Midleton News 10/08/2009
Compiled by John Cashman

The vagaries of another Irish summer have brought contrasting conditions for many races over the past few weeks as the busy schedule pushes on before race action quietens down for a while.

August brings races in many corners of the county with a variety of distances providing plenty of options for those with differing ambitions. At present the 30th Dublin City Marathon is on the minds of a quite a few of our athletes who are progressing their training on a weekly basis, whilst others are concentrating on chasing fast times over the popular 5K distance.

Kinsale ‘5’

Our race review takes us initially west to Kinsale for the traditional Bank Holiday Weekend fixture. The rain clouds covered the county for hours before the race, but thankfully they had had just about passed by the 8pm start. Obviously the weather had a negative effect on the entry which was sub 200. Our Midleton AC contingent numbered 10 with Tom Cody’s 34th place finish securing the top Over 50 prize for him. Michelle Nolan was our leading lady in 32:17, whilst Denis Kelleher, Kieran Murphy, Brian Nolan, Danny McCarthy, Breda Cahill, Margaret Barry, Margaret Rohan and Joan McCarthy also enjoyed good outings on what is recognised as a fast course.

Novartis 5K

Good food always ensured big numbers at the Novartis 5K even before the running boom gathered momentum. On Wednesday of last week as Mark Hanrahan set a new course record, the entry soared to close on 500 for this popular BHAA fixture.

Making the headlines for Midleton AC were Noel O’Regan – first Over 40 in 17:20, Tom Cody 3rd Over 50 (19:16) and Sally Drennan 1st lady Over 40 (20:37). There were also lots of other good performances on the night including those delivered by Sean O’Sullivan, Kathleen O’Connell, Ann Savage, Fergal O’Meara, Ned Ramsell and Brian Healy.

Shanagarry 5K

Twenty seven club members made the short trip to Shanagarry last week for the 23rd running of the local Festival 5K. Quite a few of this crew were also in action in Ringaskiddy just twenty four hours earlier. As usual we had plenty of good performances by our athletes. Congratulations to Neilius Aherne, winner of the Over 50’s in a cracking time of 18:18. Neilius was followed home by colleagues Tom Cody and Dan Horgan.

Sally Drennan followed up her fine run just the previous evening by finishing second lady overall, whilst Breda Cahill took first Over 35 after coming home in sixth place overall. Anne Marie Perry in the Over 35’s, Mary O’Keeffe in the Over 40’s, Olive Hallihan in the Over 45’s, and the reliable trio of Margaret Barry, Elaine Hennessy and Margaret Rohan (Over 50’s) all finished in the top places to compete a great night for our ladies contingent.

Other noteworthy performances on the night came from Kevin O’Reilly, Billy O’Sullivan, John O’Connell, Danny McCarthy, Maura O’Doherty and Vincent Connolly.

‘Route To Crook’

Last Sunday evening the annual ‘Route To Crook’ 5 mile race was held in Crookhaven. Long distance travel plans were put into motion by two club members who made the journey west. Well done to Tom Cody – first Over 50 and 13th overall in a time of 31:38. Denis Kelleher on the recovery trail from injury also had a very fine run, coming home in 23rd position after clocking 33:51.

Ardmore ‘5’ Miler

With the ‘Streets of Cobh’ Road Race in Cobh not taking place this year, there should be a strong Midleton AC representation in Ardmore on this Friday evening August 14, for the conclusion of the ten race West Waterford AC Summer Series. This is a lively 5 mile course in scenic surroundings and generally it’s a race which attracts a sizeable entry. The HQ is at Ardmore GAA Club and note the start time is at 7.30pm.

Ballyhooly Race

‘The John Hartnett Challenge’ - a hill and road race takes place in Ballyhooly on Sunday next August 16, starting at 12.30pm. By what we here this is a tough test of stamina, but is certainly an ideal opportunity to test your progress if you a are looking towards a long race in the autumn or even the Dublin Marathon. Officially we believe the distance is just short of ten miles.

Army Navy 5 Miler

Next week, the Army/Navy ‘5’ Mile Race will be held at the usual Haulbowline Base. It’s the latest fixture on the very busy BHAA annual calendar and should again probably boast a record entry. The race starts and finishes at the Naval Base and in between visits Ringaskiddy village and also takes in a little of the Novartis 5K route. Note that with the fading light late in the evening, the race begins at 7.30pm.

Ballycotton Series

Just a brief reminder to all that the Ballycotton Summer Series concludes with Race 4 in Ballycotton on Thursday August 27th at 7.30pm.

Cork To Cobh Launch

The Cork BHAA committee invites BHAA members to the official launch of Sports Supplies "Cork to Cobh" 15 Mile Road Race.Venue: Mount Oval Pub, Mount Oval Village, Rochestown.Date: Friday 14th AugustTime: from 8:30pmComplimentary refreshments and finger food to accompany great music & craic.

Half Marathon

Meantime entry forms are now available fro the St Finbarr’s Cork Half Marathon, sponsored by John Buckley Sports which starts and finishes in Blarney on Sunday September 13th. Details are available by logging on to the St Finbarr’s AC web site.

Training

Usual Midleton AC arrangements still continue until late September – Monday at 6pm – venue CBS Midleton Sports Grounds and then on Tuesday we have a run on the road beginning at 7pm from Midleton Community Centre.

- Until next time – “keep on running”.