Guest Article on the Ballycotton '10'...by Claire Healy

The following article was sent in by Brian Healy and is an account of the Ballycotton 10 mile race written by his daughter Claire back in 2014. It gives a nice account of the event and as can be seen from the title, it was written well before there was any hint that the race might ever come to an end.

BALLYCOTTON 10 WILL RUN AND RUN... By Claire Healy (2014)
 
Runners are penned into the very tip of the cul-de-sac village, the island looms in the background, the Ballycotton Lighthouse and its red beacon at rest on this sunny afternoon. The start of the Ballycotton 10  road race is something to behold.

Start of the Ballycotton 10 mile road race. Photo: John Hennessy

It’s the biggest day of the year for the sleepy fishing spot on the east Cork coast. Almost 3,000 runners pour out, and later back in, the Bog Road, which links the isolated coastline to the outside world.

The village  bears little resemblance to its ordinary stature. Locals line the main street clapping and cheering their annual visitors, their musical Cork accents guiding the runners through the gentle hills and rambling roads.

The race entered its 37th year this March. An extraordinary event that, compared to the scale of the venue, is bigger than the New York marathon.

In an era where more and more people are abandoning the gym and hitting the roads, Ballycotton saw 2571 runners of all levels take on their route. There were 2617 finishers in 2012 and 2601 in 2013. In most normal races, a decline in finishers could be considered a drop in popularity but that certainly can’t be said for the Ballycotton 10 when online entries sold out in 90 minutes last December.
The slight drop could be attributed to the change in the entry process and simply the number of people not turning up on the day. It’s remarkably consistent and the organisers can be reasonably sure that if the same entry criteria applies next year, Ballycotton will see 2,500 to 2,600 runners turn up in March of 2015.

It’s one of the few big races that doesn’t award a finisher’s T-shirt. Ask any athlete, or their significant other, and that familiar grumble that can only come with the experience of a graveyard of vintage race t-shirts at the bottom of the wardrobe ensues.

Instead Brian Healy’s dishwasher plays host to 14 years’ worth of commemorative mugs. The race is the reason he and his family live in the village. Originally coming across the Ballycotton 10 on his athletic travels around Ireland, from their first visit the Healys fell in love and nine years later they came to call the village home. 12 years after his first race, his son Dáire joined him on the start line.
“It’s a tradition…of 37 years. It never fails to astound me how a small voluntary group of people can put on such a professional event, how a local community can assist in the organisation of an event. It doesn’t feel like a big commercial race, it keeps its community feel and you know that the sun will always shine at some stage, it’s part of the day. The village the next day is like nothing ever happened” Brian said.

If it wasn’t for the race, Ballycotton might only be known for notable lifeboat rescues, Dáire notes, mentioning the famous Daunt Rock rescue in 1936 by the Mary Stanford lifeboat, “that or Divine Rapture,” he laughs.

Divine Rapture could have done with the Mary Stanford lifeboat, it was such an ill-fated venture. For two weeks the village welcomed Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp and the Hollywood elite, before it emerged that there was no money behind the project and they promptly packed up. Thankfully the race has seen more success.

Dáire concurs; “it gives Ballycotton something to be proud of, and the people something big and important to be part of. We might be one of the smallest villages in Cork, but we run the biggest race, and a personal one at that.”

John “Mr Ballycotton” Walshe is a familiar face on the athletics scene in Cork and indeed around the country. An obliging and humble character, he is the main cog in the slick machine that is the Ballycotton 10. Whether it’s putting up signs, painting the mile markers onto the road, no stone is left unturned by the race organiser. He knows what makes a good race and ensures that he and his team put on the best day possible for the runners, travelling and local alike.

John Walshe (second left) and Brian Healy (far right) visiting marathon stalwart Ron Hill’s 5km following his Ballycotton visit.

A visible presence since the race’s first outing, today’s race would be unrecognisable to the 31 men who ran in 1978, while much remains the same, down to the work of John and his team.
“The ten mile route hasn’t changed and it still offers the same challenge as it did to those 31 pioneering runners all those years ago. The race organisation, now a massive operation, remains a truly voluntary effort and we still provide the same basic value for money service – a true race on an accurate course with full results for all” he says.

The Ballycotton 10 Mugs...and the elusive 1983 one!

