Thursday, April 16, 2009

Races in Munster - Thurs 16th & Fri 17th

Thurs 16th....There is the Castlemartyr 4 mile road race in east Cork at 8pm. There is a preview of this on the Running in Cork website.


Friday 17th.....Preview of the 10 km 'Marine Climb' Road Race - Fri 18th Apr 7pm
I did this race several years ago. From what I remember, the sign on and start is right in the middle of the town of Dungarvan itself. The race heads back out out of the town along the main road towards Cork. It then swings off left for Ring. Soon, the 'climb' part starts in the race as you slowly work your way uphill through a series of country roads. I remember when I did it, I was waiting for the turn off back towards the town as we seemed to be constantly running away from Dungarvan. When I got to about 4 miles, I began to have to wonder if we were ever going to make our way back. In fact, you don't!! I had assumed that the 'Marine Climb' was a hilly loop course near the sea. In fact, it's a point to point race and the 'Marine' part refers to the '
Marine Bar' at the top of the hill on the Cork/Dungarvan road where the finish is.
As it turned out, someone very kindly gave me a lift back to Dungarvan but keep it in mind if you doing it. I don't think there are any buses or anything like that. It's up to you to make your own way back to Dungarvan.
With the hills, it's certainly not a course for fast times but most of the race is on quiet country roads.


The following information is from the West Waterford AC website...
Race one in the Ger Wyley Sports/Nike Summer Series.
17th Annual Marine Climb
A 6 mile road race comprising of an A to B course, beginning in the town of Dungarvan and finishing at the Marine Bar, Ring.
Entries taken at St. Joseph's Primary School, close to the Parish church in the town.
Entry fee is €8 and the race is open to all athletes.
The race begins at 7 p.m.
Refreshments and prize-giving in the Marine Bar after the race.
Prizes:
Men: 1st three Senior men, Ist O/40, O/45, O/50, O/55 and O/60 plus first Junior.
Ladies: 1st three Senior,1st O/35, O/40, O/45, O/50, O/55 plus first junior.
Teams: First 3 teams (5 to score) Mixed teams chosen from entries
If travelling with a friend or two, it's a good idea to travel in two cars. Before the race, leave one car at the Marine and then travel into town to enter. That way, you will have a car to bring you back to the town. There will be a few cars heading back that direction so you won't be stuck.
Course Record: James Sullivan, Waterford A.C 30.20 (1995)

No comments: