MEDIA PARTNER

Whether a mile
or a marathon,
you get there the
same way… one
step at a time.
Baylor Barbee

Cork City Marathon is a huge

event across the sporting, social
and economic life of Cork City
and we are thrilled to welcome
our runners, joggers, walkers,
and supporters back to the city’s
streets on Sunday June 2nd 2024.

We Are Cork.
 Let’s be
WELCOME
TO OUR PROGRAMME
SOCIAL
@CORKCITYMARATHON

CORKCITYMARATHON

@THECORKMARATHON

#CORKCITYMARATHON24
#EVERYMILEISAMEMORY

Ensure to tag us so we
can see your experience
of Cork City Marathon!

Cork City Marathon 2024 33

 D EX
IN
A MESSAGE FROM LORD MAYOR 5
A MESSAGE FROM CORK CITY COUNCIL
6
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
2024 ROUTE 8
RACE STARTS LOCATION & TIME 10
REGISTRATION & EXPO AT CITY HALL 11
A MESSAGE FROM RACE DIRECTOR 12
PERIOD PRODUCTS LOCATIONS 15
MESSAGE FROM THE BHAA 16
MESSAGE FROM ATHLETICS IRELAND, CORK 17
THE 10K 19
THE HALF MARATHON 22
THE MARATHON 23
CORK CITY MARATHON HISTORY 25
THE MEDALS 2024 34

MESSAGE FROM SANCTUARY RUNNERS 35

ON THE DAY TRANSPORT 36

MESSAGE FROM JOHN QUIGLEY 47

A TRIP ALONG THE ROUTE 50

ALEX O’SHEA ANSWERS QUESTIONS 62

THE RUNNERS DIARY 66

PACERS 70

FINAL MESSAGE 78

Cork City Marathon 2024 4

 Message from
The Lord Mayor
Cork City streets filled with
emotion, inspiration and hope
are just some of the traits that
define our annual Cork City
Marathon. Such traits bring a
personal experience to all those
who take on the marathon
experience, whether as a
participant or a spectator. and the Marathon is ideal for
encouraging and fostering
Cork City Marathon remains as healthy lifestyles amongst our
an important event across the citizens.
social, sporting, and economic
life of Cork City. Cork City Council I would like to thank all who have
is delighted to welcome back the worked together to make this
marathon to the city’s streets event a success – the staff of Cork
and routeways on Sunday 2nd City Council, An Garda Síochána,
June 2024. the Defence Forces, Athletics
Ireland and the Business Houses
The Cork City Marathon is a great Athletics Association, the HSE,
example of community spirit the Civil Defence, doctors,
and a community in action. It’s nurses, paramedic and first-aid
about building community and providers, and of course, our
coming together under the fabulous volunteers.
banner of sport. It also about
continuing to develop an event, A big thank you also to our
which builds a sense of pride and sponsors – Cork ETB, Cork
identity in Cork. Sports Partnership, local clubs
and community groups, and
This year for the first time ever Corkonians.
we have a Lord Mayor’s Trophy,
which I will present to someone Finally to our visitors from all over
who has either exceeded Ireland and indeed the world we
incredible odds to partake in the hope you enjoy your trip to Cork
Marathon or has an inspiring and we wish you a warm Cork
story fuelling their marathon welcome.
journey.
Is mise le meas,
Cork is also a leading member Cllr. Kieran McCarthy.
of the Healthy Cities initiative, Lord Mayor of Cork
Cork City Marathon 2024 55
 Message from
Cork City
Council Chief
Executive
Welcome to all of you involved in the
2024 Cork City Marathon, whether you
are a runner, a volunteer or an organiser.

This is the third event since Covid shut

down the city, so it will be great to see
you all back out on the streets of Cork, Any marathon is a major organisational
with record numbers registering for the undertaking that could not succeed
race this year. without cooperation and support from
many bodies, both statutory and voluntary
Cork City Council has always promoted, including the Cork County Board of the
and supported, sport and physical Athletics Association of Ireland, the Cork
activity within the city as we recognise Business Houses Athletics Association,
the benefits of this for our physical An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces,
and mental wellbeing and so we are the HSE and voluntary medical services.
delighted to be able to deliver this great In particular I would like to acknowledge
event for the city. the contribution of the volunteers who,
every year, give their free time to ensure
Again, this year, I extend a warm that the race runs smoothly, bringing
welcome to our Ukrainian friends who years of experience to the event and
will be running alongside the Sanctuary without whom, this event would not be
Runners, who have played a huge part in possible.
fulfilling our ambition of making Cork a
Sanctuary City. My thanks are also due to the Lord
Mayor, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, and all the
Welcome also to our Youth Challenge City Councillors for their continued and
participants, which includes our runners enthusiastic support.
who are 18 and under, many of whom
will run with their school or youth group Finally, I would like to say good luck to all
team for the first time. who are taking part in this year’s event,
especially those who are fundraising for
The Cork City Marathon strives to their chosen charities.
be, first and foremost, an inclusive
and community friendly event with Cork City Marathon is going from
concessions for people with disability strength to strength, attracting more
or on social welfare. Thank you to the elite runners, bigger numbers, younger
Communities and Businesses who come participants and raising more funds for
out on the streets to support on our deserving causes.
runners with offerings of refreshments
and words of encouragement. The I am very proud that Cork City Council is
marathon also assists in showcasing our responsible for this wonderful event and
beautiful city with hotel rooms filling up wish all involved every success.
on a weekend on the shoulder of the
main tourism season. Ann Doherty
Chief Executive, Cork City Council

Cork City Marathon 2024 66

 EVERY
JOURNEY
STARTS
WITH
THE
FIRST
STEP

Cork City Marathon 2024 7

 2 25
12

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4

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2

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23 10
26
© Ordnance Survey Ireland 24 11

UT E 3 1

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CORK CITY MARATHON ROUTE 2024
9 12
22 21 4
2 3 3
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Ordnance Survey Ireland 1 6
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5 18

LEGEND © Ordnance Survey Ireland

5 18
10k Route
Marathon Mile Marker
SUNDAY JUNE 2ND 2024
Half Marathon Mile Marker EVERY MILE IS A MEMORY
10 Kilometer Marker

Marathon Route

Half Marathon Route

10 Kilometer Route

Cork City Marathon 2024 8

 MARATHON RESULTS
& PICTURE SPECIAL
Don’t miss your results in our Cork City Marathon
Results and Picture Special supplement.
Tuesday, June 4

MEDIA PARTNER

Cork City Marathon 2024 9

 RACE STARTS
LOCATION & TIME
Full Marathon 8.15am 10
Sunday 2nd June MIN
WALK
On St. Patrick’s Street from City Hall

10K 8.45am 10
Sunday 2nd June MIN
On St. Patrick’s Street WALK
from City Hall

All 10K runners must assemble at 08:15 on Merchants

Quay. Please note that the race will start promptly after
the full marathon, and route closures may prevent
latecomers from participating.

Half Marathon 10.15am 10

Sunday 2nd June MIN
On Monahan Road WALK
from City Hall
(Assembly at Kennedy
Park T12 H9CF)

BAG DROP:
City Hall Underground Car Park
Eglington Street, Cork City T12 H795
Open 7am to 5pm

Cork City Marathon 2024 10

 REGISTRATION &
EXPO AT CITY HALL
Registration and Expo will take place in City Hall, Cork City. Eircode
T12 T997 on Friday 31st May between 12 Midday and 7PM and
Saturday 1st June from 11am to 6pm.

All runners will need to register at the Expo and pick up their race
numbers, T-shirts and gifts.

Entrance Albert Quay side.

Even if you are not participating in this year’s Marathon, come on

down and chat to the exhibitors and stock up on some of your
apparel for the coming season.

Among the Exhibitors are

John Buckley Sports
The Edge Sports
Bodylite
Elite Events
Sanctuary Runners
The Runners Diary
Precision Fuelling
Pillar Performance
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
Kinsale Tri Club
Biofreeze
Pacers
Race tee shirts
Elverys
42k
Cork City Marathon 2024 11
 Message from
Race Director
I am delighted on behalf of Cork City
Council, Cork Athletics County Board
and Cork BHAA to welcome you all to
Cork to run in our three races on Sunday
June 2nd. A City needs a marathon and
we could not have one without such
massive support from you the running
public.
we have two Pacers Noel and Kofi who
You the runner are responsible for so have been through the Direct Provision
much good. You have trained hard and system.
maintained a healthy lifestyle for a long
period of time. Living a healthy lifestyle The Cork City Marathon Race Team
by enlarge means less trips to the doctor, made up of its different stakeholders all
hospitals etc. In fact Mass Participation subscribe to the key values of Healthy
marathons were recognised by the Lifestyle, Inclusion and Climate Action.
Thatcher and Regan governments as Through these three pillars we look
a way of reducing spend in the health forward to serving up many successful
service by trying to keep a large number Cork City Marathons for years to come.
of people in society living a healthy
lifestyle. The Cork City Marathon could not take
place without the amazing support and
Secondly some of you have raised large contribution of the members of An Garda
sums of money for charities, money some Síochána, under Chief Superintendent
of these charities could not do without to Tom Myers, and our medical-response
survive. team, under Dr Jason van der Velde and
Michael O’Reilly, is critical to the safe
Thirdly you will all converge on our city running of the Race and is very much
this June weekend and spend money appreciated.
which will help local businesses within
the city. We in Cork City Council are always grateful
to the Defence Forces for delivering
So thank you all. On our side we have the large quantity of water around the
worked around the clock with all the course. It’s a complex logistical exercise
stakeholders to ensure you have a great and it’s reassuring that it is in safe hands.
day on June 2nd. The Irish Examiner have been a brilliant
media partner this year. Thank you all so
Cork City Marathon continues to break much for the huge coverage you have
down financial barriers to sports entry given us it has been amazing.
through our concession entry scheme.
Cork City Marathon are also very proud Id like to thank our official Podcast
to work closely with the Sanctuary Partner the Runners Diary. I really want
Runners to ensure that runners from our to thank Brian and Damien for their
Direct Provision Centres have a route to invaluable contribution to the Cork City
integration in our society. The amazing Marathon this year. Their podcast has
work the Sanctuary Runners do week gone from strength to strength and we
in week out in promoting integration is are so lucky to have them on board as
something we all at Cork City Marathon partners.
are proud to be associated with. This year
Cork City Marathon 2024 12
12
 Message from
Race Director
I also thank our broadcast-media for all your help not just this year but
sponsors, 96/C103FM, for their copious since our first event in 2007. To Becky
amounts of airtime and promotion. Turncock and Gerry Copeland thank
you for your dedication and work on our
I’d like to thank all our Sponsors, committee this year.
Biofreeze, Fulfil, Steigen, John Buckley
Sports, Keanes Jewellers, Tony’s Bistro, To our runners advisory committee of
Kevin O’ Leary Motors and others. Karen Bevan, Ruari Egan, Alex O’Shea
and Brian Ahern. We’ve had a laugh on
I also want to thank the amazing and the chatgroup and your advice has been
dedicated team in Cork City Council crucial and is so important to me.
who work tirelessly to ensure this event
is a success. In particular on a personal To our many volunteers thank you
note I’d like to thank David Walsh and so much, as a runner it is very much
Fran Lynch for their massive work on this appreciated that a race like this cannot
event. go ahead without people like you willing
to give up your free time to help others.
I’d also like to thank Dympna Murphy,
David O’ Brien and Rebecca Loughry Finally to you the runners the very best
from Cork City Council for their huge of luck.
support to me on this event.
The hard work is done this is
To our organising committee of Pat just the victory lap.
Walsh, John Quigley, Timmy Murray
and Kevin Cummins from our Athletic Eamon Hayes
partners Cork County Athletics Board Race Director
and Cork Business Houses Athletic
Association we extend our deep thanks

Cork City Marathon 2024 13

13
 We are delighted to accredit
Cork Marathon as a race
supporting women!

Our goals are to:

Get more women on start lines

Give us a great experience when we race

Equally value our competition

Using our research, we have developed 9 key commitments that apply to all events.
If you race meets these, we would love to have you join our Hall of Fame

Show a diversity of athletes in Allow women who fall pregnant

marketing imagery. before the race transfer their place
to a future event within 2 years (for
Ensure all prizes and rewards for non-ballot races, refunds or athlete
women are of at least equal value transfers are also permissible).
to those for men. This includes
prize money, number of categories Communicate and enforce a no-
and a choice of female fit of unisex tolerance policy for harassment
t-shirts. of any kind (to include runners, all
event volunteers and staff).
Review toilet and changing
facilities to ensure they are Actively seek feedback from
sufficient and well communicated. participants after each race and
Having period products available making best efforts to make
at start and finish lines, and where changes to support them better.
possible of course.
Make these commitments easy
Ensure the women’s race is given to find on your website or in
equal prominence in celebrations, participant information.
social media posts, interviews and
other communications.
www.sheraces.com
Cork City Marathon 2024 14
 Period Products will be available for
participants at
PP 7 Water Stations &
2 other locations