One of the unique features of the Ballycotton 10 mile road race was the mug which was given out at the end to all finishers. While some of the newer runners might have preferred say a dry fit top, the Ballycotton 10 mug has a long history and many people now have a collection of them.

I have my own collection of them as well from down through the years. I'd guess that since the news of the demise of the Ballycotton '10', people will probably be a bit more careful with theirs.

Jerry Forde's Ballycotton Collection

I was out in Jerry Forde's house a few months back and I took a photo of his collection. As you can see, he has a fair few Ballycotton '10' mugs and Summer Series plaques from years past.

Over the years, the designs have changed. Some were more like cups rather than mugs. Different years, different designs with different sponsors.

One of the more unusual years was that of 1983. The photo below shows the mug belonging to Danny McCarthy of Midleton AC.

It looks normal enough except for the fact that the mugs weren't properly fired that year and the writing disappeared with the first wash! It's likely that this is one of the few that managed to survive intact. Does anyone else have another one?

End of the road for the Ballycotton 10 and the Summer Series

Ballycotton Running Promotions have announced that the Ballycotton 10 mile road race and the Ballycotton Summer Series is coming to an end.

This will no doubt come as a shock to many in the local running community as these races were hugely popular with many runners.

The full statement is below...

STATEMENT FROM BALLYCOTTON RUNNING PROMOTIONS
(Issued at 17.00 on 05/10/2017)

It is with regret and no doubt a certain amount of sadness that we wish to announce that the Ballycotton ‘10’, the Summer 5-Mile Series and other events organised by Ballycotton Running Promotions have come to an end.

Whilst this will be received with shock and surprise by the running community at large, the decision to call a halt to our promotions is something that has occupied the thoughts of our committee for the past year or more.

Seven months ago we celebrated the 40th running of the Ballycotton ‘10’ and the symbolic date of Sunday March 12th – the exact date of the original race – may have given an indication of our intentions from this time of last year.

At a special and well-attended meeting in Ballycotton last night and after a long discussion the decision was unanimously agreed that our races should come to an end forthwith - on our own terms and before circumstances outside our control dictated so.

For anyone familiar with the geographical locations of our races, the problems logistically of organising the events are all too apparent. Parking has been one of our major worries. It may come as a surprise to many that, for the past two years due to weather conditions, the possibility of the Ballycotton ‘10’ having to be cancelled was a live issue up to 24 hours before the race.

With new proposed traffic regulations on the way, the staging of an event with up to 3,000 runners in a village with just one road in and out would prove insurmountable. These problems, to a lesser extent, are also evident in the summer races where we are again at the mercy of the weather as regards parking and facilities.

Unlike other such races which are organised by athletic clubs and the like who have a huge supply of members to call on, we are just a small promoting group. But for the assistance we have received from outside bodies over the years it would have been impossible to put on five major events each year.   

Due to busy lifestyles nowadays, help is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Unfortunately, the age profile of the voluntary committee members and those willing to give of their time is a lot higher than it was when we started out. Also, some participants today are more demanding than in the past and it goes without saying that social media now plays a major role in those demands.

Since our first race, we have had a simple 100% ethos and aim which was manifested in all our races – to provide a well-organised, value for money event for runners of all abilities. Even though we are slow to sing our own praises, we can proudly say we have played a defining role in the popularity and promotion of running events so evident today.  

Road racing in general is now certainly in a far better place than it was back in 1977 when 34 runners took part in our first five-mile race, just one of four road races in total held in the Cork region that summer.

Since that August evening four decades ago, 40 Ballycotton ‘10’ races, 156 Summer 5-Mile races, 60 Shanagarry ‘5K’ (summer and winter) events along with over 80 smaller local races from our early days have taken place. 

Each of those road races had a definite start and finish line. Now, the finish line has finally been reached for Ballycotton Running Promotions and its events. It has been a long and winding road, a road filled with many memories and stories, and a road that has enriched the lives of thousands from far and near.

We conclude by expressing a deep-felt sense of gratitude to all those who have journeyed with us along that road, in whatever capacity, over the forty years of Ballycotton races.

Ballycotton Running Promotions

Radio Documentary - THE BALLYCOTTON ‘10’; THE BEST ROAD RACE IN THE COUNTRY

Update...The one hour radio documentary by Community Radio Youghal about the Ballycotton 10 mile road race is now available as a podcast.

