Kerry...Results of the Milltown 10k race - Sun 28th Aug 2011

Looks like there was a pretty good turnout for this 10k race in Kerry with 85 runners taking part.....(the 5k race in Killarney the previous weekend got 63 runners).
The winner of the mens race by a clear margin was Ed Murphy of Gneeveguilla AC in a time of 33:18. In the womens race, Maria McCarthy won in a time of 38:05 and finished 10th overall.


The full results can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Result of the Moycarkey Coolcroo race - Fri 26th Aug 2011

This race in Two Mile Borris in Tipperary got 97 entries.

The results however have the Fit4Life and the 7km race mixed in together.

Results HERE

Photos HERE

Limerick...Results of the Kilfinane 5 mile race - Fri 26th Aug 2011

Approx 114 runners took part in this 5 mile road race in Kilfinane in south-east Limerick. The mens race was won by Jason Kiely of Olympic Harriers in a time of 25:15, some 19 seconds clear of the 2nd man home. The womens race was won by Martina Kiely of St.Finbarrs AC in a time 29:56 with a gap of just 12 seconds to the 2nd woman.

The full results can be seen HERE

The Kilfinane race was the 7th in the Ballyhoura Active Series.

The 8th and final race is the Charleville Half-Marathon coming up on Sunday, the 18th of September.

Details HERE

Limerick...Preview of the Kilfinane 5 mile race - Fri 26th Aug 2011

The Kilfinane 5 mile road race is the 7th race in the Ballyhoura Active Series. Located in the south-east of county Limerick, it is within easy access and is just 15 kms or so east of Charleville and the N20 Cork-Limerick road. If you are coming from Limerick City then turning off the N20 north of Charleville and going via Kilmallock is probably the best option. If you are coming from Cork then turn off at Ballyhea and go via Ardpatrick.

If you are coming from the west side of Kilfinane then you should pass the finish line outside the Centra shop.......

....and then take the next right and the hall is up the road on the left.
Entries.........the entry fee is €10.The race starts at 7pm with registration opening at 5.30pm at the Maple Ballroom across from the soccer pitch at Barrack Street, Kilfinane.
From the organisers..."The course has received a Licence from Athletics Ireland and has been officially measured using the Jones Counter method. Race entry is €10 for runners and €5 for walkers. There will be freshments served after the race in the Maple Ballroom with the prize giving taking place on a stage in the centre of the town from 8.30pm. The prizes include the overall top 3 male and female finishers and also the first male for the over 40, 50, 60 age category and the first female over 35, 45, 55 age categories."

Course........Basically, the route goes out in a south-easterly direction on a road heading towards Mitchelstown and  it is slightly uphill. You then return on a minor road going gradually downhill.
The race starts near the centre of the town and the hall where you register.

The photo above near the 1 mile mark is typical of this part of the route. There is a forest and hill on the right hand side of the road. The road twists and turns as it makes it's way gradually uphill. On the left, there is a view of the valley below and you can see the other parallel road where you head back towards Kilfinane.

This is the road junction around the 2.4 mile mark where you turn onto the minor road and head downhill again. This is a lovely quiet country road and there should be little if any traffic. As the slope is gradually downhill, the next 1.5 miles should be very fast.

Around the 4 mile mark, there is a slight climb again before you continue the gradual decent into Kilfinane....

Straight through the crossroads with the grotto to the next T-junction, turn left and then the final sting in the tail...

...the last climb to the finish line outside the local Centra shop.
Overall.....Considering that the hills are gradual and there is plenty of fast downhill running as well, you might expect to post a reasonably fast time over this 5 mile course. The trick is to keep things nice and steady for the first 2.4 miles and keep something in reserve for the second half.

Kerry...Results of the RunKerryRun 5k race - Sat 20th Aug 2011

It seems there was a bit of a problem with this race in Killarney as it was started in the wrong spot and ended up 300 metres too long. So, if you set a 5k personal best time then well done!! ;o)

A total of 63 runners took part. The results can be seen HERE

A selection of photos can be seen HERE

Waterford...Results of The Island Run 5k - Sun 21st Aug 2011

There was a reasonably big turnout of 333 runners for this 5 k race to the east of Waterford City.

The full results in PDF format can be seen HERE

Waterford...Results of the Ballinameela 5 mile - Fri 19th Aug 2011

This 5 mile road race in west Waterford attracted a field of 79 runners, much the same as the two previous years (2009 = 79, 2010 = 84)

The full results can be seen in PDF format HERE

Preview of the Dingle Half & Full Marathon...Sat 3rd Sept 2011

With just a few days left until the closing date on the 24th of August, it might be an idea to look ahead and see what this course is really like.

