Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Preview of the Cork BHAA 'PTAA' 5 km road race......Wed 3rd Sept
This is the next race coming up on the calendar and it's the last evening race locally.

Location.......the sign on for this race is in St.Finbarr's GAA hall in Togher. As far as I know, parking is mainly on the road outside so it's limited. To get there, just remember that while it is alongside the N25 South Link road, you need to take a bit of a detour to get there. Look for signposts for Togher on the South Link road....that should bring you up onto the Tramore Road. Follow this to it's end and the GAA hall is at the end of the cul-de-sac opposite the road junction. See the link for the course map to get a better idea of where to go.


Course.....I have to admit that this is my least favourite BHAA race. It's mainly around housing estates and the roads can be busy. The start is just outside the local church. You run back towards the bridge over the South Link Road and this is probably the most serious hill of the race. After that, you're on to Clashduv Road, up a slight incline past St.Finbarr's cemetry and back in through some housing estates. At around 1.5 miles, the road drops again and the route is flat after that....you run back onto the Clashduv Road, through a small estate and the finish is along the cul-de-sac to the GAA hall.

For most of the race, you are running at the side of the road with traffic passing outside. The one bad spot can be the finish. Cars are trying to come out of the GAA hall while runners are trying to finish. Truth be told, the area really isn't suitable for a road race as there is too much traffic. I can think of nicer places to run but no doubt there will be another big turnout as it is the last evening race on the calendar.

If you want to have a closer look at the course, you can see it here at this link...http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/ireland/cork/914274435573

3 comments:

Angela said...

Hi John, I can't believe it's the last evening race!!I've really enjoyed all the events!I am new in the Cork running scene and I would like to know if there are any races in Autumn/Winter. What about cross country races? Thanks!!!

John Desmond said...

Most of the races for the rest of the year tend to be on Sundays. Most of the races in September are long ones as people get ready for the Dublin Marathon. In October, the Cross-Country season should be starting although it usually only attracts small numbers. There are still a few short races coming up in Oct-Dec but nowhere as busy as the Summer months.

Angela said...

Thank You Very Much, John!!!