Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland

Friday, December 26, 2008

Preview of the Bandon 5 mile road race - Sun 28th Dec (2pm)
The race...This year, the sign on for this race IS NOT in the Bandon GAA grounds. Entries are taken at the Old Still pub near the Mart which is over near the finish line. Assuming that you are coming from Cork, look for signposts left before you get to the 1st roundabout on the main road into the town. See the X on the map below.

The course...The start is about half a mile away near the top of the relief road. Just follow the other runners to the start. The start and 1st mile is mostly downhill or flat. Then you run through the town until you turn left and go past the GAA club. Here the hard work starts. There is a good climb after the 2 mile mark until you turn off left. Nothing too serious but enough to make you go into oxygen debt if you push too hard. Once you turn off, you are on some nice quiet country roads until the finish. So, overall, it is probably not the fastest of courses but it's not too bad. Just remember to keep something in the tank for the 2nd half after the long hill at 2 miles.

If you want to have a closer look at the course, I have put it up on the MapMyRun website. The link is HERE.
You will find a race flyer HERE.

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