Donoughmore 7 mile road race is back!

On Thursday 16th June last, it was great to see the Donoughmore 7-mile road race back, after a break due to covid, the last one being held in 2019.

A field of 184 runners competed, which was a big drop on the usual numbers, and it can only be assumed that many runners hadn’t done much training, or the fact that there are now so many races to choose from, after the dearth over the last couple of years.

As usual, that well known phrase ‘take the challenge’ put the runners to the test, as this has never been an easy course, and it’s unlikely that the hills are ever going to disappear. So, anyone who’s ever run it can wear the tee shirt with pride and honour! Opinions differ on whether the evening was warm or cold, but it was a bit windy for sure.

Winner on the night was Donal Coakley of Leevale AC in a great time of 38.27, and Aoife Cooke of Eagle AC was 2nd overall in the race, as well a 1st in the women’s race. Great running from Aoife.

Grange Fermoy AC had three competitors in the men’s race and these were Kieran McKeown who ran a fast time of 39.23, and he and our two other male competitors, Cillian Buttimer and Stephen Crowley, won the overall team prize. Some going lads, well done there.

In the women’s race we had Angela O’Mahony who finished in 72.24, and Maggie Dunne finishing in 1.29.20, Maggie won a prize in the women’s O65 category, as these events rarely go to O75 for women, which is a pity really as in this day and age we need to keep women in the sport and getting old is no excuse to stop running!

As usual, Donoughmore AC organised a fabulous race, and the refreshments afterwards were superb. It’s so nice to be able to do a bit of socialising after a run. The stewards out on the course were excellent, as some parts of the road are pretty busy, and the community spirit at the start and end of the race made it all worthwhile. Thanks once again and congratulations to everyone who ‘took the challenge’!

HALF MARATHON IN AID OF DOWN SYNDROME CENTRE, CORK

Recently in aid of Down Syndrome Centre, Cork Ellie Singleton and David Buckley ran the half marathon distance. Ellie and David were delighted to take part for this really worthy cause, which means a lot to Ellie personally.

On the day, runners and walkers alike took the footpaths from Haulbowline to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to raise vital funds for this great service. The service was founded in 2017 in response to a recognised need in the Cork region for the provision of support and facilities for families and carers of young children with Down Syndrome. The Centre is a voluntary run charity and relies on donations.

A great event especially the pizza, face painting and ice cream at the end in the Black Market!

Ellie is happy to say that she has raised over €1,200 for this great charity. The support she received was great and so appreciated. Well done!

ANNUAL BOB BURKE SYNERGY CREDIT UNION 4 MILE ROAD RACE

Our 4 mile road race will take place on Sunday, 24th July, commencing at 11am from Grange School. Entry is available now from Popupraces.ie and will be €15. We will also have a one mile fun run for juveniles, costing €5, and each runner in the juvenile race will receive a medal and goody bag. The youngsters love to compete in races like this, and it’s a great way to introduce them to the fabulous sport of road running!

TRAINING RUNS

Training goes on all through the week, with Tuesday meeting 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 086-3162135.