Details from Community Radio Youghal......

THE BALLYCOTTON ‘10’; THE BEST ROAD RACE IN THE COUNTRY  is a one hour documentary which explores and celebrates 40 years of the prestigious road race in East Cork.

From having a little over thirty runners at the inaugural running in 1978, to attracting thousands year in year out nowadays, the growth of the Ballycotton ‘10’ has been extraordinary. A ‘Classic Race at a Classic Distance’, its March date has become one of the standout days in the entire athletics – even sporting - calendar year.

In this special feature documentary, the history, appeal, and status of the Ballycotton ‘10’ will be explored. Many great stories, which have emerged over the last 40 years, will be told, with input from race winners, organisers, athletics enthusiasts, local heroes and national icons.

Funded by the BAI, the documentary is presented and produced by Jordan McCarthy, edited by Tom Maher and the sound engineer is Thomas O’Keeffe.

The programme can be heard here... https://www.mixcloud.com/CRY104FM/the-ballycotton-10-the-best-road-race-in-the-country/

It will be repeated on Wednesday 31st May @ 7.30 pm.

A Community Radio Youghal production (2017).

East Cork & District Sports Awards recognise the Ballycotton 10 Mile Road Race

The East Cork & District Sports Awards were held in Midleton Park Hotel on Friday the 21st of April and this year, they recognised the Ballycotton 10 Mile Road Race team for their contribution to sport.

Anyone who is familiar with the Ballycotton 10 race will know that it is a huge logistical event and takes an enormous amount of work. For an successful event that is run on a non-profit basis, it's great to see their efforts being recognised by the local community.

Comparing the top 100 of the 2017 Ballycotton '10' to the 1987 top 100

Someone sent on the top 100 times of the 1987 Ballycotton '10' and it makes for an interesting comparison with the 2017 event.

Some key points...

1) In 2017, three men ran under 50 minutes. In 1987, it was fourteen.

2) The time for the 50th finisher in 2017 was 57m 45s. In 1987, the 50th person was 54m 08s.  The time for 50th place in 1987 would have finished in 16th place in 2017.

3) The time for the 100th finisher in 2017 was 59m 50s. In 1987, the 100th person was 56m 46s...roughly 3 minutes faster. The time for 100th place in 1987 would have finished in 42nd place in 2017.

As for why the times were so much faster back then? Basically, it mostly due to the fact that in 1987, most of those in the top 100 were young men who ran a lot. The age profile of the average runner now is older.

The 1987 results can be seen below...

Results & photos of the 2017 Ballycotton 10 mile road race...Sun 12th March 2017

The 40th edition of the Ballycotton 10 mile road race was held on what turned out to be a nice sunny Sunday in March. There was one small light shower before the race but it didn't amount to much.
Here are the top 10...

 1 Mick CLOHISEY     Raheny Shamrock A.C.     M    49:20
2 Sergiu CIOBANU     Clonliffe Harriers A.C. M    49:46
3 Kevin MAUNSELL     Clonmel A.C.     M     49:54
4 Alan O'SHEA         Bantry A.C.     M    51:46
5 Michael HARTY     East Cork A.C.     M     51:50
6 Louis MCCARTHY     Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.     M    52:12
7 Sean MCGRATH         East Cork A.C.     M     52:38
8 Paul STEPHENSON     Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.     M      52:54
9 Mike CARMODY         An Bru A.C     M     53:00
10 Barry DONOVAN     Leevale A.C.     M     53:14
1 Siobhan O’DOHERTY     Borrisokane A.C.     F    58:09
2 Jill HODGINS         unatt/Cork     F40         58:50
3 Grace LYNCH         Iveragh A.C.     F    59:18
4 Dee GRADY         Ennis Track Club     F     1:01:46
5 Sinead TANGNEY     Sportsworld A.C.     F     1:01:53
6 Katherine CASHELL     St. Finbarrs A.C.     F     1:03:08
7 Lorraine BOLSTER     Mallow A.C.     F     F35    1:03:12
8 Adele WALSH         St. Senans A.C.     F40    1:03:30
9 Fiona SANTRY         East Cork A.C.     F     FO     1:03:46
10 Adrienne JORDAN     Crusaders A.C.     F     F40     1:05:01

The results from the chip timing company are now available HERE

Remember that the results are still provisional. There are bound to be a few errors in there. Contact the chip timing company if you find any. Once the dust has settled, the full official results will go up on the Ballycotton 10 website.

