Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon
There are many ways to take in the beautiful scenery of Clonakilty, one way is to run a marathon. Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, were delighted to be back hosting the race, after Covid restrictions last year cancelled the event.
On Saturday, November 27, the day had finally arrived, for the full marathon, half marathon and a 10K run. This year’s event saw over 2,700 sign up for the event, with 427 athletes running the full marathon.
After months of training, five members of Blackwater Triathlon Club headed Clonakilty to run the full marathon. Despite the day been cold, wet and windy, Conor Bartley ran a great race and was placed 24th overall in 3:06:53. Peter O’Brien came in 3:40:02, Jim Crowley 4:27:53, 20 minutes faster than his last Clonakilty marathon, well done Jim. David Lahive and Bernard Kieran both completed race and were delighted with their run.
A full marathon is never an easy race and this course is a tough run, with more hills than Watergrasshill. The BTC crew all agreed it was well organised event, with a wonderful festive atmosphere.
Dave Bartley, who had trained hard and signed up for the Clonakilty Marathon, couldn’t make the event on the day. But that didn’t stop the wonderful Dave, who took it upon himself to run a solo marathon the following Monday morning in Castlelyons. Not an easy task to take on alone, congratulations to Dave who completed the run under 3 and half hours.
GREAT GLENVILLE RUN 4 MILE ROAD RACE
From West Cork to North Cork, the annual Great Glenville Run was held on Sunday, November 28. The event was organised and hosted by Watergrasshill AC in conjunction Glenville GAA. While the weather wasn’t ideal, with a crisp cold wind but at least the rain held off for the run. Over 350 runners took to the country roads of Glenville including six members of BTC crew. Terry Broderick was the first male back from the club in a time of 28:11 and Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien our first lady back rocked in 36 seconds later at 28:47. Also running in Glenville were Clem Leonard, Deirdre Morrison, Dermot Johnson and Niamh Fleming. Well done to the hosts for another well organised event, it is always a firm favourite with our members.
MUNSTER ATHLETICS MASTERS
While speaking of all things running, special mention to Liam O’Connor who was running in Clarecastle on Sunday, November 28. Liam was competing in the Munster Athletics Masters. He ran as part of the Cork team, who brought home a gold medal in over 50 category, Liam placed 14th overall. Congratulations Liam who is always a marvellous runner.
MARYMOUNT CHRISTMAS CRACKER CYCLE
This year popular annual cycle is a fund raiser for the Marymount Hospice. Each year Marymount needs to raise €3.5 million in order for it to continue to provide its services. As with many events over the last two years having been restricted, our cyclists decided to stay local instead of joining the official cycle in Cork. With no less enthusiasm our cyclists took to the roads bright and early on Saturday, December 4.
Bikes were decorated with festive cheer, with Santa hats and costumes pulled out of the attic for the cycle. The weather forecast predicted heavy showers of rain. When the BTC crew headed off the weather was dry but very cold. As the team set off on their 50km spin, all clean and shiny, the rain from the previous few days made the roads very mucky and dirty. Certainly, by the time they all arrived back it was hard to tell who was who and were they actually cycling on the roads or through fields of mud.
Well done to everyone who took part and for all the money raised on the day for Marymount Hospice.
THE BORDER HALF
What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours. From the misery of the previous day’s cycle in Fermoy, to the glorious blue skies and sunshine in Corbally, Co. Limerick. The 4th annual Border Half Marathon in the quaint village of Corbally was held on Sunday, December 6. Numbers were limited to 650 runners, with all athletes receiving a specially designed commemorative medal.
Deirdre Morrison and Rachel Cronin headed to event and the ladies both achieved a PB for a half marathon run. Deirdre lead the way home coming in at 1:50:20, she is always a good consistent runner and improving with each event. Rachel powered home in 1:57:38 an impressive run for Rachel especially after her injuring herself at Beara cycle a few months ago.
The route is a challenging one in parts but great support and encouragement from fellow runners helped the athletes along the way. Well done to Run Clare for organising and hosting the half marathon, yet another triumphant event.
DUBAI CREEK HALF MARATHON 19TH EDITION
While most of us are raising the temperature of heating, Kieran Duggan was in Dubai enjoying the temperatures on the sun. Kieran competed in the Dubai Creek Half Marathon on Sunday, December 5. He ran an impressive race with a finishing time of 1:38:26, not an easy run in hot and humid conditions. Well done Kieran, another great run this year for you.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome new members at any time. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part in triathlons. While for some people it’s about the competition for others it’s just about taking part and having fun. It’s also a great way to meet people with similar interests and abilities. So if you’re feeling like a new challenge for 2021 contact us and before you know it you’ll be able to call yourself a triathlete.
More advice and information on triathlons is freely available from your local club. For further information see our club website, email us at btcfermoy@gmail. com or contact Niamh Fleming at niamhfleming123@ gmail.com.