1. C ity Hall Bag Drop

(New Bag drop area @ Basement Car Park City Hall, clearly labelled
on a table) Eglinton Street, Eglinton St - Google Maps

2. S tart line Half Marathon

(on a table adjacent to the portaloos in Kennedy Park) Monahan Rd -
Google Maps

Period Products at Water Stations with approximate Google Map Locations

3. M
 ahon Point R852 - Google Maps
4. B lackrock Castle, Castle Rd - Google Maps
5. G reenway Atlantic Pond
(new location just before Pairc Ui Chaoimh. The Marina) - Google Maps

6. T he Lough, Glendalough Park - Google Maps

7. L eevale Farranlea Road, Farranlea Rd - Google Maps
8. K ingsley Hotel N22 - Google Maps
9. F inish Line 103 St Patrick’s St - Google Maps
Period Products available will be Pads and Tampons.

At the 7 Water Stations listed above the products will be available in a

cardboard box at the end of the last table, clearly labelled.

Cork City Marathon 2024 15

 Message from
THE BHAA
On behalf of the Cork BHAA I wish to welcome all the athletes who are
participating in this year’s Cork city marathon. Once again we are delighted to
work with Athletics Ireland in conjunction with the Cork City Council who are
running the event.

I want to welcome all the visitors to our city and hope they enjoy the race and the
welcome they receive in the city and hope they return again.

This year we are continuing with the format of full marathon half marathon and
10k races this proved very successful last year and proved very popular with all the
runners.

As ever I want to thank all our volunteers who steward, man water stations etc its a
long day some have been with us from the beginning but without their input there
would be no Cork city marathon so thank you one and all.

As always we invite people training for or seeking to improve their marathon times
to join our organisation and participate in our many events through the year.

Finally the best of luck to everyone I hope you achieve your goals and if you wish to
run some more races log on to our website at www.Corkbhaa.com you will be very
welcome.

Yours in sport
Tim Murray
BHAA CHAIR

Cork City Marathon 2024 16

 Message from
ATHLETICS IRELAND,
CORK
On behalf of the Cork County Board of the Athletic Association of Ireland, I would like
to wish everybody taking part the best of luck.

There has been unprecedented interest in the three races this year and we hope all
who take part will enjoy it.

Many thanks to all who work so hard to ensure the success of our Marathon and
sincere thanks also to those who will be helping out once again this weekend. A
special welcome to all our visitors and I hope you will have a great marathon and a
pleasant experience here in Cork.

For those of you looking for more athletic challenges, why not take up the cross-
country challenge or track and field challenge and join your local athletic club. For
club details, fixtures, results, and athletics news, see CorkAthletics.org.

We would like to acknowledge the key role of Cork City Council in the hosting of this
major athletic event for the city. It would not happen without them. It is great to
work with the BHAA in the organising of this event.

Once again, best of luck to all taking part in the marathon and enjoy the experience.

Pat Walsh
CHAIRMAN, CORK COUNTY BOARD AAI

Cork City Marathon 2024 17

 ADVERT

CORK CITY
MARATHON
OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY
LIVE IN DEEP SOUTH