Thoughts on the new baggage area? While the new narrow path was a bit of a bottleneck, runners didn't really have an issue getting to the start line. From my vantage point near the start, the start seemed to take about as long as it usually does with 3000 or so people passing. It certainly wasn't as bad as last year.

Any suggestions for improvements?

The special dry fit top for the 40th anniversary was a nice touch.

Photos...(Updated Sat 18th Mar 1pm)
1) There are 106 pre-race photos on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE
2) Finish area...(100m to go)
a) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (1 of 8) - 49:20-1:01:45
b) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (2 of 8) - 1:01:45-1:08:45
c) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (3 of 8) - 1:08:45-1:15:30
d) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (4 of 8) - 1:15:30-1:23:45
e) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (5 of 8) - 1:23:45-1:31:30
f) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (6 of 8) - 1:31:30-1:40:00
g) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (7 of 8) - 1:40:00-1:48:30
h) 2017 Ballycotton 10 finish (8 of 8) -1:48:30 and above

3) Joe Muphy of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos near the one mile mark HERE 
4) Andy O'Rourke Photography has 4 small galleries ... #1 ... #2 ... #3 ... #4
5) Lindie Naughton has 21 photos HERE
6) Breaking News dot ie has a video of the first 3 men finishing and the mass start.... HERE
7) Pat Walsh Running has a gallery HERE
8) Bweeng Trailblazers have a gallery HERE
9) Dave O'Brien Photography has two albums... #1 ... #2
10) Ger Broderick has a gallery HERE
11) Denis O'Flynn has a nice gallery HERE 
12) East Cork Camera Group has a gallery HERE

Category results below...

Results of the first Ballycotton 10 mile road race...12th March 1978

On Sunday the 12th of March 1978, 31 runners turned out to take part in the very first Ballycotton 10 mile road race. Little did they know then that it would be the start of one of the most popular races in the country.

As you can see below, eight of the original 31 are entered for the race next Sunday.

BALLYCOTTON ‘10’, Sunday March 12th, 1978 – 3pm start

1  Richie Crowley (St Finbarrs)        50:22
2  Liam O’Brien (Midleton)        51:03
3  Dick Hodgins (Leevale)    R.I.P.    51:28 
4  Noel Shannon (Leevale)        51:41
5  Michael Walsh (Leevale)        52:03
6  Jerry Murphy (Leevale)        52:34
7  John Buckley (St Finbarrs)        52:58
8  Kevin Treacy (Loughrea)        53:28
9  Paul Mulholland (Midleton)        53:52
10 Denis Manning (St Finbarrs)        53:58
11 Jack O’Callagahn (Leevale)         54:17
12 Liam Horgan (Leevale)    R.I.P.    54:59
13 Batt Kearney (Leevale)        55:31 (entered for Sunday)
14 Joe O’Flynn (Leevale)    R.I.P.    55:33
15 Jack O’Leary (St Finbarrs)        55:59 (entered for Sunday)
16 Michael Murphy (Leevale)        56:20 (entered for Sunday)
17 Michael Joyce (St Finbarrs)        56:26
18 John Delaney (Leevale)        57:11
19 Jerry Martin (Midleton)    R.I.P.    57:26
20 Donal Burke (St Finbarrs)        57:37 (entered for Sunday)
21 John Walshe (Midleton)        57:49 (entered for Sunday)
22 Flor O’Leary (St Finbarrs)        57:55
23 Kurt Tretner (Darmstadt, West Germany)    58:52
24 Tony Flanagan (Leevale)        59:58
25 Denis Forde (St Finbarrs)        62:22
26 Dan Kennedy (St Finbarrs)        62:53 (entered for Sunday)
27 Rory Walsh (Youghal)            62:54
28 John O’Leary (Leevale)        62:55 (entered for Sunday)
29 Peter Lee (Youghal)            66:06
30 Willie O’Mahony (Youghal)        67:21 (entered for Sunday)
31 Tom Houlihan (Midleton)        78:26 

Results courtesy of John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions

Info about the new baggage area for the 2017 Ballycotton 10

A new baggage area will be set up near the Pitch & Putt club for the 2017 Ballycotton 10 race next Sunday. This will avoid the use of the narrow path which caused problems last year.

