Weather forecast for the Dungarvan 10 - Sun 1st Feb

With 24 hours to go, the weather forecast is now more accurate. It now looks like it might be a nice day after all. Dry and bright but very cold, in fact a bit like last year. The prediction is that a weak cold front will cross over early on the day. The temperature will down around 4-5 deg C and there is likely to be a strong easterly breeze coming in off the sea. This may be a factor in the 2nd half of the race as you run back towards the town. The main impact however is that it is likely to feel very cold on the day.

Met Eireann predict the following..."Tomorrow will be cold and mainly dry, with sunny spells. Remaining rain in the west will clear early in the morning and a few wintry showers will affect eastern coastal areas as the day progresses. Top temperatures will range from 3 to 7 degrees and fresh to strong easterly winds will make it feel a lot colder."

Current best guess.......bright, dry but very cold when you are exposed to the wind.

Waterford...Preview of the Dungarvan 10 Mile Road Race - Sun 1st Feb 2009 (1pm)

It is important to note that there are some major changes for the race this year. While the 10 mile course is essentially the same, the start and finish lines have been moved. In addition, they have a new race centre this year. In previous years, they used the Crystal Sports centre on the Western side of the town. This year, they will be using the Dungarvan Sports Centre which is behind St.Mary's parish church. See map below.


Parking.......They will be diverting all traffic "from all directions" in a one way from the N25 at the Youghal roundabout on Cork road and it will be very well sign posted from there to the Dungarvan Sports Centre. There will be limited parking there and they will also use other car parks around the town which will be signposted on the day. On the point of parking, you might also consider trying to car pool on the day. The fewer cars that turn up, the better.


Entries........If you have pre-entered for this race, you should receive a letter (Tues-Thurs) with your race number and a timing chip for your shoe. You should collect your goody bag and race shirt before the race at the Sports Centre. If you are entering on the day, the cost is €20. Please note that while the race starts at 1pm, they will stop taking entries at 12:15pm.


Race Headquarters.........Everything is at the Dungarvan Sports Centre. They will have the mens changing in the main centre. The Ladies changing is the boxing club which is part of the same sports centre building. They will have a Help Desk at the centre if you have any questions.

'Taay' and sandwiches after the race will be served at the sports centre hall where the presentation of prizes will also be held.


Course.........The start is very close to the sports centre. The start consists of a short loop before you head out West again towards the bypass. At around the 2 mile mark near the garage, you will be back on more familiar ground as you pass the old starting point near the Crystal Sports Centre. At the next roundabout, you turn off left onto quieter roads. This is the start of a short loop until you come back to a main road again at 3 miles. Not long after this you come to the 1st of 3 water stations which are marked as 'W' on the map above. Another few hundred metres and you start on what is the nicest part of the course. The next few miles are on nice quiet country roads and there is some great running here. At around the 5.4 mile mark, you take a sharp turn left and it's a good spot to check out who is ahead of and behind you. Right at the junction at 6 miles and at around 6.5 miles, there is the only real significant downhill section of the course. At the end of the hill, you turn left and then, it's pretty flat for the next 1.5 miles until you rejoin the main Cork-Waterford road at about 8.25 miles. Even though it's a busy road, the hard shoulder is pretty wide. There is a bit of uphill running here but it's very gradual and nothing serious.


As you get close to the finish, you will approach the main roundabout at the entrance to the town. Note that the hard shoulder gets very narrow here so watch the traffic. Just after the roundabout, the finish is just around the next left turn. Overall, a reasonably flat 10 mile course and one where you can post a fast time.

If you want to examine the course in more detail, you can see it on the MapMyRun website.


MP3 players and iPods.......Note that these are banned!! You will be running on public roads and they will not be closed.







Tomorrow, I'll have a look at the weather as we get a bit closer to the day.

Waterford...Dungarvan 10 introduction

The 2nd race in the Munster Ten-Mile Spring Classics Series kicks off next Sunday, the 1st of February with the Dungarvan 10 mile road race in West Waterford. Over the next few days, we'll have a look at this race in a series of posts covering the introduction today, a preview on Wednesday and a look ahead to the all important weather forecast on Thursday.

Race numbers.......The numbers running in this race have grown every year for the last few years but have really taken off in the last 2 years.

Stats........2004 = 328, 2005 = 405, 2006 = 427, 2007 = 516 and 2008 = 699.