Starting in the town of Dingle, both Half and Full Marathon runners run on the road west towards Ventry. While the roads are closed, it can be a little congested for the first mile or so until the field begins to thin out.

While there are no big hills for the intial few miles, there are plenty of small hills like the one below...

This is typical of the roads in the area......narrow with the hedgerows of Fuchsia due to the mild climate. As you head west, you will catch sight of Mount Eagle way off in the distance.

Around 3 miles, Ventry harbour comes into view...

After Ventry, the road heads south-west and begins to climb around the 6 mile mark. By the time you hit 7 miles, you are on a coastal road well above the sea. This is the view around 7 miles looking back over Dingle Bay and the Iveragh peninsula to the south...

This is one of the main attractions of this race, especially for the Half-Marathon. Here with the coastal road so high above the sea, you have more or less uninterrupted views all of the way to the finish of  the Half in Dunquin.

From here, the road rises and falls a bit but there are no serious hills. At around 10 miles, you approach Slea Head...

...and the Blasket Islands beyond come into view. Once you get around the corner, the views are equally spectacular...

For the Half-Marathon runners, the finish awaits them in Dunquin with a bus to transport them back to Dingle.

As Half-Marathons go, it's probably not the fastest but then again, most people don't come to Dingle to try and run a record time. In terms of scenery, it is easily the most scenic route in Ireland.

For the Full Marathon runners, they continue on and start the second half with a long climb out of Dunquin. If you have a target time in mind then you will probably lose some time here.

Pretty soon, you start changing direction as you head back east towards Dingle. Around 17 miles, Mount Brandon and the Three Sisters on the coast are clearly visible as you approach Ballyferriter.

For the next few miles, there are plenty of straight flat sections with the occasional small climb.

As you get near 21 miles, there is an out and back section of road to make up the correct Marathon distance. You run out this road, around a point and return again. As you can see, it is mostly flat.

Once you re-join the main road, you begin the toughest part of the race.....the long hill up to the 23.3 mile mark.

Once you go over the highest point, it's downhill all the ways to Dingle and the finish line...

Overall, it is certainly not a fast Marathon course but in terms of a setting for a Marathon, it's hard to beat. It is a complete contrast to say the usual city Marathon and on a national basis, it is probably the most scenic Marathon in Ireland.

More details on entries can be found on an earlier post.

Tipperary...Results of the Clonmel Half-Marathon - Sun 21st Aug 2011

A total of 316 turned out for this Half-Marathon in Clonmel, SE Tipperary, just 2 up on the 2010 figure of 314. It was described to me as follows..."a tough course with hilly opening two miles, and another long drag mile 9.5 through 11. They changed course from last year. In between a few nice fast and flat miles."
The mens race was won by Brian Leahy of Raheny Shamrocks in 74:44 while the womens race was won by Angela McCann of local club Clonmel AC in 81:28.

Half Marathon Winners Brian Leahy of Raheny Shamrock AC and Angela McCann of Clonmel AC

 with John Cooney (center) R&D Director Boston Scientific (Photo by Tipperary Photo)

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos.........
1) Here is a small gallery of small photos by Tipperary Photos HERE
2) A large gallery of 349 photos HERE
I understand there was some problem with the results early on but were later fixed. Did you attend? What did you think of the race? Click on the comment link below...

Limerick...Results of the Delta Soccer Dome 5 mile - Thurs 18th Aug 2011

This was the 8th and final race in the highly successful Feet on the Street race series in Limerick City.

The full results can be found HERE

Photos.......there is a gallery of 172 photos HERE

One week left for Dingle Half & Full Marathon entries...

The final closing date for entries to the 2011 Dingle Half and Full Marathon (Sat 3rd Sept) is now just one week away (Wed 24th Aug 2011). The orgainsers have released the following info recently.....


Ray Darcy from Today FM recently presented his show from Dingle and as many of you will know, Ray is a keen runner himself and takes part in lots of running events. While there, Ray ran the Half-Marathon course with race organiser Ken Dunne.

Newstalk..........This Friday, 19th August, the Tom Dunne Show on Newstalk will broadcast live from Killarney and the Dingle Marathon will feature at 10.50am.


