album 3  4) Album 4 

Ciarraí Abú

Choo...Choo... All aboard the 2:10 train

Flying Eagles

Bolt salute

Decisions... Decisions... Take the ferry home or run to Carrigaline??

"I hope he's not taking my photo"

Déise on Tour

'Ed Fitz ag Rith' ag rith

Results of the Dromahane 5K - Sat 20th Apr 2024

Results of the Dromahane 5K - Sat 20th Apr 2024

Top 3 men & women...
1 Tadhg O'Sullivan Bweeng Trail Blazers AC  16:25 MS 165
2 Liam O'Connor Grange/Fermoy AC 16:39 MS 142
3 Connor Mc Crory Bweeng Trail Blazers AC  17:12 MS 102
5 Kealey Tideswell Clonmel AC     17:32 FS 235
13 Carol Finn Leevale AC  18:30 FS 224
19 Kathy Jean Horgan Casey   19:30 FS 214

Full results HERE

Results of the Grocers Run 5k & 10k in Mallow - Sat 20th Apr 2024

The Grocers Run is a charity event which is usually held every year at Leopardstown racecourse in Dublin. This is I believe, the fist year that a similar event was held at Mallow racecourse in Co Cork. 

A total of 130 runners took part, 55 in the 10k and 75 in the 5k.

10k - Top 3 men & women...

Bib Pos. Name Club AG Gun Time  
277 1 Thomas KAVANAGH m 36:20  
269 2 Gerard BUCKLEY Aldi m 38:45  
547 3 Seamus ENRIGHT Doneraile AC m 41:26
460 4 Michelle GUINEY Newbridge A.C. f 41:30  
260 8 Jenny FLEMING f 47:15  
537 11 Patricia MARQUEZ ORIOL f 50:43  

Full results HERE

5k - Top 3 men & women...

279 1 Eoghan LOONEY m 17:41  
535 2 Tom KELLY m 19:18  
275 3 Darren BRIDGES Mondelez Ireland m 19:41  
534 4 Linda KELLY f 20:20  
477 11 Ava SHORTEN f 24:37  
280 16 Margaret MURPHY f 27:44

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Sweaty Snaps has a gallery HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 20th Apr 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 20th April 2024. Approximately 945  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... After weeks of wet weather, it was nice to have two Saturdays in a row that were dry and sunny. The temperature at Cork Airport was at 10 degrees at 9:30am this morning so conditions were pretty much ideal for a run.

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 344 this week, 249 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 18:21

23 Maria MADIGAN Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 22:48

32 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 23:36

2 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:24

3 Darius GUDONIS Male VM35-39 18:58

4 David BUTLER Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 19:28

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/320/

Tramore Valley Park: 186 this week, 239 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ray O' CONNELL Male VM40-44 Togher AC 16:40

2 Fearghal DESMOND Male SM18-19 Leevale AC 16:52

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 18:40

25 Amy GOGGIN Female VW40-44 22:27

28 Carmel PARNELL Female VW65-69 Leevale AC 22:49

36 Sarah LOUGHNEY Female VW40-44 23:24

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/101/

Glen River: 79 this week, 91 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Unknown

2 Eric BROWNE Male VM40-44 Togher AC 19:38

3 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:58

5 Irene EIGHAN Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:18

17 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:53

30 Christina MARRIS Female SW30-34 25:41

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/203/

Mallow Castle: 54 finishers this week, 68 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Norleen KENNY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:57

3 Martina LYONS Female VW45-49 22:30

13 Muireann MURPHY Female JW11-14 24:38

2 Jamie STONE Male VM35-39 22:14

4 Kevin MORONEY Male SM30-34 22:41

5 Steven MURPHY Male VM35-39 22:45

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/130/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 46 this week, 46 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 19:44

2 Chris O'CONNELL Male VM45-49 St Catherines AC 19:53

3 Ger LYNCH Male VM40-44 20:40

4 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:31

6 Susan DINEEN Female VW40-44 23:06

8 Anna PAWLIK Female VW35-39 24:08

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/107/

Macroom Castle Demense: 28 this week, 45 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:20

2 Henry BROWNE Male VM40-44 18:46

3 Padraig SHEAHAN Male VM55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 20:43

10 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 24:47

11 Suzanne MACKIE Female VW55-59 Don Greig Racing Stables 25:00

12 Frances RING Female VW55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 25:23

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/472/

Clonakilty: 35 this week, 33 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Kieran MCMANAMON Male VM55-59 21:38

2 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 21:43

3 Clifford NILES Male SM25-29 21:56

6 Ann HORAN Female VW40-44 23:43

8 Michelle O DONOVAN Female SW20-24 24:23

13 Liz O'DONOVAN Female VW55-59 Footloose & Fancy Free 28:17

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/427/

Glengarriff Woods: 116 this week, 57 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Bobby TANGNEY Male VM40-44 Kenmare Athletics Club 18:52

2 Ian JENNINGS Male SM20-24 20:32

3 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:40

20 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 23:42

35 Brede FLYNN Female VW45-49 25:08

42 Pippa O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 28:40

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/343/

Bere Island: 41 this week, 30 last week. 