For the race this year, they already have 627 pre-entries (422 men, 205 women). With a large number of runners expected to enter on the day, there is little doubt that they will get a record entry. The big question really is which side of the 1,000 mark will they end up with. Whatever the figure is, it will be a huge turnout for a race that attracted 'only' 328 runners 5 years ago.

Please note that pre-entries are now closed. If you are interested in running next Sunday, you can enter on the day and the cost will be €20.

Tomorrow, I'll do a preview of the race itself so you can see what the course is like.

Waterford...Results of the 'Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup' - Sun 25thJan 2009

This was an unusal race in that the winner was the person that was closest to their predicted time and it was run off road in Colligan Woods.

The results can be seen HERE and a race report can be seen HERE.

Waterford...Colligan Woods 5 Mile Race - Sun 25th Jan 09 (2pm)

The 21st Annual 'Kiely Monumental' Colligan Cup takes place next Sunday, the 25th of January at 2pm. The distance is 5 miles and note that it is off road on forest tracks. The event takes place in Colligan Wood which is a few kms to the North-West of Dungaravn in West Waterford.

Race details........21st Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup
Open Juvenile 2km handicap event at 1.30 pm. (One flat lap of the wood)
Open Senior 5 mile handicap event at 2 p.m. (3.5 laps of the flat wood circuit)
This race is also based on a handicap system whereby each runner predicts his/her time for the distance. No watches allowed and the winner is the first person nearest to their predicted time.
Entry fee on race day is 8 euros. Special prize this year to celebrate the 21st edition of the event will be a draw among all participants for a weekend away in Kenmare Co.Kerry.
Race 1 in Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series 2009. Entry to the series is 7 euros.
Take the R672 out of Dungarvan for Clonmel. After 3 miles approx, take a right for Colligan Wood. Race signs will be in place.

Limerick...Talk on Prevention and Management of Hamstring Injuries...Thurs 22nd Jan

"A Public Information Evening on the Prevention and Management of Hamstring Injury
The inaugural public lecture of the mid-western branch of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists focus on hamstring injury in sport, and discuss what is currently recommended in the prevention and management of hamstring injury. The speaker will be Kieran O’Sullivan, Chartered Physiotherapist, and lecturer at the University of Limerick. It is expected that the talk will be of interest to many different groups, including physiotherapists, doctors, strength and conditioning trainers, personal trainers, coaches and athletes themselves. There will be time provided at the end of the talk for questions.
Attendance at the talk is free, and no advance booking is required.
Location: Health Sciences Building, University of Limerick.
Date: Thursday January 22nd, 7pm-8.30.in the Health Sciences Building at the University of Limerick."

Results of the Munster Cross Country Championships - Sun 18th Jan 2009

The Munster Cross Country Championships took place on Sunday, the 18th of January in Dungarvan, West Waterford on what must have been cold and windy conditions. The full results are now available HERE.

Waterford...Over 600 now pre-registered for the Dungarvan 10

At the Mallow 10 yesterday, West Waterford AC took in another 250 entires for their 10 mile race coming up on the 1st of February. This brings the total of pre-registered entries up close to 600. With 3 weeks to go, it's almost certain that they will get a record turnout on the day.


Press release from West Waterford AC...



Sponsor Mr Mel Shanley Quantum Life Ireland presents Pascal Proctor with number 'one' for the upcoming Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race. Pascal was the very first entry received on line at www.westwaterfordathletics.org for the event on Sunday February 1st at 1pm
QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE ENTRIES REACH 500
Time is "running" out for those interested in pre registering for the upcoming Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race on Sunday February 1st at 1PM. The online entry system is proving very popular with well over half ofthose registered to-date using this system, you can also of course use our postal entry system to enter and entry forms can be down load from our clubweb site www.westwaterfordathletics.org It's 15 Euro to pre register and 20 Euro to enter if you leave it until the day of the race. ( please note on the day entries close strictly at 12.15 AM) All postal entries can be sent to Ann Dunford, The Green, Kilgobnet, Dungarvan Co. Waterford. We make a final appeal to all local runners to get your entry to Ann on or before Wednesday night feb 21st at the Winter league, The race as well as being the second race in the Michael Roche carpets spring series is also race number two in the John Buckley Sports sponsored Munster 10 mile classic series. All finishers of the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 will receive the now famous West Waterford AC goody bag, plus a quality long sleeved running top will be awarded to all entrant's, shower facilities will be available at the Dungarvan sports center at back of St.Marys Parish church in the town centre, Presentation of prizes will take place at the sports centre where teas and sandwiches will also be provided. The course used for this race taking in the Canal circuit is regarded as one of the fastest10-mile courses in the country. If it's your first attempt at a 10 miler or if personal best's are your goal this race is the one for you, over a fast course at the classic 10-mile distance. The event organisers were delighted some time ago to announce a brand new sponsor of the event in the guise of Quantum Life Ireland and West Waterford athletic club are indeed delighted and thankful to Mr Mel Shanley of Quantum Life Ireland for coming on board to lend their financial support for the event and we thank them for doing so, with this in mind we must not let the opportunity go without thanking our local Dungarvan Town Council for their added support with this event. This year's race will see substantial cash prizes for the top runners with the first Lady and Man getting 400 Euro each plus 250 to the first athlete to break either course records, There is a huge array of cash prizes on offer in all categories and all is now set for what will be the biggest 10 mile road race ever held in Co. Waterford."The Quantum Life Dungarvan 10" get your entry in today.

Munster Ten-Mile Spring Classics Series

With the new year now underway, it's time to look at one of the major running series on the road racing calendar locally. The Munster Ten-Mile Spring Classics Series consists of 4 ten mile road races.....the Mallow 10 in January, the Dungarvan 10 in Ferbruary, the Ballycotton 10 in March and the Kilnaboy 10 in Co.Clare in April. For anyone interested in doing the Cork City Marathon in June, this series is an excellent way to get ready for that event.

More details on the series can be found HERE.

The series starts next Sunday, the 11th of January 2009 in Mallow. More details on the Running in Cork website.

Tipperary...Charity Mountain Running Event - Sun 11th Jan 2009

The main event in Munster next Sunday is of course the Mallow 10 mile road race. If however you are not doing it, you might consider this charity event. Not exactly road running ;o) but Slievenamon is a stunning spot on a clear day. Here is the info as sent to me.......

"A new year, a new mountain-running season! And what better way to start things off than with a charity race up and down Slievenamon. This mountain is in County Tipperary and stands near Clonmel at 721 metres (the race will climb only 591 metres of that!). Situated at the western end of a range of low hills , Slievenamon is a striking conical mass, offering a dramatic view from the top over the counties of Tipperary , Kilkenny and Waterford .

The mountain has its fair share of Irish legends . The mountain is said to have got its name from the ancient fairy women or Feimhin , who enchanted a warrior named Fionn mac Cumhaill and his followers. Another legend tells how Fionn decided to choose his bride from a group of women racing to the top to meet him sitting at the top of Slievenamon. The first to reach the summit was Gráinne , a figure who would become notorious in Irish folklore because of her exploits with the hero Diarmuid .

So if you are a would-be Gráinne or a wanna-be Fionn, now’s your chance – on Sunday 11 th January at 1:00pm, an 8km race for charity and organized by the Munster Region of the Irish Mountain Running Association takes place. The course starts in the picturesque village of Kilcash near Clonmel . For more information contact Tom Blackburn on 087 6994976 - he cannot guarantee any proposals or engagements but is committed to organising a safe and enjoyable event!

Mountain Running, also known as "hill running" or "fell running" is a sport which keeps growing every year. It caters for every type of runner from fun runner to dedicated international athletes. Races can vary from 3 to 44 kilometres and are run over of a variety of terrains from forest tracks to rough open mountain sides but all include a large elements of climb. Most races, but not all, involve running up and down, the down section is the specialised bit. Improvement and confidence comes with experience and the correct footwear. The only specialised equipment you need is the footwear. Normal road running shoes are not suitable for descending. A good idea is to come along to a race with whatever shoes you have, take it easy coming down and ask the regulars to see their shoes. Most runners use fell running shoes, these have rubber studs. A popular brand of these are "Walshes" or "Inov-8s" and are most commonly bought on-line but try someone else's first for size as they can be narrower than other shoes. Trail running shoes are becoming very popular. They are a compromise between grip and shock absorption. Salomon, Asics, PUMA, and Adidas do good trail shoes. Under good conditions mountain running is done in shorts and a flow top but race organisers can insist on full body protection and/or waterproofs. For more information on mountain running and upcoming events see the> Irish Mountain Running Association website at http://www.imra.ie/ "

Kerry...Results of the Beaufort 10k - 1st Jan 2009

2009 got off to a good start in Kerry with almost 100 runners taking part in the Beaufort 10k on the 1st of January, an increase of roughly 50% on the numbers last year. Printed below are the race results thanks to John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions and a race report by Donal O'Donoghue.

