WEEKEND RUNAROUND

Gap Of Dunloe HARDMAN 10Mile + Marathon

Mark Walsh Reports

The last 10-mile race I competed in was the 2023 Sonia O’Sullivan Cobh 10, over 18 months ago. Most people would agree that the Cobh 10 is Hilly. The Gap of Dunloe event is Mountainous!

My son, Cormac, had signed up for the marathon (his first) and ‘suggested’ that I might do the 10-mile run. And so we both found ourselves at Kate Kearney’s cottage in the darkness of this November morning ready to do battle with the ups and downs of the famous Gap and Black Valley.

About 140 did the marathon and 250 did the 10 miles. Once it brightened up the scenery was truly magnificent and acted as a feast for the eyes, an inspiration and a great distraction from the really challenging inclines. But this race was a privilege to run in such natural and beautiful surroundings. Tough, yes. But well worth the trip down and the great feeling of camaraderie among fellow runners, not to mention the coffee, tea and buttered brack at the end.

I was delighted to complete the 10 mile route, but when I considered the scale of the challenge presented to those souls who undertook the marathon, I am full of admiration for them and they are truly deserving of the title ‘Hardman’ (incorporating all genders). Cormac completed his first marathon successfully and impressively. A great Family Day out .

Cloyne 4 Km

We had a great crowd in Cloyne and saw some great racing. Well done all and especially our C2 5K group who were doing it for the first time. Also well done to Sadhbh Cronin who was 1st FJ our first man home was Paul Spiteri in 14.13 and 8th overall .You can see the results on Cloyne Community FB Page. A total of three hundred and thirty six ran.

Churchtown 10 Mile

Bernie reports " myself, Mark,& Martha did Churchtown 10 dis morn! It's a challenging route, weather was wet  as u can see from de photo. We got great goodie, beanie & a mug." 

Kevin Smith made his return to racing and did the fine time of 71min

Its worth zooming in on the mug

Clearstream / Deutsche Börse Cork Celebration of Life BHAA 5Km

This took place also on Sunday morning at 10am We had three runners there Vicki Spiteri who finished 3rd Lady overall and Amanda Cooney back from her marathon success. Our sole male was Edmond O'Sullivan who took 3rd O/60 prize well done all.

Vicki 3rd Lady overall.

Beat The Train

We had two runners here Maire Walsh first race after her great Dublin Marathon success did 77min and Eugene McCarthy get ready for his Ironman did 66min,

Run In The Dark

Huge congrats to Andrea McNamara who finish 2nd Lady overall in the Run In The Dark from a very large number of runners also to John Cashman for his wonderful commentary.