02.06.24

DEEP SOUTH
Cork City Marathon 2024 18
 1 0 K
The 10K will begin at
8:45 on St Patrick Street, T he
following the start of the
full marathon
The 10K route is completely to its turnaround point. Once
flat and fast designed both back in the city, the runners will
for fast elite times and as a turn left onto St Patricks Quay
great introduction to 10ks for and cross the river again via Brian
novice runners as there are no Boru Bridge. On the south side
hills! By covering many of the of the river, the race will move
breathtaking locations from the along Merchants Quay, turn onto
full and half marathon routes, North Main Street, and return
the runners can truly immerse to Washington Street before
themselves in the Cork city finishing on St Patricks Street.
experience. Please note you
must be aged 15 or over on the 10k Start and Assembly
day of the race in order to enter
the 10k. All runners must assemble at
08:15 on Merchants Quay. Please
The 10K race will replace the note that the race will start
previous relay race option and promptly after the full marathon,
has proven really popular. and route closures may prevent
latecomers from participating.
10k Route Description For your convenience, the race
will have pacers to accommodate
The race will begin at 08:45 various running levels and finish
on St Patrick Street, following times, ranging from 40 minutes
the start of the full marathon. to 60 minutes.
Runners will proceed down St The addition of the 10k race was
Patrick Street and outwards onto a widely popular decision as it
Washington Street/Western opens up participation in the
Road. From there, they will turn Cork City Marathon to those who
onto Mardyke walk and cross would like a less challenging
the river via Mardyke Bridge. and more fun and inclusive
The route will continue on the challenge, be it on your own or
Banks of the Lee walkway before with a group! It will be a great
re-entering the city roads at the opportunity for everybody who
North Quay, proceeding along participates in the very popular
Popes Quay, and following the 5k park runs to join the Cork City
full marathon route out the N20 Marathon 10k challenge.

Cork City Marathon 2024 19

 1 0 K
T he
Who can participate in the 10k? Teammates can encourage each
other during the race.
If you are at least 15 years old and
have recently started running, It is very inclusive as individuals
or doing any fun runs or 5k runs and teams can participate
on weekends, recommenced
training, or are in recovery from Minimum age is 15 years old
an injury and are worried that the
Half Marathon or Full Marathon Wheelchair users can participate
might be too much or too
strenuous for you, the 10K could It’s community focused as teams
be the perfect option for you! can win an additional prize
You will get a medal crossing the All members have their finish
finish line and there will be cash times published on the race
prizes up for grabs, similar to the results page
other races of the day!
Minimal waiting times as
Participants will have the everybody will start together.
opportunity to enter individually Especially running together with
or as part of a team in which a friend, in a group or with a
they could run together and team will encourage each other
encourage each other. They and make the 10k race super
would all get their individual enjoyable
results which will be posted on
the race page and if registered as Everybody can walk easily to the
a team, their team results would start line from city hall after the
also be published! bag drop

Also small charities can

Why the 10k? participate if they only have 1 or
2 people running for them, as
Everybody will start together there is no min or max number
which will lead to a great of participants needed.
atmosphere at the start line.

Cork City Marathon 2024 20

 1 0 K
T he
Prize Structure 10k team prize rules

10k prize structure 2024: This year the winners of the Male
and Female 10k Races will receive
the James O’Connor Perpetual Cups
Prizes will be awarded in the
donated to us by the family of the
following categories both male
late James O’Connor who competed
and female:
in our event last June but tragically
died last December.
1st: €400
2nd: €250 For teams to qualify, they must have
3rd: €150 a minimum of 4 runners registered
to run the race. The Male and Female
Team Prizes: team’s results will be calculated on
1st All Female Club €200 the fastest team based on finishing
2nd All Female Club €150 chip time of the first 4 runners. i.e. If a
3rd All Female Club €100 team has more than four runners, the
result will be calculated based on the
1st All Male Club €200 top four runner’s finishing positions.
2nd All Male Club €150
3rd All Male Club €100 In an event of a draw, the winning
team with the highest finisher place
1st All Female Non Club €200 will win.
2nd All Female Non Club €150
3rd All Female Non Club €100

1st All Male Non Club €200

2nd All Male Non Club €150
3rd All Male Non Club €100

Cork City Marathon 2024 21

 a l f
h e H n
T atho
The Half Marathon will
start on Monahan Road
M a r
at 10.15am.

It is overall, a fast and flat course over 21.1km/13.1 miles.

As with all major city marathons, the challenge for the marathon
course committee was to design a route that would maximise the
runners’ experience while minimising the disruption to the public.
We also wanted to make this truly a city marathon, by bringing the
race to as much of the city as is possible.