Pacers.....There will be pacers for various target times in the Half and Full Marathon. In the Half-Marathon, there will be pacers for 1:30, 1:45 and 2:00. In the full, there will be pacers for 3:30, 4:00 and 4:30. In most events like this, the pacers will run at an even pace with the aim to finish just ahead of the target time according to the chip timing. In the full, it's likely that they may build up a small cushion before the hill near the end but essentially, it's a steady even pace all the way.

Accommodation.....From the organisers...."Most of Dingle town itself is full at this stage but plenty of availability exists outside of this. Roads are not closed until 8.45AM so you will have plenty of time to get in to town. Ventry, Ballydavid, Dunquin, Ballyferriter, Lispole, Annascaul etc all still have plenty to offer and its great value!"

It's easy to underestimate the impact that an event like the Dingle Marathon has on an area like Dingle. In September, the tourist numbers are dropping away rapidly and the influx of runners on the Marathon weekend give a welcome boost to many businesses in the region....no bad thing in the current climate.

Charity..........The official partner charity for the Marathon is Blue September . The newspaper cutting on the left is from the Evening Echo.

Race Packs.......Race packs will not be sent out until the end of August. This applies to Irish addresses only. Non Irish addresses will be available for collection in Dingle on the Friday evening.

Tech Top.......Details in an earlier post
More details with pictures and links in this earlier post HERE

Looking ahead to the Charleville Half-Marathon on 18th Sept 2011

This is a notice for another race coming up in September...the Charleville Half-Marathon and Relay in north Cork on Sunday, the 18th of September 2011 (10am start).

This is a brand new race on the calendar which is organised by North Cork AC. Located roughly halfway between Cork and Limerick, it will most likely attract plenty of runners from both cities. This race might be of special interest to runners in Limerick City as Charleville is only a 35-40 minute drive.

More details on the Running in Cork website

Waterford...Results of the Alan Everett Woodstown 5 mile race - Sat 13th Aug 2011

A total of 143 runners turned out for this 5 mile road race near Waterford City, roughly the same as the figure for 2010 (140).

The full results are HERE

Limerick...Kilfinane 5 mile race - Fri 26th Aug 2011

The 7th race in the Ballyhoura Active Series is coming up in the village of Kilfinane on Friday, the 26th of August at 7pm.

Located in the south-east  of county Limerick, it is within easy reach of runners in South Tipperary and North Cork as well.

More details with a course preview closer to the date...

Kerry...Milltown Family Fest 10k - Sun 28th Aug 2011

This 10k race is coming up on Sunday, the 28th of August 2011 in Milltown, Co.Kerry

Milltown is within easy reach of Killarney, Tralee and Killorglin.

Registration is at the local Community Hall which is just off the main street.
Athletics Ireland race licence via Gneeveguilla AC.

Further info from the organisers.......
Refreshments will be served in the hall after the race...tea, sandwiches and home baking, Parking available outside the hall, church car park and also a car park near the start line. The prize categories are overall 1st 2nd and 3rd (ladies and men) also O35's and O50's. Also slightly more unusual categories of "first local home" and "best dressed" also up for grabs!!

Limerick...Results of the Kilteely 5 mile race - Sat 13th Aug 2011

There was a modest turnout of 76 runners and 22 walkers for this race in east Limerick. The winner of the mens race was Jason Fahy of Olympic Harriers in a time of 25:40, an excellent time over what was a challenging course. The first woman home was Sinead O'Connor of Leevale AC in a time of 32:46.

"76 runners and 22 walkers completed the 5 mile event- up from last years event.  Top runners were out to race.  Organisers provided registration and refreshments at the Teach in Cloverfield and Ballyhoura Active supported Event 6 in the Ballyhoura series.
Well done to Larry O'Grady and all the committee on a great event.........Rosemary Ryan, Bilboa AC"


The full results can be seen HERE

The next race in the Ballyhoura Active Series is coming up on Friday, the 26th of August at 7pm in Kilfinane.

Waterford...Results of the Ardmore 5 mile race - Fri 12th Aug 2011

There was a slight drop in numbers this year with 193 turning out for this 5 mile race in Ardmore, west Waterford (2009-238, 2010-205). The first man home was Frank Quinlan of Waterford AC in a time of 26:20 while Corinna Walsh of West Waterford AC was the first woman in 31:02.