You will be given a plastic bag with a number at the baggage area. Get changed....put your tracksuit, etc in the bag....and then collect it after the race. It's a long way from the car parks to the start so you'll probably want to avail of this service.

BAGGAGE AREA AND TOILETS - NEW LOCATION

The baggage area and main toilet facilities have been relocated this year. Both are now up on the Cliff Road near the Pitch & Putt Club. Access is slightly different.

The main road at Bayview Hotel will be closed off at 12.15pm and athletes’ will be directed to the baggage area and come down into the start/finish area approaching from the back. You should add at least 15 minutes to the normal time you take to get to the start as it is at least 500m longer and the paths are narrow. Please be patient and obey the stewards

At the end of the race you will be directed up the Cliff Road again as water station, baggage area, etc are located here. You can then make your way back to the changing area using the same route in the reverse direction.

REMEMBER TO ALLOW 15 MINUTES EXTRA TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE START!

In this interview, John Cashman of C103 talks to Barry Moran of Ballycotton Running Promotions, one of the main organisers on the day.

John Cashman interviews Willie O'Mahony of Youghal AC

Willie O'Mahony of Youghal AC was one of those who had taken part in the original Ballycotton 10 mile road race back in 1978. Up until recently, he had managed to compete in the race every year until a hip operation put paid to the streak.

John Cashman of C103 caught up with Willie and had a chat about what the race was like before.

Interview with Donie Walsh ahead of the Ballycotton 10

In this interview, John Cashman of C103 gives a brief rundown of the previous winners of the Ballycotton 10 mile road race. He then has a chat with top Irish athletics coach Donie Walsh of Leevale AC who gives his views on the race and some of the top runners ahead of the event next Sunday.

Added Time Bonuses for the Ballycotton 10

From Ballycotton Running Promotions...ADDED TIME BONUSES FOR BALLYCOTTON ‘10’

This year, in an effort to raise the elite standard of the race and to celebrate the 40th annual event, there will be added time bonuses for the Ballycotton ‘10’ on March 12th.

Along with the usual first three prizes (€500, €300 and €200) for men and women and the course bonuses of €500 for a new record (men, Gary Staines 47:00; women, Maria McCambridge 54:20) the following bonuses will apply:

Men: If the winner, not breaking the course record, runs inside 48:30 there will be a bonus of €300. All other runners (outside of first three) breaking 50:00 will receive a bonus of €100 along with their prize.

Women: If the winner, not breaking the course record, runs inside 55:30 there will be a bonus of €300. All other women (outside of first three) breaking 58:00 will receive a bonus of €100 along with their prize.

Only one time bonus can apply for both men and women.

While the women’s course record has been improved three times by Maria McCambridge in the past five years, in contrast the men’s standard has shown little change. In the history of the race, 48:30 has been broken on a total of 29 occasions (including four times by Noel Berkeley).

Yet only two of those 29 times – Charles Kiplgat in 2004 and Dave Mitchinson in 2005 – has been set in the past 15 years so hopefully this year will see an improvement back to the standards of the past.

Entry list for the 2017 Ballycotton 10 mile road race

The entry list for the 2017 Ballycotton 10 mile road race is now available. Click HERE

Use the contact details listed there if you have any queries.

These are the largest clubs by entry...(10 or more) 

Midleton AC 120, St.Finbarrs AC 111, Eagle AC    101,  Ballintotis Fit4Life AC 99, Mallow AC 99, Watergrasshill AC 74, Kilkenny City Harriers 57, Aghada Running Club 51, Slaney Olympic AC    50, 

Leevale AC 49, Ballymore-Cobh AC    46, Grange-Fermoy AC    44, Youghal AC    44, Waterford AC    42, St. Nicholas AC    41, Sportsworld AC    40, West Waterford AC    35, Celbridge AC    34, Clonmel AC    34, Newbridge AC    33, Tallaght AC    31, Crusaders AC    30, Galtee Runners AC    30, Rosscarbery Steam Runners    30, St Abbans AC    27, An Bru AC    25, Bandon AC    25, Togher AC    25, Sliabh Bhuide Rovers AC    24, Tracton AC    24, East Cork AC    22, Carrigtwohill AC    21, Donore Harriers    20, 

Portlaoise AC    19, Raheny Shamrock AC    19, Carrick-on-Suir AC    17, Donoughmore AC    17, Clonakilty Road Runners    15, Bweeng Trail Blazers    14, Churchtown Runners    14, Carraig na bhFear AC    13, Dundrum South Dublin AC    13, St. Catherines AC    13, Rathfarnham-WSAF AC    12, Buttevant Running Club    11, Galway City Harriers AC    11, Gowran AC    11, Limerick Country Club    11, Sli Cualann AC    11, Carrigaline Road Runners    10, Croghan AC    10, Dooneen AC    10, Kilfinane AC    10, Mooreabbey Milers AC    10, West Limerick AC    10

Reminder...Ballcotton 10 entries open Wed 7th Dec

Quick reminder. The online entries for the 2017 Ballycotton 10 mile road race open today Wed 7th Dec at 2pm. Once the first 1000 are gone, the second batch will be available at 8pm.

If you are not a member of an athletics club or have not done all four of the 2016 Ballycotton Summer Series then you should enter today.

If you are a club member or have done then series, you can enter on Thursday and Friday.

Entry link is here ... https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/Ballycotton102017

Wednesday Updates :
2:09pm...Entry website is unable to handle to traffic levels. Keep trying.

2:25pm...Website back but not taking entries. Poor performance. The Primo events website  should be able to handle the traffic volume.

4:07pm...Pretty dismal performance by Primo Events. It's not like it's the London Marathon it's dealing with. They seem to cope fine with small races but can't handle a surge in traffic. The second batch of 1000 will open at 8pm and it is usually easier to get in then.

5:55pm...Update from the organisers... Following on from Primo server difficulties at 2pm, the problem now seems to be rectified and the first 1000 places have been filled.
The second allocation of 1000 will open at 8pm this evening.
All queries regarding online entries to Primo at: info@primoevents.com 

It looks as if the surge at 8pm caused problems as well.

The entry procedure is outlined in this previous post.

Entry Procedure for the 2017 Ballycotton 10

Update...Wed 7th Dec...The entry link is HERE

*****
ENTRY PROCEDURE FOR BALLYCOTTON ‘10’ 2017

The following is the entry procedure for next year’s Ballycotton ’10’ which will take
place on Sunday March 12th. Once again, numbers are limited and there will be a
combination of online and postal entries, as follows:

1) Online entries will open on Wednesday December 7th at 2pm, when the first 1,000
will be accepted. At 8pm the same evening a further 1,000 will be accepted, making
an initial online total of 2,000.

2) For Athletics Ireland and Athletics Northern Ireland affiliated members plus those who ran the four races in the Ballycotton Summer Series 2016, along with those
living overseas, an additional online facility will open on Thursday December 8th at
10am until midnight on Friday December 9th.

3) Postal entries: A PDF copy of the entry form will be published on the Ballycotton
website on the evening of Friday December 9th, and will also be available in the usual
local outlets.

All club and Summer Series entrants (see above) and overseas will be accepted by
post up to and including Friday December 16th.The first 200 non-club entries to
arrive by post will be also be added to the above. (All postal entries close on Friday
December 16th).

4) As usual, a limited number of elite entries will be available nearer the date.
Entry fee for the 2017 race is again €15 (plus booking fee of €1.05, if entering online).
No refunds (this also applies for duplicate entries) or no transfers.

Details for the 2017 Ballycotton 10 available Thurs 1st Dec

It's that time of year again! The 2017 Ballycotton 10 mile road race will be held on Sunday the 12th of March at 1:30pm.

The entry procedure(including online details and dates) will be published on the Ballycotton Running Promotions website on Thursday December 1st.

Make sure to make a note of it. Tell any friends that might be interested. You need to keep your eye on the ball with these entries as they sell out fast.

Results & Photos of the Ballycotton 10 mile road race...Sun 6th Mar 2016

The start of the 2016 Ballycotton 10 mile road race was a cold damp affair with the temperature down around 5 deg C and persistent rain before the race. Fortunately, it brightened a bit just before the start and the rain stopped for a while.

In most years, the 2000 plus runners take about 2m 30s to pass underneath the start line. This year was different however in that there was an obvious queue from the start area back up to the baggage area. There seemed to be an endless stream of runners coming out of this narrow path even when the main field was long gone. It took something like 10 minutes before the last person crossed over the start line.