Charles O'Shea Memorial Cup - 21st BEAUFORT '10K'- Thursday 1 January 2009
Place Time Name Team Race Age Category min/mile
1 0:32:25 MURPHY, Cian Iveragh AC M 05:12.9 43 1
2 0:32:44 CASEY, Desmond Millstreet AC M 05:16.0 33 2
3 0:35:28 WAUGH, George Rising Sun AC M 05:42.4 4 3
4 0:35:36 COAKLEY, Donal Togher AC M 05:43.6 30 4
5 0:36:11 DE BURCA, Cosmas Rising Sun AC M 05:49.3 6 5
6 0:36:22 O'SHEA, Patrick Iveragh AC M55 05:51.0 75 6
7 0:36:47 MCMAHON, Mark West Muskerry AC M 05:55.1 23 7
8 0:36:49 O'SHEA, Michael Iveragh AC M45 05:55.4 74 8
9 0:36:55 MURPHY, Humphrey Riocht AC M45 05:56.3 21 9
10 0:37:25 MANGAN, Simon Gneeveguilla AC M 06:01.2 52 10
11 0:37:49 SHEEHAN, Tom Bandon AC M40 06:05.0 50 11
12 0:38:08 O'CALLAGHAN, David Eagle AC M40 06:08.1 12 12
13 0:38:17 MCGRATH, Sean Dundrum AC M 06:09.5 7 13
14 0:38:40 MURPHY, Fergal Iveragh AC M 06:13.2 44 14
15 0:38:50 LYNCH, Brendan Gneeveguilla AC M 06:14.9 17 15
16 0:38:54 CARROLL, Denis Eagle AC M45 06:15.5 76 16
17 0:39:06 JOY, Brendan Gneeveguilla AC MJ 06:17.4 98 17
18 0:39:12 FITZGERALD, Tom West Limerick AC M45 06:18.4 55 18
19 0:39:16 MCMAHON, Conor West Muskerry AC M40 06:19.0 22 19
20 0:39:25 BUBENDORFER, Thomas Killorglin M 06:20.5 70 20
21 0:39:33 CAHILLANE, Sean Gneeveguilla AC M 06:21.8 38 21
22 0:39:44 MAHONY, Tomas West Waterford AC M 06:23.5 54 22
23 0:39:55 FINN, Michelle Duhallow AC F 06:25.3 41 23
24 0:40:01 DUNPHY, John Midleton AC M 06:26.3 15 24
25 0:40:05 O'DRISCOLL, John Rising Sun AC M50 06:26.9 5 25
26 0:40:21 CLIFFORD, Cathal Killorglin MJ 06:29.5 60 26
27 0:40:28 SWEENEY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 06:30.6 28 27
28 0:41:02 MAHONY, Maire Dungarvan F 06:36.1 53 28
29 0:41:15 KELLEHER, Denis Midleton AC M40 06:38.2 16 29
30 0:41:29 BURKE, Marion St. Marys AC F35 06:40.4 1 30
31 0:41:46 MURPHY, Brian Beaufort M 06:43.2 79 31
32 0:42:10 O'CONNOR, Michael Farranfore-Maine Valley AC M55 06:47.0 20 32
33 0:42:27 MURPHY, Seamus Milltown M 06:49.8 66 33
34 0:42:38 O'MEARA, Patrick Firies M 06:51.5 77 34
35 0:42:44 HEALY, Brian Midleton AC M45 06:52.5 10 35
36 0:43:01 SHINE, Donie Duhallow AC M50 06:55.2 95 36
37 0:43:28 BENSON, Aidan Farranfore-Maine Valley AC M40 06:59.6 37 37
38 0:43:34 DENNEHY, Anthony Star Of The Laune M 07:00.5 9 38
39 0:43:42 HORGAN, Ger Kenmare M 07:01.8 87 39
40 0:43:44 O'SHEA, Cormack Beaufort M40 07:02.2 69 40
41 0:43:51 MCCARTHY, Tim Killorglin M50 07:03.3 78 41
42 0:44:23 TANNER, Paul Kenmare M 07:08.4 84 42
43 0:44:33 MANGAN, Ann Star Of The Laune F45 07:10.0 91 43
44 0:44:37 GYVES, Paddy Mallow AC M60 07:10.7 56 44
45 0:44:51 WALSHE, John East Cork AC M55 07:12.9 11 45
46 0:44:55 MURPHY, Mary St. Finbarrs AC F45 07:13.6 27 46
47 0:45:02 GALBRAITH, John Beaufort M 07:14.7 71 47