First 3 men & women... 

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 20:54

4 Laoise Ann O SULLIVAN Female JW11-14 24:37

5 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 25:44

2 Paul BRANDRETH Male VM45-49 QBE Running Club 21:42

3 Colin CHIDZEY Male VM50-54 22:22

7 Breandan MURPHY Male SM20-24 26:41

 

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/435/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 16 finishers this week, 15 last week.

First 3 women & men...

1 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 20:46

2 Robert FAULKNER Male VM55-59 24:18

3 Barry O'LEARY Male VM50-54 Bourton Roadrunners 25:59

4 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 29:26

6 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 32:16

10 Mary HOURIHANE Female VW65-69 36:44

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/356/

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

Guest Post: Ballintotis 4 mile 2024 ...by Pat Walsh

 ** Ballintotis 4 mile Thursday 18th April **

Delighted to attend this event last Thursday evening. Definitely the best short race in Ireland at this stage.

On a Thursday evening how to get 1166 runners to park, register, line-up in zone and start on time must be a logistical nightmare but it was done. It is a narrow road and route but it never seemed crowded. 

The course and finish line were expertly marshalled and support was brilliant.

In a rural area with no village except a Church and a Community Centre as the focal point this is phenomenal. Everyone and I mean everyone from the area was involved. I went out to collect my number in the afternoon and ended up there an hour and a half helping to put up the presentation area. Delighted to help, they are some crew of workers.

1166 runners
1000 flags
2000 buns
3000 metres of coloured bunting
4000 sandwiches

Of course there was super running at the front of the race but I only report on the other side. Great crack, plenty banter. Teenage groups mixed with Mothers and Others Gaelic Football teams.

Newcomers and first timers mixed at the back with seasoned slow veterans like myself.

The enthusiasm was palpable and the smiles infectious. You were never alone and never without support.

Vital to keep a watch out for sneaky photographers who might catch you at a weak moment.

Met some buddies from the home village before the race, some running a race for the first time. It's a Miracle, there must be Holy Water in Loughaderra to get some of these running.

Afterwards we had the mandatory cuppa with the chats, pics and tales of glory. If the TV Bake-Off was held out there it would be some competition.

Prize giving went ahead on time but unless there was a prize for biggest bluffer then I had no chance. Well done to all who were called to the stage.

I paraphrase Spancil Hill to have some fun and sum up the event:

“Where Ireland's sons and daughters,
And friends assembled there,
The Young, the old, 
The brave and the bold, 
Their Four mile to fulfill,
At the Ballintotis Community Centre 
A mile from Popes Hill”

Have a great weekend

#pwr

Friday Jigsaw: Ballintotis 2024

For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo of the first 3 women in the 2024 Ballintotis 4-mile road race.

This one is tougher than usual with 598 pieces.

You can find it HERE

Notice: The Great Railway Run 25km - Sun 21st Apr 2024

The annual Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline will be held this year on Sunday the 21st of April 2024. 

The 25km run will start at 9:30am in Centre Park Road and the route skirts the shores of Cork Harbour. The race will finish in Carrigaline at the Lions Youth Centre on Church Road.

Update: 20th Apr 2024 - Just a reminder that the start line for the race this year is on Monahan Road.

There will be one 1.6-mile loop shown in the red arrows. Then the runners head towards the Marina (orange arrows) and then onto the Greenway and straight down to Passage West. The route will not go past Blackrock Castle.

After crossing the bridge over the Douglas Estuary, the route is the same as previous years.

Update: 17th April 2024 - SOLD OUT!

