Good day for Doneraile Annual 5k run
East Cork AC hosted the annual Doneraile 5km race around the beautiful environs of Doneraile Country Park over road, track and trail, on Sunday, 29th January. It was a lovely day for a run, and to appreciate the beauty of this wonderful venue. A couple of hundred runners turned out on the day, many of them posting fast times.
The first three men home were Cian McDonald (Ballyroan Abbeyleix and district AC) 16:14.9, 2 Barry Twohig (St Finbarrs) 16:25.2 and our own Grange Fermoy AC athlete Kieran McKeown was 3rd home in 16.59.
In the women’s race Kate McDonald (Ballyroan Abbeyleix and district AC) was first home in 17:42.5 with Jennifer Goggin Walsh (Carrig na bhFear) 2nd lady in 21:00. Grange Fermoy AC as usual fielded a great team of 12 runners, and these were Kieran McKeown 16.56 (3rd overall), John Hartnett 18.43, Liam O’Connor 18.54, Tony Hartnett (MJ) 23.20, Sean Hartnett (MJ) 23.43, Geraldine Hartnett 23.58, Sophie O’Donnell 27.34, Cora O’Connor 29.46, Ellen Hayes 29.46, Tony Dunne 30.59, Maggie Dunne 34.19, Emer Hayes (FJ) 35.28.
It was really good to see some of our juveniles competing in the race, and they certainly seemed to enjoy taking the seniors on! There were no prizes in this race, but an opportunity to run in such beautiful surroundings almost on your own doorstep, made it a very worthwhile day. Thanks to East Cork AC for hosting the event, and thanks to all helpers on the day.
GLELNGARRA WOODS TRAIL RACE
The IMRA Munster Glengarra Woods trail race was on Sunday, 29th January. The race was 7.30km long with a climb of 187m. After the Corrin race two weeks previously, Terry and Helena Corcoran were back for more another climb, along with Maurice Tobin and Patricia O’Brien, a former Grange runner. Unfortunately, Helena didn’t start because of an injury. The turnout was big with 143 runners and the running conditions were excellent. Terry had a good run finishing 86th in 35.06 and Maurice 126th in 45.20.
Well done to all competitors. These trail runs aren’t for the faint hearted, but it makes a change from road running and is well worth a shot if you fancy something different.
COUCH TO 5K
Don’t forget that our Couch to 5k is starting on Monday, 20th February. It will be on twice weekly Monday and Friday at 7pm at Coláiste Track. This is a 10 to 12 week program and the cost is €40 which is the fee to join Grange Fermoy AC. For more info drop us line or contact Clotilde on 086-3162145.
This program will take you gently through your paces and get you ready for your first 5k run, after which the world of running is your oyster, and you can go on to compete in all the longer races too, as well as making new friends along the way.