48 0:45:09 KELLEHER, Brendan Killarney M45 07:15.8 96 48
49 0:45:21 BREEN, Micheal Beaufort M 07:17.8 29 49
50 0:45:37 WHYTE, Robert Riocht AC M 07:20.3 83 50
51 0:45:47 O'SHEA, Mick Duhallow AC M45 07:21.9 13 51
52 0:45:49 O'SHEA, Ian Beaufort M 07:22.3 92 52
53 0:45:51 FOLEY, Tony Killorglin M40 07:22.6 94 53
54 0:45:54 O'KELLY, Aidan Tralee Harriers M45 07:23.1 26 54
55 0:45:55 MCCARTHY, Fergus Farranfore M 07:23.2 93 55
56 0:46:02 BRENNAN, Michael Ballincollig M45 07:24.4 62 56
57 0:46:21 FINN, Mary Millstreet AC F45 07:27.4 39 57
58 0:46:22 MURRAY, Jimmy Rising Sun AC M60 07:27.6 19 58
59 0:46:24 O'NEILL, Martin Fossa M40 07:27.9 89 59
60 0:46:33 CLIFFORD, Seamus Beaufort M 07:29.3 25 60
61 0:47:37 CUFFE, Pat Gneeveguilla AC M40 07:39.6 51 61
62 0:47:46 JOY, Niamh Gneeveguilla AC FJ 07:41.1 36 62
63 0:48:11 DINEEN, Micheal Gneeveguilla AC M45 07:45.1 59 63
64 0:48:17 CLEARY, Pat Tralee M55 07:46.1 31 64
65 0:48:32 HAYES, Andrew Doon M 07:48.5 8 65
66 0:48:43 FINN, Carol Duhallow AC F 07:50.3 40 66
67 0:48:46 MCCARTHY, Michael West Waterford AC M50 07:50.7 18 67
68 0:48:49 LAMBE, Sandra Gneeveguilla AC F40 07:51.2 63 68
69 0:48:54 KENNEDY, Eamonn Farranfore M 07:52.0 90 69
70 0:49:04 GERAGHTY, Matthew Killorglin M 07:53.6 88 70
71 0:49:12 O'SULLIVAN, Susan Riocht AC F35 07:54.9 68 71
72 0:49:20 CLIFFORD, Niamh Star Of The Laune FJ 07:56.2 48 72
73 0:49:38 O'LEARY, Margaret Gneeveguilla AC F35 07:59.1 58 73
74 0:50:29 STAPELBROEK, Lisa Kenmare F 08:07.3 82 74
75 0:51:17 CLIFFORD, Muireann Star Of The Laune F 08:15.0 47 75
76 0:51:18 HORKIN, Susan Dublin F 08:15.2 49 76
77 0:51:28 CREAGH, Paddy Tralee M 08:16.8 32 77
78 0:51:30 STANTON, Dave Tralee M40 08:17.1 34 78
79 0:52:00 KERLEY, Sile Riocht AC F40 08:22.0 42 79
80 0:52:29 O'DONOGHUE, Donal Little Island M40 08:26.6 67 80
81 0:52:57 NI LEIDHIN, Caoilfhionn Dublin F 08:31.1 45 81
82 0:52:58 O'HANLON, Maeve Dublin F 08:31.3 46 82
83 0:53:21 GRIFFIN, Kevin Iveragh AC M60 08:35.0 35 83
84 0:53:23 FLYNN, Nora Gneeveguilla AC F40 08:35.3 81 84
85 0:54:09 FLANAGAN, Pat Farranfore-Maine Valley AC M45 08:42.7 85 85
86 0:56:34 DALY, Anne Milltown F 09:06.0 65 86
87 0:56:36 MURPHY, David Star Of The Laune MJ 09:06.4 97 87
88 0:57:43 MURPHY, Sean Killorglin M 09:17.2 80 88
89 0:57:56 CULLINANE, Eileen Riocht AC F45 09:19.2 57 89
90 0:59:32 O'SULLIVAN, Pat Beaufort M 09:34.7 73 90
91 0:59:33 WATT, Jim Larne M 09:34.9 86 91
92 1:01:39 DALY, Emma Milltown F 09:55.1 64 92
93 1:04:18 AMERLING, Courtenay New York F45 10:20.7 1000 93
94 1:04:20 PRENDERVILLE, William Ballymacelliot MJ 10:21.0 3 94
95 1:04:30 KEANE, Eoin Ballymacelliot MJ 10:22.6 2 95
96 1:05:12 TOHER, Mary Midleton AC F50 10:29.4 24 96
97 1:05:39 O'SHEA, Anna-Marie Kenmare F 10:33.7 14 97
98 1:06:21 O'SULLIVAN, Joan Gneeveguilla AC F50 10:40.5 72 98

