Duhallow AC look to Newmarket 5km classic
A DATE for the diary is the Duhallow AC 5K Classic Road Race hosted in Newmarket Town on Sunday, December 16 at 1pm.
Traditionally one of the top races in the end of year calendar, organisers are hopeful of the staging retaining its popular attraction for participants from across North Cork and beyond.
The winner of the 2018 will receive the Jer Murphy Perpetual Cup, Duhallow AC Chairman Donie Shine spoke of the popular event that’s enhanced by a coveted silverware.
“Big Jer is a great man and loyal servant of Duhallow AC and to donate this silverware adds prestige to the big race. In recent years, we have based the classic in Newmarket and its met with an overwhelming response”, he said.
“The Newmarket Road race is now renowned as one of the big attractions just ahead of Christmas. Its very much a compact race, out the Rockchapel road and returning over the same route makes it appealing”, said Donie.
One of the high profile road races in the South West region, apart from the individual prizes, there are five team categories that’s attractive to clubs.
Preceding the big race is a walk from 12 noon and the word from organisers is for participants to arrive in ample time and sign on at Hourigans.
Meanwhile, the Duhallow Athletic Club’s Autumn and Winter series of road races continues on Sunday in Knocknagoshel. Eight clubs have got together with promoting Duhallow AC helping to co-ordinate the schedule.
“With a growth in the level in athletics and fitness pursuits, we’re helping groups and clubs to plan races and assist in the staging. Its all very novel amongst the eager hosts drawn from three counties and the support of the public is fantastic”, said Duhallow AC Chairman Donie Shine.
The races operate on a two or three week intervals at eight locations and timed for a 1pm start on each day. Knocknagoshel is the destination on Sunday, Novenber 25, into December, its Mountcollins as hosts on Sunday, December 2 and one of the last races of the old year sees Dromtariffe Ladies Football club sure to attract large numbers on Sunday, December 30.