Click here to view the route on the map

Prize Structure *For 2024 we have waived the previous

minimum of 3 in a category rule to
Half Marathon prize encourage gender equality and age
structure 2024: diversity

Prizes will be awarded for *Prizes are awarded equally to male and
the following positions female categories.
Male and Female
Keane’s Jewellers Perpetual Cork City
Categories:
Half Marathon Trophies
1st: €600
2nd: €300 ‌ indly donated by Keane’s Jewellers,
K
3rd: €200 the first across the line in the men’s
4th: €150 and women’s half marathon will receive
5th: €100 a beautifully crafted silver trophy. The
trophies will be engraved with the
€75 for 1st in each age winners’ names. Unfortunately, the
category male and female: trophies are perpetual, so the winners
35 - 44 have to part with their silverware at the
45 - 54 end of their reigning year!
55 - 64
65 - 74
75+

Cork City Marathon 2024 22

 o n
rath
M a
The marathon will
start on St Patrick’s T h e
Street at 8.15am.
The Cork City Marathon is an
official 42.195km (26 miles and
385 yards) marathon course and
serves as a Boston qualifier.
It is overall, a fast and flat course.

As with all major city marathons,

the challenge for the marathon
course committee was to design
a route that would maximise
the runners’ experience while
minimising the disruption to the
public. We also wanted to make
this truly a city marathon, by
bringing the race to as much of
the city as possible.

There are a few immovable

constraining factors: The options
to the north of the River Lee are
limited because of the steep
hills. To the south, the potential
course is restricted by the critical
South Ring Road, which carries
large amounts of traffic into or
around the city centre. Despite
these restrictions, the course
committee designed a route
that takes the runners north,
east, south and west of the city
centre along a very flat course.

The marathon begins and

finishes on the city centre’s main
street, St Patrick’s Street.

Cork City Marathon 2024 23

 o n
ra th
M a
T h e
Click here to view the route on the map

Prize Structure

Full Marathon prize

structure 2024:

Prizes will be awarded in *F

 or 2024 we have waived the
the following categories*: previous minimum of 3 in a
€11,000 in total category rule to encourage
1st: €1,000 gender equality and age diversity
2nd: €900
3rd: €800 *P
 rizes are awarded equally to
4th: €700 male and female categories.
5th: €600
6th: €500 Keane’s Jewellers Perpetual Cork
7th: €400 City Marathon Trophies
8th: €300
9th: €200 ‌ indly donated by Keane’s
K
10th: €100 Jewellers, the first across the
line in the men’s and women’s
Wheelchair marathon receive a beautifully
1st €100 crafted silver trophy. The trophies
2nd €75 will be engraved with the winners’
3rd €50 names. Unfortunately, the trophies
are perpetual, so the winners have
€100, €75, €50 for 1st, 2nd & to part with their silverware at the
3rd respectively in each age end of their reigning year!
category: €2,250 in total

35 - 44
45 - 54
55 - 64
65 - 74
75+

Cork City Marathon 2024 24

 CORK CITY
MARATHON HISTORY
Cork has always been associated with Sports Stars. From Athletics to
Hurling, from Rugby to Rowing from Soccer to Gaelic Football, Cork has
produced iconic superstars over the years. The streets of Cork City have
also been host to some legendary Sporting events from early Grand
Prixs in the 1930’s to The Kelloggs Criterium City Centre Cycling races
and Nissan Classics in the 1980’s to hosting a finish to a stage of the Tour
De France in 1998.

There is something unique when for one day a year the City’s streets
are closed to host a major sporting event. All these events brought big
footfall and revenue into the city and showed off our beautiful city to the
world. Now Cork City Marathon carries this torch and hosts visitors from
all over the world to run along the banks of the River Lee.

Though the current format of the Cork City Marathon began in 2007
the first ever Cork City Marathon actually took place in 1982 when John
O’Toole from Tullamore and our own Marie Buckley from Leevale took
the honours. As
you can see below
some famous names
battled it out in
the 80’s with some
amazing finishing
times. The 1984 races
in particular were top
class battles. Some
familiar local names
on the podium in the
1980s too. Some you
will see volunteering
around the course
and still heavily
involved with local
clubs.

