Results of the Passage West Community 10 km road race...Fri 17th May 2013

This was a brand new race on the calendar and 200 people turned out for it. Considering that this was one of four local races in a space of four days, it was great to see so many people turn out for this race which raised much needed funds for a good cause.

Position #    Time    Name    Category    Club
1    33:53    John Meade    S    St Finbarrs
2    34:08    Michael Harty    O30    East Cork
3    34:57    Michael Dullea    O30   
15    41:17    Sineád Paley    O40    St Finbarrs   
28    43:07    Ann Marie Healy    O40     St Finbarrs
55    46:26    Rachel O'Callaghan    O30    Fitnessworx

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos.......
1) Mick Dooley has a small number HERE

Comments? Did you do this race? Any feedback? .........and what about the 'hills'! ;o)

Race report from Mick Dooley of the Cork BHAA.......
Took part in tonight's race in Passage, it was a very enjoyable event with a great turnout, think about 400 hundred in total made up of 250 entries in the 10k run and 200 hundred taking part in the 5k walk. Many of the 300 may not have run but paid the fee anyhow, think about 200 finishers in the 10k.

In relation to the 10k event, it was certainly a very challenging course. The first 3 miles were fast and flat along the seafront and after that, a never ending 2.5 miles uphill to finish with a downhill to the finish. The 10k was won by John Meade in a time of 33-50 and the ladies race won by Sinead Paley ahead of Ann Marie Healy.

After the race Kate Lonergan's Dad spoke about the progress Kate was having after a series of operations and was emotional when he saw 4 year old Katie take her first steps during the week with the help on an aid. John Lonergan, a Tipperary man living in Piltown Co Kilkenny was over come by the hugh local support for his daughter and praised the people that traveled from Tipperary and Kilkenny and indeed some people from England also. Johns sister Ann Quaid now living in Passage West is the family link in Cork and was delighted  to see her friend Francis Mc Elhinney a juvenile coach in Passage West club put together such a wonderful event. Francis thanked all the community and clubs for the support they had given. Race winner John Meade spoke afterwards of his appreciation and all he more the privilege it was for us to be able to run, and support the cause for Katie Lonergan.

Like any event the the after race party is very important and this one  did not disappoint........drink energy bar and bananas at the finish and then back to the club house for an abundance of fresh made sandwiches and home baking ,presentation of prizes and a lively session of live music, top marks I'd say.

Looking ahead to the Emer Casey 10k road race on Sunday...19th May 2013

Coming up this weekend, we have the Emer Casey 10 km road race in Youghal. Looking at the weather forecast, it looks as if most of Saturday will be a washout but things get a lot better on Sunday. If it seems wet very early on Sunday morning then don't let that discourage you, there should be a big improvement in the weather by the time the race starts.

The organisers sent on this following info... 
"The twin goals of the Emer Casey Foundation are to fund the best research and provide practical assistance to women diagnosed with gynaecological malignancy. The Foundation has funded 3 Research Scientists at T.C.D to the value of €500,000. The Emer Casey Foundation is now funding a Gynaecological Oncology Liaison Nurse at C.U.M.H. The position has been filled by Vickie Cleary who is a member of Midleton Athletic Club. Every cent raised by this race goes to carry out the work of the Foundation. Registration takes place on Saturday from 12 to 2 and on Sunday from 11.am at Pobalscoil Na Trionoide."........Juliette Casey

2013 race...1st male and female finisher get a set of SKINS as well as a cash prize.

This is a hugely popular race and for some reason, the sun nearly always shines on it! You can see some of the positive comments left about the 2012 race HERE

Pobalscoil na Trionoide

Entries.......Online registration is now closed. Registration will take place on Saturday May 18th from 12-2 pm or on Sunday May 19th from 11am at Pobalscoil na Trionoide, Youghal. Numbers will also be collected at this time.

Directions......It's very easy to find the registration point and start for this race. Just take the by-pass around Youghal and at the top of the hill, take the slip road that takes you into Youghal. After a few hundred metres, you'll see the school shown above on your left hand side. Parking is available at the school and on grounds adjacent to the school. Please do not park on the road outside the school as this is part of the race route


A full preview of the course with directions and photos can be seen HERE

All entrants will also receive a t-shirt as show below by Irish Olympian Sonia O'Sullivan...

Sonia is the patron of the Emer Casey Foundation and is involved in organising other Emer Casey Memorials in Melbourne, Australia on May 26th and in Brockwell Park London on Oct 27th. The New York date will be announced later.

A recent newspaper cutting just showing what this event is all about......