Perhaps it was the new baggage area or perhaps it was people not going to the start area early because of the rain.

The race was won by runners from Cork... Mark Hanrahan of Leevale AC and Aoife Cooke of Youghal AC. This was the first time both athletes won this particular title.

One note of interest is that Aoife is coached by her aunt Mary Sweeney who won the race back in 1979.

Results...Here are the full results from the chip timing company.

If you want to see the result on one page, click HERE (Updated Wed 9th Mar)

If you want to see the results sorted by club name and area, click HERE. It might make it easier to find club mates and friends. (Updated Wed 9th Mar)


Please note that the results are still provisional. It would seem as if a number of chips weren't picked up at the start and a lot of people only have gun times. If your chip time is wrong, contact the chip timing company...  http://www.myrunresults.com/aboutus.aspx

Top 10 men
1    » Mark Hanrahan        Leevale A.C.    M    MS    9    (48:58)    49:01   
2    » Joe Sweeney        Dundrum South Dublin A.C.    M    MS    4    (49:56)    49:56   
3    » Michael Harty        East Cork A.C.    M    MS    564    (50:00)    50:00   
4    » Tim O'Donoghue        East Cork A.C.    M    MS    6    (50:22)    50:25   
5    » James McCarthy        East Cork A.C.    M    MS    5    (51:26)    51:29   
6    » Alan O'Shea        Bantry A.C.    M    MS    16    (52:00)    52:00   
7    » Tim O'Connor        An Riocht A.C.    M    MS    33    (52:52)    52:52   
8    » David Flynn        Clonliffe Harriers    M    MS    8    (53:01)    53:04   
9    » Sean McGrath        East Cork A.C.    M    MS    7    (53:12)    53:15   
10    » Barry Sheil        Longford A.C.    M    MS    801    (53:29)    53:30
Top 10 women
1    » Aoife Cooke        Youghal A.C.    F    FS    1641    (59:55)    59:57   
2    » Derval Devaney        Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.    F    F40    1111    (1:02:10)    1:02:17   
3    » Siobhan O'Doherty        Borrisokane A.C.    F    FS    12    (1:02:24)    1:02:26   
4    » Una Plant        unatt/Kinsale    F    F45    3003    (1:02:36)    1:02:43   
5    » Adrienne Jordan        Metro/St. Brigid's A.C.    F    F35    884    (1:02:55)    1:02:59   
6    » Nollaigh O'Neill        Leevale A.C.    F    F40    14    (1:03:33)    1:03:35   
7    » Joan Ennis        Grange/Fermoy A.C.    F    F50    648    (1:03:58)    1:04:00   
8    » Ann Marie Holland        Youghal A.C.    F    F40    1653    (1:04:09)    1:04:14   
9    » Karina Teahan        St. Finbarrs A.C.    F    F35    1305    (1:04:27)    1:04:29   
10    » Adele Walsh        St. Senans A.C.    F    F40    1412    (1:04:33)    1:04:37

Photos.....(Updated 21:48...7th Mar)
1) There are 100 photos of the start area on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE
2) Alan Bannon of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos HERE
3) Graham Nudds has a huge gallery of over 1000 pics HERE
4) Joe Murphy has a gallery of over 800 photos HERE
5) There is a gallery of 400+ photos at 9.3 mile mark on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE
6) Gallery of some slower runners at 9.3m mark on the Running in Cork Facebook page HERE 

Video........(Updated 13:40...7th Mar)
1) Finish line video from the chip timing company...winner up to 1h 05m...HERE
2) Another one from the chip timing company...this one is of the start line...HERE
3) Finish line video...1:05 to 1:22....HERE 

Final post for the 2016 Ballycotton 10 race

Here we go, final post of a busy week...

1) Again a reminder........you SHOULD NOT transfer your number to any other runner if you are not running.

2) Don't forget your race number....stick it on the front of your singlet / t-shirt the night before. Remember, the timing chip is built into it.

3) Get there early! Get to the car parks in the fields by 11:30am and to the start by 1:15pm. Traffic is restricted a long way away from Ballycotton and you'll be directed to an outlying car park if you are late. Road side parking is not allowed by the Gardai. Avoid disappointment...be early.