Results of the Ballintotis 4-mile road race - Thurs 18th Apr 2024

There was a big turnout for this years Ballintotis 4-mile road race on Thursday 18th April 2024 with 1166 runners crossing the finish line, a big jump of 38% on the number last year.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Sean DOYLE C M35 Cork City A.C. M MS 586 (19:16) 19:23
2 Paul HARTNETT C MS East Cork A.C. M MS 680 (19:26) 19:32
3 Ryan MCCARTHY C MJ Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. M MJ 840 (19:39) 19:40
39 Hannah STEEDS C FS Leevale A.C. F FS 1136 (22:20) 22:22
71 Nadine FORDE C F40 Leevale A.C. F F40 633 (23:36) 23:37
72 Michelle KENNY C F40 Leevale A.C. F F40 771 (23:36) 23:38

Full results HERE

Photos... 
1) Mick Dooley has a gallery of photos HERE

Top 3 women in the 2024 Ballintotis 4-mile road race (L-R) Nadine Forde 2nd, Hannah Steeds 1st & Michelle Kenny 3rd.

First man... Sean Doyle

Collection of old sports shoes in Carrigaline - 19th & 20th Apr 2024

This might be of interest for anyone who has unwanted running or sports shoes that are in good condition. Liam O'Connor sent on this information about a collection of old sports shoes in Carrigaline on the  19th & 20th Apr 2024.

Collection Days: This Friday 19th / Sat.20th April.

♻️♻️♻️Pre Owned Sports Shoes Needed♻️♻️♻️

"Our Shoes" is an appeal being held in #Carrigaline, organized by myself for a donation of quality, pre-loved trainers & sports shoes from families in Carrigaline and surrounding areas, which will be sent to kids in townships in Cape Town, South Africa. 

The first ‘In My Shoes’ campaign, held in Carrigaline , saw 1,000 pairs of shoes being shipped to impoverished children in South African townships and the appeal aims to double that achievement over the coming months.

This appeal is looking for used football boots and runners/trainers in good condition, for ages 4 to 16.

Race day info for the Ballintotis 4-mile race on Thurs 18th April 2024

The big evening race in Cork this week is the Ballintotis 4-mile near Castlemartyr. This one always gets a big crowd and this year will be no different.

Note the change in car parks below, everything now is to the east of the church.

You can still enter online HERE

From the organisers... It's been a busy few weeks in Ballintotis as the local committee advance plans for this year's 4 Mile Road Race, which is set to bring huge crowds to the picturesque venue this Thursday.  Bad weather has obviously hampered plans for a number of weeks, but once again the local community have come to the fore in various ways. 

This year, all participants are asked to please take special note of the traffic arrangements and the location of CAR PARKS, some of  which have changed from previous years,  In particular, motorists travelling from the Midleton direction, should be aware that their access point to the venue will for the most part of the evening,  be at the CASTLEMARTYR SIDE of Loughaderra Lake.  There is no right turn from the Main Road to Race HQ.

A special appeal is sent to everybody to please make a big effort to carpool and because of the large entry, please arrive early. Car parks will open at 5.30pm.

2024 will see the Ballintotis Race incorporate the County Road Championships for the first time ever, which will add an extra dimension to this huge sporting and social occasion

Some great action is expected in the race itself with many well known names in the line up.   Whilst the majority of entries have now been received online,  limited walk-in entries will also be taken from 1pm up until 7.30pm in Ballintotis on race day.  Number collection is available at the same time and entries/number collection is also open from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday evening. 

We urge as many people as possible to make use of these extended times for number pick up.

Before all the race action at 8pm, it's a 6pm  start for the community walk, with refreshments served immediately afterwards for walkers on their return  to the Community Centre.

Runners will receive their buff once they cross the finish line, whilst refreshments as usual will be served in Ballintotis Community Centre.  Prize giving will take place in the marquess at the front of the Community Centre at approx 9.10pm.  

Looking forward to seeing you all in Ballintotis on Thursday evening.

Enquiries to 086-8778182

Notice: Ballintotis 4-mile road race - Thurs 18th April 2024

You know Summer is on the way when we start looking at evening road races and they don't get much bigger than the Ballintotis 4-mile near Castlemartyr in East Cork. It's coming up this year on Thursday 18th of April 2024 at 8pm.

Entries HERE

Info from the organisers... Ballintotis 4 Mile 2024

Update: 10th April... Course Record Bonus Announced For Ballintotis 4 Mile Race - With just over a week to go to the Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race, the organisers have confirmed that there will be a course record bonus of 250 euro for the first man and lady to break the existing respective records.  

These are 19.11 set by Ryan Creech last year and 21.21 set by his Leevale colleague Lizzy Lee in 2016. Don't forget there are great individual prizes for the first six male and female runners across the line, first to third prizes in all age categories and team prizes (outside of first 6). 

***

The 13th running of the Ballintotis 4 mile road race, hosted by Ballintotis Area Community Council and held in association with East Cork AC, will take place this year on Thursday April 18th (starting time 8pm.)