Weather Forecast for Munster...Fri 17th - Sun 19th May 2013

Weather forecast for Munster....Fri 17th May to Sun 19th May

Friday...Bright day with some pleasant sunshine. Isolated showers developing later in the day, some heavy. Decreasing towards evening time. Temp 13-15 deg.

Saturday.....A days of two halves. Dry in Munster for most of the morning but persistent rain developing later in the day. The best of the weather will be in the south-west...Cork/Kerry....with the rain arriving first in the north-east (Tipperary) from about noon onwards. The afternoon and evening will be a bit of a washout. Temp 11 to 13 deg C.

Sunday....Last of the rain clearing on Sunday morning. Nice bright day with improving temperatures, a bit more like May. Temp 12-15 deg C.

Outlook for the week ahead......A hint of some milder and dryer weather ahead. Brigth and dry on a number of days.

Results of the Fota Cheetah Run 4 mile race...Thurs 16th May 2013

Weather wise, it was a strange day with downpours of rain in Cork City in the afternoon and not a dro to be seen in Fota a few miles away. The wet weather eventually arrived around 7pm but cleared just in time for the race to start.

Yet again, another huge turnout  of almost 700 runners and this year, the introduction of chip timing seemed to work a treat. The only thing missing was a bit of sunshine!

1 Ben THISTLEWOOD             M     MS     (19:42)     19:42
2 James GRUFFERTY             M     MS     (19:57)     19:57
3 Tim ODONOGHUE             M     MS     (20:08)     20:08
20 Ann Marie HOLLAND             F     F35     (24:07)     24:08
30 Sinead PALEY             F     F40     (24:58)     24:59
43 Gillian COTTER             F     F35     (25:54)     25:56

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Doug Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE

Video...

The start of the race (Video by Fota Wildlife Park)


Some of the animals having their own race...(Video by Fota Wildlife Park)



Remember, John Buckley Sports will give a 20% discount on production of your Cheetah Run Race number from Friday May 17th until Sat May 25th, i.e. for one week after the race. This discount applies to anything bought in the shop. So for example, you could buy a number of items and you will get 20% off the lot. Spend €60 and you will have saved the entry fee of the race.

Results of the Fermoy 5k road race...Thurs 16th May 2013

Race 2...STREETS OF FERMOY '5K'

1     16:16    LYONS, Michael    Grange-Fermoy AC    M    5:14.0
2     16:23    WHITAKER, Allen    St. Finbarrs AC    M40    5:16.3
3     16:26    SIMCOX, Shane    Mallow AC    M    5:17.2
24    20:01    WOODS, Sharon    Mallow AC    F    6:26.4
30    20:22    GOGGIN-WALSH, Jennifer    St. Finbarrs AC    F    6:33.2
31    20:28    HAYES, Ann-Marie    St. Catherines AC    F    6:35.1

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Graded Track & Field - Wed 15th May 2013

There was a big turn out for the first round in the John Buckley Sports Track & Field Graded League in CIT on Wednesday, the 15th of May. In the mile event alone, some 48 athletes took part spread out over three separate races.

The full results of all events can be seen HERE

Videos below from Derek O'Shea...

Mens Mile race 1


Mens Mile race 2


Women's Mile Race...


The second round is on Monday, the 24th of May and this time it includes a 3000m race on the track.

Full schedule HERE

Preview of the Passage West 10 km road race...Fri 17th May 2013

Just a reminder that this brand new road race is coming up on Friday, the 17th of May 2013...

The course itself takes in waterfront walkways and some country roads to the west of the town. It certainly isn't an easy course and it can be split into two halves. The first 3.5 miles are pretty flat while there are some 'nice' hills in the second half ;o)

This is a proper road race in every sense of the word. Leevale AC have been involved in getting the course measured properly by Jones Counter. It also has an Athletics Ireland licence.

The local GAA club are offering their facilities for registrations, changing area, showers, post race refreshments and prize giving. Supervised car parks are available at the GAA grounds and the Soccer club.

Proceeds from this race go to Katie's Wish to Walk. I'd ask you to spare a few minutes and visit that website. It would be great if you could come along on the night and support the efforts for this special little girl........Friday, 17th May @7:30pm.

Please note that the race starts 1.2 miles from the registration point. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Course Preview...A full preview of the race course with directions and photos can be seen HERE

Preview of the Fota Cheetah Run 4 mile race...Thurs 16th May 2013

This 4 mile race in Fota Wildlife Park is coming up on Thursday evening, the 16th of May. Please note that the 800 entries for this race sold out nearly two weeks ago and there will be NO entries on the night.