Organised by Star of the Laune AC

Race Report.....by Donal O'Donoghue
"I made it to the Beaufort 10k race today, the first of 2009 in the south-west.
There were 98 people in total, including a few familiar faces from Cork, and John Walshe did the results.
The day started dull and overcast, but as soon as I passed over the Cork-Kerry border, the sun came out, and the road widened.
This must be yet another case of John Walshe bringing the good weather with him!

Registration was in the Community Centre. An unusual feature - there were no official bibs. Numbers were written down on sticky labels, as people entered. Maybe I could suggest that they recycle bibs from other races, just like the Rising Sun "Straight Mile" ?

The race start was by the yellow "T Junction" side, outside the Garda Station.
We headed west, passing the Community Centre.
Just after 1km, we took a left turn at the Grotto, followed by a right just before the 2km mark, and passed the primary school. The remainder of the route was clockwise leading back to the Community Centre.
There were several markers at the kilometre, but I didn't see all of them. At about 5km, there was a water station. Although I feel these are less needed in cold weather, judging by the number of dropped cups, at least half the field must have used it. There was a bit of a short hill about 6km. At about 7km, there was a short but severe head wind. Very much like the start of the 5 mile race in Bandon last Sunday.

Everybody received one pint (568 ml !) of Milk from Lee Strand Co-Op Creamery, at the finish line.
There were tea and sandwiches in the Community Hall. The route showed a view of the Kerry Mountains to the South. There was a big contrast in old long-abandoned, ivy covered small houses of our forefathers, side-by side with some very fine new houses. It would be a nice place to visit on a good Summer's day.

There was a decent finisher's plaque for all.
It resembles a silver-effect plate, with a gold rim, and a label "Charles O'Shea, 10km 1989-2009".
Complete with a plastic stand for mounting on one's mantelpiece.

While waiting for the results, I was talking to Brendan Joy, the MJ winner, who did it in 39:06. He told me he had just finished climbing Mangerton Mountain, and rowing is his main sport. He'll be very good if he keeps at it.

Late in the prize-giving, they decided to also give 3rd place prizes in the Ladies veteran categories.
So, there's a prize out there somewhere for Mary Murphy, St Finbarr's AC, who left before this was announced.
Mary Toher also won in the F50 category.

On my return to the car, there was a flyer on the windscreen for the:
Clare Burren Marathon Challenge - Sat 23 May 2009 at 09:00 - Full / Half / Mini Marathon - Walk or Jog.
www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com - *pre-entry* before 10 May

I've been thinking, maybe some car-pooling arrangement might be useful on these distant races ?
Most times, it's just me in my car, travelling the same route that many other follow.
I could bring 2 or 3 more people with me...........Donal O'Donoghue "

Kerry...Preview of the Beaufort 10km Road Race - Thurs 1st Jan 2009 (2pm)

This 10 km road race take place in the small village of Beaufort which is just a few kms to the West of Killarney. The numbers are usually pretty small yet by all accounts, it is supposed to be a really nice race. The route is along nice quiet country roads with the mighty MacGillcuddys Reeks providing a backdrop to the south.

How to get there........if you are coming from the Cork direction, take the relief road around Killarney and take the N for Killorglin. After Fossa, pass the turn off left for Gap of Dunloe and take the next left.

See this link for a map.

A race flyer can be seen HERE.

Race results over Christmas in Munster...

The last few days have been very busy with no shortage of races in the province. There was something there for everyone...from fun runs in Waterford to a 10 mile road race in Limerick.

Results......

Fri 26th Dec 2008......

Cork....Belgooly AC held their annual 4 mile road and the numbers this year exceeded 600 entries. Race results are on the Running in Cork website as they become available.

Limerick.......Limerick AC had their annual 10 mile road race in Caherdavin and this year, they got 149 runners taking part. The full results are available at this LINK.

Tipperary.......Clonmel AC were holding the Tony O'Connell 4 mile road race. When the results become available, I'll put them here.