Cork City Marathon 2024 25

 CORK CITY
MARATHON HISTORY
1982 1984 1986
750 athletes 1,138 competitors 1. B
 illy Gallagher
1. John O’Toole (Tullamore) 1. Jerry Kiernan (Clonliffe) (Ballaghadreen) 2.20.12
2.20.40 2.14.30 2.Thomas Brouder 2.24.29
2. Michael Walsh (Leevale) 2. Dick Hooper (Raheny) 3. Michael Carey 2.25.42
2.21.03 2.14.39
3. Tom Jordan (Waterford) 3. Gerry Deegan (Waterford) 1.M
 arion Lyons (St Finbarrs)
2.22.41 2.18.20 3.01.05
2. Brigid McCabe 3.09.20
1. Marie Buckley (Leevale) 1. Deirdre Nagle (Dublin)
3.08.17 2.48.36
The route in the 1980s was
2. Catherine Sutton (Dublin) 2. Christine Kennedy (Galway)
Sunbeam Gate
3.19.08 2.49.46
Water Street
3. Teresa Dwane (Cork) 3. L ucy O’Donoghue (Leevale)
Mardyke
3.38.53 2.56.06 Victoria Cross
Inchigaggin
1983 1985 (Cork 800 marathon) Curraheen Road into town
1,011 competitors 733 competitors Patrick Street
1. Jerry Kiernan (Clonliffe) 1. Billy Gallagher Marina
2.13.20 (Ballaghadreen) 2.18.58 Blackrock
2. Ray Treacy (Deise) 2.16.54 2. Paddy Murphy (Kildare) Skehard Road
3. P at Murphy (Kildare) 2.19.52 Kinsale Road
2.17.31 3. M  ichael Carey (Leevale) Togher Road
2.26.42 Hartlands Avenue
1. Lucy O’Donoghue Barrack Street
(Leevale) 3.13.33 1. Sheila Curtin (North Cork)
2. M  aura Curtin (North Cork) 3.01.23
3.17.04 2. Catherine Speight
3. Corinne Reidy (Limerick) (Leevale) 3.04.13
3.23.08 3. Marion Lyons (St Finbarrs)
3.06.58

Cork City Marathon 2024 26

THE REBIRTH OF CORK CITY MARATHON
In 2005 Cork was convinced that a Marathon with a
team relay was just what the city
European City of Culture. needed.
This gave Cork a new confidence
and a sense that it could host The first step was to hire Gina
important international events. Johnson who had organised big
Following 2005 Director of Services events in Cork in the previous years.
in Cork City Council Jim O’Donovan Once Gina agreed to come on board
felt that Cork should have some (after some convincing by Jim) the
event every year where it showcased wheels started to turn. The next
the city to the world and attracted step was to set up an organising
tourists. Jim being very socially team. Gina gathered a team of
oriented felt it should be an event City Council staff around her Jim,
that all people in Cork should have Michael, Tony Brauders, Niamh
access to. Enter Michael O’Brien Spillane, Eucharia Savage, Cathy
a keen runner who suggested to Buchanan, Sarah Walsh (Cooney),
Jim that a Marathon would tick all Sandra O’Shea all came on board
these boxes. Jim wanted to be sure to help. The event proved a success
that the event could be accessible and the Marathon remains to this
to all so they travelled to the very day because of the work put
Belfast Marathon in 2006 with Jim in by this group in conjunction
taking part in the relay and he was with Cork Athletics and Cork BHAA.
Others joined
in the following
years Fran Lynch,
Stephen Scully,
Paul Moynihan,
James Goulding
and Tony Power
in particular did
trojan work on
the event over
a 10 year period.
Gina stayed on
and organised
every marathon
Cork City Marathon 2024 27
up to and including 2019. Her The first Cork City Marathon in its
dedication, friendly personality and current format took place in 2007.
brilliant organisation skills almost Bantrys Alan O’Shea won the men’s
single handedly insured that the race in a time of 2.27.36 followed
event survived. Gina will still be by Eagle AC’s Wieslaw Sosnowski
seen around the place helping with Roy Fahy of East Cork (who
out at race weekend but she has a would win the following year) in 3rd
much more important role now as place with Alan Merritt of Togher
part of the City Council’s climate AC in 4th and Cathal O’ Connell of
action team. St. Finbarrs in 5th (who has 9 top
ten finishes). In the women’s
race Clare’s Tracy Guilfoyle, of
Kilnaboy AC (a top 40 finisher
in the London Marathon a few
months earlier) won in a time
of 3.01.52 with Mary O’Leary
originally from Castletownroche
in 2nd place (running for FC
Perlach in Munich), Sinead Ní
Chonchuir in third with Anne
Marie Holland in 4th and
Angela Shine in 5th. 2007 saw
two wheelchair athletes Darrell
Erwin and the legendary Jerry
Forde who is still competing
in our marathon to this very
day. The event has grown from
strength to strength over the
years with a half marathon
added to the Marathon and
Relay in 2011 while in 2023 a 10k
replaced the relay which led to a
dramatic increase in numbers in
the event.