The race starts at 8pm. With so many people taking part, it's best to arrive early. The entry desks will be open before 7pm. There will be lists posted outside the hall. Just check these to get your number and join the correct queue inside.

Note...
1) Please note that headphones are NOT allowed in this race.
2) Access to Fota Wildlife Park is only allowed in the company of a registered runner.

Chip Timing & Start area.........The big change this is is the introduction of chip timing. The start area will be broken up into zones broken up into 4 minute blocks. So for example, if you are running between 6 minutes and 7 minutes per mile then you go into the 24 to 28 minute block. If everyone sticks to their correct time zone then things run a lot smoother. Your time doesn't start until you cross the start mat so there is no issue being behind the faster runners.

Course......Unusually for a race, none of the course is on public roads.

To achieve the full 4 miles, the course does several loops within the park and one larger loop outside by Fota House. The white dotted lines show the extent of the Wildlife Park.

If you look at the map above, you can see how the race will proceed. You start near the Cheetah enclosure which will be split up into various time zones to keep the slower runners away from the front.

The race first takes in a loop around by the Sea Eagles (yellow loop). It then returns to the start area and starts a second loop (blue) which goes outside the park and out by Fota House.

The third loop (Red) is back within the park and the finish line is close to the registration area.

Overall...There are a number of hills on the course but they are pretty small. As you can see from the pictures above, the roads within the park are pretty narrow so it's important that you get into the correct area at the start. You can expect your time to be reasonably fast.

The race is organised by Eagle AC and is sponsored by Laya Healthcare and John Buckley Sports.

In a special offer for the race, John Buckley Sports will give a 20% discount on production of your Cheetah Run Race number from Friday May 17th until Sat May 25th, i.e. for one week after the race. This discount applies to any item in the shop. So for example, you could buy a number of items and you will get 20% off the lot. Spend €60 and you will have saved the entry fee of the race. Make sure you retain your race number if you want to avail of this offer.

Weather Forecast...The current forecast shows some wet weather coming in from the west on Thursday. The question is what time will it reach Fota?

5,000 runners take wrong route in Marathon of the North in Sunderland...

After finishing the Marathon of the North in Sunderland last weekend, some 5,000 runners have been told they failed to complete the full marathon or half-marathon as they took the wrong route due to a marshaling error. The organisers of the Marathon of the North DS Media & Events apologised for the blunder after they realised the route was 264m short of the full distance. The race winner Jake Harrison, of Leicester Tri Club, was the only entrant to run along the correct course and therefore complete the run in Sunderland.

In a statement to the media, the race organisers said: "Regrettably, due to incorrect placing of marshals, which we take full responsibility for, only the lead athlete followed the correct route through the Sheepfold area near the Stadium of Light. Unfortunately, the second and third placed runners were not within line of sight of the leader and lead bikes/vehicle. This resulted in all those who followed taking an incorrect route through this section. Our course measurer has now confirmed that 264 metres were therefore lost from the measured route. We are sincerely sorry for any confusion and frustration that this has caused."

Many of the participants were obviously angry at this situation and reacted on social media sites........."Bit gutted!"......."Been thinking about the Marathon of the North debacle. Think it's an insult to offer 25% off race entry as recompense."........."People train ... for months and have had a hard earned achievement taken away from them. Free entry to alternative race is the least they deserve."

Reminder...Graded Track & Field starts Wed 15th May 2013...

Just a reminder that the Cork County Graded Track & Field League sponsored by John Buckley Sports gets underway Wednesday (May 15th) @ 7.30pm in the CIT Track in Cork City.  This year the league will incorporate both the county Junior and Senior T&F Championships. All participants must be registered with Athletics Ireland.  Guests from clubs outside of the county are welcome to take part.

Track events for this Wednesday are the 100m, 400m, 1 Mile & 4 x 100m Relay, Field events – Long Jump, Javelin & Shot Putt.

These graded leagues are a great opportunity for club athletes who have never competed on the track before to try an event to see how they get on.

More info about the series in this earlier post.

Race notice...Cork BHAA John Buckley Sports 5k road race - Tues 28th May 2013

The John Buckley Sports 5k road race is one of the most popular races in Cork City and always attracts a large crowd. Organised in conjunction with the Cork BHAA, this race is suitable for all types of runner...from the serious to the more casual runner. The entry fee is only €5 for Cork BHAA registered runners or €8 for non-reg runners.

Located near the Pairc Ui Chaoimh stadium, this is a flat and fast 5k course. Registration is at the Lee Rowing Club building which is on the Marina near the GAA stadium. There is plenty of parking in the area.