Tony O’Connell 4-Mile Road Race, Clonmel
Senior Men1 S Bralitis, West Waterford, 18.542,

S Ciobance, Clonliffe Harriers, 19.013,

B Maher, Kilkenny Ch, 19.364,

R Zakis, West Waterford, 19.575,

W Hughes, Thurles, 20.33

O40: M Traynor, Raheny, 20.12

O45: S Murphy, Kilkenny, 22,07

O50: P O Dwyer,St Senan’s, 23.41

O55: T Cahill, Clonmel, 24.28

O60: W O Gorman, St Catherine’s, 27.50

O65: M McHugh, Clonmel, 29.11

Junior: K Maher, Thurles, 21.06;

Senior Ladies1, S O Doherty, Borrisokane, 22.562,

A McCann, Clonmel 23.223,

D Behan,West Waterford, 24.254,

M Doolin, St Joseph’s, 26.135,

A Roche, Clonmel, 25.30

O35: M O Leary, Germany, 24.42

O40: M Moloney, Thurles, 26.11

Junior: E Neumerzhilskily, Clonmel, 31.06

Waterford.......There was a charity fun run in Dungarvan which raised almost €3000. Some details HERE.

Sun 28th Dec 2008.....

Cork....Bandon AC had their annual 5 mile road race. Full results HERE.

Road Races in Munster over Christmas...Thurs 25th to Sun 28th of December

In addition to the GOAL charity mile on Christmas Day, there are a number of other events on in Munster over the next few days.

Thurs 25th Dec....

Limerick.........As well as the GOAL mile at the University of Limerick campus, there is the Hunt Museum to Daughters of Charity (Lisnagry) 4 mile charity run. This event is starting at the Hunt Museum at approx 10.30am and going out to the Daughters of Charity in Lisnagry.

Fri 26th Dec...

Cork......There is the Belgooly 4 mile road race near Kinsale. This race starts at 12 noon and always attracts a big crowd. Details on the course HERE.

Limerick.......There is the Caherdavin 10 mile road race to the North-West of Limerick city. It is organised by Limerick AC and their description is as follows...."It starts from the community center in Caherdavin just down the road from the local Church. The route goes out from limerick along the Old Cratloe road and over the border into Clare and then it turns back towards Limerick at Setrights cross and onto the main N18 Limerick - Shannon dual carriageway. Start time is 11:30. The first 5 miles are on mainly country roads then there is about 4 miles on the dual carriageway, with the final mile coming into Limerick through the Coonagh roundabout and finishing just off the Ennis road close to Ivans shop. There are about 2 long slow climbs on the first 5 miles,.. nothing too bad. Tea and sandwiches and prizes at Caherdavin Community Centre after races ."

The course can be seen at this LINK.

Tipperary....The Tony O’Connell 4 Miler takes place on St Stephens Day in Clonmel at 12 noon.
Entries and changing facilities will be located in the Vocation School, The Mall, Clonmel.
Entry is €8, with lots of individual and team prizes on the day. Race flyer HERE.

Waterford....There is a charity run at Dungarvan GAA club. "A 2 mile or 5 mile fun run in aid of Chernobyl Ireland. No entry fee.
Donations towards Chernobyl Ireland welcome.Entries taken at the Dungarvan G.A.A.club house at Clougherane. Run begins at 11 a.m. Changing rooms and shower facilities available.
Refreshments afterwards at the club house. "

Sun 28th Dec.......

Cork....There is the annual Bandon 5 mile road race to the South-West of Cork City. Start time is 2pm. This will be previewed on the Running in Cork website on the 27th.

GOAL charity mile - Thurs 25th Dec 2008

The traditional GOAL mile takes place on Christmas Day, the 25th of December at various locations throughout the province. Most of them are during the morning time. You just turn up, make a donation to GOAL and run your mile.

Clare...
Ennis...Fairgreen (St Joseph's Hospital Side), Ennis 25 Dec - 11-12pm

Cork...
Ballydesmond...Meet in Church Grounds, 25 Dec - 11.30am
Bantry...The Square, 25 Dec - 1.45pm
Cork City...Cork IT, Bishopstown, 25 Dec - 10-12.30pm
Mallow...Doneraile Park, 25 Dec - 10-12pm
Ballynoe, Fermoy...Ballynoe, St Catherine's GAA, 25 Dec - 11-12.30pm
Youghal...Tower Park, 25 Dec - 11-12pm

Kerry...
Castleisland...Castleisland Athletic Club, 25 Dec - 10-12pm
Cahersiveen...South Kerry Sports Centre, 25th Dec 10-11am
Killarney...River Walk, Knockreer (Deeniagh Lodge), 25 Dec - 10:30-11.30am
Killorglin...The Dragon's Den, Intermediate School, 25 Dec - 11-12.30pm
Tralee...Town Park (Denny Street Entrance) , 25 Dec - 10-11am

Limerick...