4) Ballycotton T-shirts and clothing....
They will have a wide range of Ballycotton 10 merchandise for sale in the Primary School...t-shirts, sweatshirts & hoodies.

All clothing items will be for sale in Community Hall/School beside marquee, from 10am onwards.

6) Weather Forecast...Updated Sun @10am......After a cold and dry start to Sunday, a front will cross over the country during the day. The question though is at what time will it arrive?

It seems likely that the rain will arrive well before the race start. As you can see above, as of 8am, it is already raining in West Cork. This is heading eastwards and may arrive in Ballycotton before 11am.

10am......It looks as if the rainfall may be light. Gentle rain rather than heavy downpour.It also seems to be in bands so it may not be so bad.

The forecast for a light breeze from the south-west remains the same although it may get stronger as the race goes on.

It is likely to be cold with the temperature down in single figures. If you're not running too fast then consider a long sleeve top and a hat. There should be a gentle breeze from the south-west. The hill will offer some protection in the first mile but it is likely to be felt from miles 2 to 3 and 4 to 5.5. It should be behind the runners for most of the second half.

7) Car Pooling......As the fields for parking are wet, the fewer cars that travel then the better. The chart below shows the monthly rainfall in Roches Point for the months of Nov to Feb for 2014/15, 2015/16 & 2015/6...

As you can see, the rainfall for the last three months has been exception. There was a deluge last December and the fields have hardly had time to dry out. Consider car pooling.

8) John Buckley Sports  will have a shop at the race headquarters at the school. They will have their usual special offers for Ballycotton with deep discounts off selected items....Ron Hill clothing Specials @ 50% off and Asics running shoes @40% off





......and finally here is a video clip from Fergus Meade of the start of the 2011 Ballycotton 10. You can see how narrow the road is and just how many people take part in this race...

Article by John Walshe on the Elite Line-Up for the 2016 Ballycotton '10'

BALLYCOTTON ‘10’ ELITE LINE-UP...by John Walshe

Despite the absence of Sergiu Ciobanu who would be going for a unique six-in-a-row, there is still an exciting line-up for this year’s race.  Ciobanu, of Clonliffe Harriers, has won the race every year since 2011, recording his fastest time of 48:58 in 2014.

Having achieved the Olympic Marathon qualifying standard he, like Lizzie Lee, is more than likely concentrating on the World Half-Marathon championships which take place in Cardiff in three weeks time.

Making his Ballycotton debut is Joe Sweeney of DSD who is returning from injury. Second in the 2013 Dublin Marathon in a time of 2:18:19, the 6’ 2” Sweeney finished fifth in the GloHealth National Inter-Clubs last November, making the Irish team for the Europeans. He has a 10,000m track best of 28:45.17 and is coached by former Ballycotton record holder Jerry Kiernan.

Dave Flynn from Clonliffe finished eight in the Inter-Clubs and is currently based in the United States. He is moving up in distance and this will be his first race in Ireland over five miles, although he ran 67:04 for a half-marathon in Arizona back in January.

Also making his debut in the race is Mark Hanrahan of Leevale, currently in heavy training for a spring marathon. He did run the Ballycotton ‘5’ last August where his winning time of 24:10 was the fastest recorded in that race for 20 years.

Alan O'Shea (Bantry) has been in good form on the local scene in recent weeks and finished third in the race last year, with a second place the previous year to add to his victory back in 2007.

East Cork runners James McCarthy and Tim O'Donoghue have been regular top five finishers in recent years and will be joined by their club-mate Michael Harty who has just returned from a five-week training spell at altitude in Kenya.

With course record holder Maria McCambridge and former winner Lizzie Lee absent, the best of the women should be Siobhan O'Doherty who finished first in 2014 and second both last year and 2013 (when she recorded her fasted time of 56:56).

Aoife Cooke from Youghal, winner of the National Novice C-C last December should improve on her fourth place in Ballycotton 12 months ago. Aoife is niece of Mary Sweeney who won the first women’s race at Ballycotton in 1979 and is entered again, having finished second in the F50 category last year in 68:11.

Preview & Audio description of the Ballycotton 10 course...

With the clock ticking down to the Ballycotton 10 mile road race on Sunday, you can find all the details about the course here... http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/01/cork003.html


In the clip below, John Cashman of C103 describes the course in his own words. Have a listen and refer to the map further down.