20% Discount Vouchers......As per last year, John Buckley Sports will be giving out 20% discount vouchers to all finishers in the race. This discount will apply to any purchases in their shop which is across from the Opera House in the heart of Cork City. Needless to say, the amount you save with the discount may well exceed the race entry so they are well worth getting. Note that the discount is not restricted to just one item. When you are using it, you can buy several products at the one time and get 20% off the lot. There is also no expiry date on the voucher so you can use it anytime.

Chip Timing........The major change this year is the introduction of chip timing! In previous years, there have been problems with too many runners finishing at the same time filling up the finishing chutes. With the introduction of chip timing, this problem has been eliminated. All you need to do on the night is to cross the finish line.

Entries.......Even with the introduction of chip timing, the price still stays the same as before....€5 for registered BHAA runners and €8 for non-reg. You can enter on the night OR you can enter beforehand if you want to avoid the queues. Your choices are to enter online by going to the John Buckley Sports website or you can call into the shop which is directly across from the Opera House in Cork City.

In addition to the ship timing, they will be providing additional facilities to cope with the numbers on the night and of course, there will be the usual post race refreshments in the Rowing club afterwards.

 

More info in a later post...

Event notice...West Cork Run 10 mile charity run - Sun 26th May 2013

This 10 mile charity run is coming up on Sunday, the 26th of May in Cill na Martra, West Cork...

Cill na Martra is located just south of the Macroom to Killarney road so this one  might be of interest to runners from both Cork and Kerry.

The route for the run certainly isn't flat ;o) but it's on nice quiet country roads...

Anyone familiar with the Cork / Killarney road will know of the Mons Bar...the turn off for Cill na Martra is there...

You can enter online HERE

More info closer to the date...

Results of the Ballinhassig Straight Mile road race...Sun 12th May 2013

There was a big turnout of 76 people for this year's Straight Mile race near Ballinhassig, possibly a record number? In previous years, the figures were........2012 = 44, 2011 = 54, 2010 = 48. A total of €640 was collected for charity.

 Rising Sun 1 mile 2013
Pos    Name    Club    Time
1    Conor Tierney    East Cork    04:55
2    Denis Dunne        04:58
3    Tom Laffan    Bandon AC    05:00
17    Michelle Kenny    Midleton    05:36
22    Ann-Marie Power    Eagle    05:53
25    Orla Crosbie    St. Finbarrs    06:04

Full results.........HERE

Report from the organising club, Rising Sun AC.......On May 12th Rising Sun AC held the 10th Annual Straight mile at Lisfihill Road, Ballinhassig, Co Cork. A total Euro 640:60 was collected in entries, all of which will go to Enable Ireland, The Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple, Cork. The runners had to deal with a fairly stiff west wind which stopped any chance of a course record. Rising Sun AC wishes to thank all who contributed so generously to a very good cause.

Update on the Emer Casey 10k next Sunday...

The big race next weekend is of course the Emer Casey 10k in Youghal. The organisers sent on this following info...

"The twin goals of the Emer Casey Foundation are to fund the best research and provide practical assistance to women diagnosed with gynaecological malignancy. The Foundation has funded 3 Research Scientists at T.C.D to the value of €500,000. The Emer Casey Foundation is now funding a Gynaecological Oncology Liaison Nurse at C.U.M.H. The position has been filled by Vickie Cleary who is a member of Midleton Athletic Club.

Every cent raised by this race goes to carry out the work of the Foundation.

Registration takes place on Saturday from 12 to 2 and on Sunday from 11.am at Pobalscoil Na Trionoide."........Juliette Casey
 
More info about the race can be seen in this earlier post.

A full preview of the course can be seen HERE

Huge turnout for the Darkness into Light charity run / walk in Cork...

Mick Dooley & Seamus Cahill

This charity walk and run was held on Saturday morning, the 11th of May on the Western Road / Sunday's Well circuit in Cork City. Here is a short report from Mick Dooley of the Cork BHAA.....

It was an amazing experience with a hugh crowd turning up, probably a sign of the the times with so many people touched by this terrible act or darkness in life. It was something different, there as mention of about 3000 taking part in Cork alone, I am not sure but it was a huge crowd anyhow. 

We had a fine spread of fresh coffee and a selection of muffins afterwards and we didn't want to leave however we had to be at work for 8am but think we felt content for the day afterwards that we had made some small contribution to the cause.

This is an annual event which raises funds for the suicide awareness charity Pieta House. For the last two year's, it has been on the same morning as the Bandon Half-Marathon and it's likely that it will be on the same time again next year.

There are a few photos HERE