The full results can be seen HERE

Limerick - Preview of the Kilteely 5 mile race - Sat 13th Aug 2011

The Kilteely 5 mile road race is coming up on Saturday, the 13th of August. It starts at 7 pm and is the 6th race in the Ballyhoura Active Series.
The race does not take place in the village of Kilteely itself but a few kms away in the north west of the parish. For anyone living in Limerick City, it is only a 25 minute drive so it is very easy to get to. The race is just a few kms to the south-west of Dromkeen on the N24 Limerick to Tipperary road...

If you are coming from the Limerick City side into Dromkeen then turn right after the Maxol garage. Then just keep on this road. At the first junction, you will be joining the race route. Keep going......past Dromkeen Church.......and at the T-junction, turn right and the race headquarters is just there.

Details....Race starts at 7pm........Entry fee €10........Prizes for the top 3 men and women.......Prizes for 1st in each of the usual categories......Athletics Ireland Licence.....Organised in association with Bilboa AC.......Accurate and certified 5 mile course measured by Jones Counter.......Spot Prizes.......Tea & Refreshments afterwards.

Race HQ is at An Teach Community Centre, Cloverfield. (Signposted from Dromkeen)

There is also a 5 mile walk (entry €5) which starts at 6:30pm. There are separate spot prizes for walkers.

Course...RThe course is basically on narrow quiet country roads over a large 5 mile loop. There are a number of hills along the route so there is plenty of uphill and downhill running.

The start is just a few hundred metres up the road from the registration point. You run back towards the school, over the small bridge and then left at the junction. The first main hill comes around 0.8 miles. Nothing too serious but enough to slow the pace.

You pass Dromkeen Parish Church at ~1.3 miles, staying left on all road junctions. Around the 1.8 mile mark, you pass an old ruined church...

This picture shows the typical type of roads and hills out along the route. Nothing too serious but plenty of small little drags.

But of course, it's not all uphill! There are plenty of downhill stretches like this straight section starting at the 2 mile mark.

Shown above....The road junction at 2.8 miles.

The hardest section of the course is the 4th mile. Starting at the 3 mile mark, the road begins to climb...

After a long climb, the road flattens out and drops again. This will no doubt probably be the slowest mile of the whole race.

The start of the 5th mile is on  a tough hill. It lasts for approx 400m until you turn the corner at a sharp bend. After that, it's mostly flat or downhill all the ways to the finish near the school....tough start, fast finish.

Overall....Possibly not the fastest of 5 mile courses but with it's proximity to Limerick City and the quiet country roads, it should attract a reasonable turnout.

Tipperary...Results of the County 10 mile road championships - Wed 10th Aug 2011

A small turnout of just 61 runners for this one......54 men and just 7 women.

Results HERE

Tipperary...Results of the Clogheen 5k race - Thurs 28th July 2011

Just catching on some results.........this 5k race in Clogheen. Co.Tipp got 159 runners.

The full results are available in PDF format HERE

Limerick...Results of the Vistakon 4 mile race - Thurs 11th Aug 2011

This was the 7th race of 8 in the Feet on the Street race series in Limerick City and attracted a large turnout of 221 runners.

The mens race was won by Michael Shannon of Kilnaboy AC in a time of 20:57. The ladies race was won by Sharon Rynne in 25:48.

The full results can be seen HERE
The 8th and final race in the series is on Thursday Aug 18th at 7pm on an out and back course...

Details..........Grand Final Limerick Sports Partnership 5M Run, Delta Soccer Dome – Ballysimon
Flat and fast course on an out & back loop from Delta towards Tipperary road- turning right on country road toward the Kilmallock Rd and turning point at 2.5miles.  Parking, showers and changing facilities at Delta Soccer Dome.
Grand Final- prizes and presentation of City of Sport souvenir TShirts for participants in 5 of the 8 events in Feet on the Street, courtesy of Shannon Development and Limerick European City of Sport 2011.

Other Limerick Races........The Kilteely 5 mile road race is coming up on Saturday, the 13th of August. It starts at 7 pm and is the 6th race in the Ballyhoura Active Series. The race is just a few kms to the south-west of Dromkeen on the N24 Limerick to Tipperary road and is only about 25 mins by car from the city. More details HERE

Technical top for the Dingle Half & Full Marathon...

The organisers of the Dingle Marathon have just released a photo showing what the technical top for the Half and Full Marathon will look like.

Looks like a big improvement on the original white cotton t-shirts of previous years.

For those of you interested, the Dingle Half and Full Marathon is coming up on Saturday, the 3rd of September and the closing date is Wednesday, the 24th of August. More details about this event in an earlier post HERE