Kilcornan...Curraghchase Forest Park, 26 Dec - 11-12.30pm
Limerick City...University of Limerick Athletics Track, 25 Dec - 11-1pm

Tipperary...
Carrick-on-Suir...Ormonde Castle , 25 Dec - 11am
Clonmel...Pat O'Callaghan Sports Ground, Cashel Road, 26 Dec - 12pm
Fethard...Town Hall, 25 Dec - 12pm
Thurles...Outside Sarsfield Sports Centre , 21 Dec - 11am

For other locations outside of Munster or to get more information, see the GOAL website.

Road Races in Munster this weekend...Sat 20th to Sun 21st Dec

This weekend, there is a choice of 3 road races in Munster.

Sat 20th...Cork...The Shanagarry Christmas 5k road race take place in East Cork at 2:30pm.

Sun 21st...Cork...The Newmarket to Kanturk 5 mile road race at 1:30pm in North West Cork.

More details on the Cork races in the Running in Cork blog.

Sun 21st...Limerick...This is a charity 7 km run here from the University of Limerick campus at 10:30am. Here is some additional info.....

Sunday December 21 - 7km(4.3 miles) This race uses the same route as the Limerick Leader Limerick Women’s Marathon around the University campus. Starting at 10.30am from the UL Arena. Sponsorship cards are available from the Limerick Leader Office. Spot prizes galore after the race. All funds raised go to the Daughters of Charity.

The route for the Limerick race can be seen on the MapMyRun website.

Waterford - Results of the 'Old Parish Turkey Trot' - Sun 14th Dec 2008

56 Hardy souls turned out for the first running of this race starting from the Marine Bar on the Youghal to Dungarvan road in West Waterford.

The full results can be found HERE.

Clare...Results of the 'Bernie Meaney' Memorial 5k Road Race - Sun 14th Dec 2008

This race in the South of County Clare attracted 132 entrants with some fine times been recorded. As we as attracting local runners, some came from as far as Cork, Kerry and Galway for this event. The full results are now available HERE.

Tipperary...Results of the Tipperary AAI Masters & U23 Cross Country Championships - Sun 14th Dec 2008

The results of the Tipperary AAI Cross Country Championships for Masters and Under 23's is now available at this website.

Races in Munster this weekend....Sat 13th-Sun14th Dec 08

There are no shortage of races this weekend in the Munster area.

Sat 13th.....Cork.......In the suburb of Mahon in the South East of Cork City, the Cork BHAA are holding their annual 'Cork Simon' 5km charity run. For this race, you have to estimate what your time will be and the person that is closest to their estimated time wins. More details on the Running in Cork Blog.

Sun 14th.....Cork......The Cork AAI are holding their Senior Cross Country Championshionships in Watergrasshill just to the North of Cork City. More details HERE.

Sun 14th.....Tipperary......The Tipperary AAI are holding their own Masters and Under 23 Cross Country championships in the East of the Country. Location HERE. Tipperary athletes should contact their club officials for details.

Sun 14th.....Clare.......In the South-West of the county near Kilrush, there is the annual Bernie Meaney memorial 5K road-race. This race is in Kilmurry McMahon which is about 15kms to the East of Kilrush. This race is not far from the Tarbert Car Ferry so it might of special interest to any runners from North of the Kingdom.
Start-time: 1:30pmEntry-Fee: €10 - payable on the dayPrizes:
First 6 men and ladies
First 3 masters men (V40/V45/V50/V60)
First 2 masters ladies (V35/V40/V45/V50)
First 3 junior men and ladies
First 4 mens teams (4 to score)
First 3 ladies teams (4 to score)
First 6 novices confined for the James Hanrahan Shield

Sun 14th.......Waterford.......West Waterford AC are holding their inaugaral Old Parish Turkey Trot over 5 miles. This charity run is starting at 11 AM. Regristration at The Marine Bar, Pulla. Entry Fee is 8 Euro.
All proceeeds donated to South east Cancer Foundation.

See the link above for the location. This race is within easy reach of Cork and Waterford cities.

So that's it. Overall, there is no shortage of races this weekend in Munster.