Great turnout for Cobh 10-mile Road Race
The Sonia O’Sullivan Cobh 10-Mile Road Race took place on Sunday, 2nd April. This has always been a very popular race, despite the amount of hills, and a large crowd is always expected. This year 769 runners crossed the finish line, and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the picturesque course.
Sonia O’Sullivan was there as usual, and the thought of an Olympian in their midst spurred many runners on! Winner of the men’s race was Jake O’Regan of St John’s AC in a time of 50:47, while the women’s race was won by Aoife Cooke of Eagle AC in a great time of 54.50.
There was a fine entry of Grange Fermoy AC runners in action here, and some fast times were posted. Michael Lyons led the side home in 1.00.01, with Andy Goulding hot on his heels in 1.05.16 (Andy was also the 60 minute pacer for the race, which is somewhat of an honour!), then we had John Hartnett, also acting as a pacer but for the 75 minute, finishing in 1.15.11, Geraldine Hartnett 1.19.47, Joanne O’Callaghan 1.23.44, Rory Maggorian 1.26.17, Rebecca Walsh 1.28.54, Ann Marie Sweeney 1.29.25, Angela O’Mahony 1.46.16, Tony Dunne 1.47.31 (Tony won the men’s O80 category).
Well done to everyone competing on what was actually a very nice day weatherwise, and thanks to Ballymore Cobh for staging the race, and to all helpers on the day.
DONERAILE PARK EASTER RUN
Liscarroll AC hosted a fine Easter Run at Doneraile Park on Easter Saturday, and this event never disappoints. It often attracts families as it did again this year and the Howards were present in force with Saidhbh, Jess and Frances. Also present were Clare and Kevin Clancy as well as John Murphy and Ciaran O’Gorman.
Unfortunately for Ciaran after about 2k he twisted his ankle and in his own words he “hobbled the rest of the way around” but still managed to finish. Disappointing but hopefully he’s feeling better already and chomping at the bit for the next race!
Congratulations to all our runners who had a great day. John Murphy led the side home in 18.14, Kevin Clancy 18.58, Ciaran O’Gorman 23.11, Jess Howard 33.12, Saidhbh Howard 44.12, Frances Howard 44.24. Congratulations to all our runners who had a great day. And thanks to Liscarroll AC.
COURCEY AC 5 MILE ROAD RACE
This race took place on the Sunday of the Easter Weekend, and attracted 200 competitors. Two of our runners, married couple Helena and Terry Corcoran, took the opportunity to run this race, and Terry did a great run, bearing in mind that he only started his running career with our Couch to 5k program last year! He’s come a long-way since then, having competed in trail runs, a 10 mile road race, and a half marathon! Eventually he might be persuaded to take on the cross country, but only time will tell!
Here are Terry’s thoughts about the race: “We stayed the Saturday night 200 metres from the start line beside the sea (in a campervan) so no excuse to be late. Friendly atmosphere, and weather was pretty good at start of race. Start just past Garretstown pitch and putt clubhouse then swing right for Ballinspittle, where there are stunning coastline views. Not too bad overall, a few hills but not much.
“Last mile and a quarter had a very strong headwind that I wouldn’t be quite used to, so trying
to breathe and run is a new skill I have acquired. Lovely fast last 600 metres to the finish line with goodie bag waiting. Finally some tea and coffee in clubhouse with lovely home baked cakes. Definitely a race to keep in calendar.” Well done! Keep up the good work.
TRAINING RUNS
Training goes on all through the week, with Tuesday at Coláiste track, Wednesday 7pm speed sessions at Coláiste track, Thursday 7pm also at Coláiste track. Sunday at 9am the training run commences at Texaco garage. On Monday and Friday our couch to 5k meetings are at Coláiste track also. Details are available from Clotilde Fitzgibbon on 086-3162145.