Cork City Marathon 2024 28

ROLL OF HONOUR MARATHON
Year Male Female
2007 Alan O’ Shea 2.27.36 Tracy Guilfoyle 3.01.52

2008 Roy Fahy 2:33:55 Lucy Brennan 2:52:47

2009 Michael Herlihy 2:30:36 Lucy Brennan 2:51:25

2010 Sergiu Ciobanu 2:25:54 Lucy Brennan 2:54:38

2011 Sergiu Ciobanu 2:25:34 Angela McCann 2:53:31

2012 Freddie Kearon 2:22:12 Angela McCann 2:52:56

2013 Bartosz Mazerski 2:28:29 Pauline Curley 2:47:47

2014 Bartosz Mazerski 2:28:38 Pauline Curley 2:43:47 CR

2015 Cillian O’Leary 2:30:41 Nollaigh Hunter 2:57:45

Nollaigh O’Neill
2016 Philip Harty 2:32:58 3:00:37
(Hunter)

2017 Chris Mocko 2:26:43 Jill Hodgins 2:48:18

2018 Gary O’Hanlon 2:21:07 Zola Flynn 2:58:49

2019 Gary O’Hanlon 2:21:42 Angela McCann 3:02:53

2020 and 2021 No race due to Covid19

2022 Tim O’Donoghue 2:18:37 CR Lizzie Lee 2:44:54

2023 Pawel Kosek 2:28:24 Georgie Bruinvels 2:49:59

Cork City Marathon 2024 29

RECORD NUMBER OF WINS
Male Female
2 wins 3 wins

Sergiu Ciobanu Lucy Brennan

Bartosz Mazerski Angela McCann

Gary O’ Hanlon

COURSE RECORDS
Male Female

Tim O’Donoghue 2:18:37 Pauline Curley 2:43:47

Cork City Marathon 2024 30

ROLL OF HONOUR HALF MARATHON
The Half Marathon race was introduced in 2011. The first
winners were TJ McHugh 1:12:51 and Lizzie Lee 1:19:45

Year Male Female

2011 TJ McHugh 1:12:51 Lizzie Lee 1:19:45

2012 Gary O’Hanlon 1:09:15 Lizzie Lee 1:20:34

2013 Freddie Kearon 1:08:33 Lizzie Lee 1:19:53

2014 Sergiu Ciobanu 1:10:18 Emma Murphy 1:21:34

Norah Newcomb-
2015 Sergiu Ciobanu 1:07:40 1:21:12
epieterse

2016 Peter Somba 1:11:17 Aoife Cooke 1:25:26

2017 Peter Somba 1:07:47 Claire McCarthy 1:16:34 CR

2018 Sergiu Ciobanu 1:07:57 Claire McCarthy 1:16:46

2019 Gavin Sweeney 1:09:04 Fiona Santry 1:23:17

2020 & 2021 cancelled due to Covid 19

Courtney
2022 Jake O’Regan 1:04:04 CR 1:19:22
McGuire
2023 Ryan Creech 1:06:45 Aoife O’Leary 1:23:41

Cork City Marathon 2024 31

RECORD NUMBER OF WINS
Male Female
3 wins 3 wins

Sergiu Ciobanu Lizzie Lee

COURSE RECORDS
Male Female

Jake O’Regan 1:04:04 Claire McCarthy 1:16:34

ROLL OF HONOUR 10K Y MARA

CIT T
The 10k was introduced in 2023 with K

H
Denis Hegarty winning the mens
R

ON
CO

race in 32:12 and Lizzie Lee winning

the female race in 35:15

Lizzie Lee is the only athlete to win

the Full Marathon, Half Marathon,
10k and relay
H E
AL
L O F FA M
OVERALL INDIVIDUAL
WINS ACROSS Angela McCann
FULL/HALF/10K Sergiu Ciobanu
Lucy Brennan
Male Female
Gary O’Hanlon
5 wins 5 wins Lizzie Lee
Sergiu Ciobanu Lizzie Lee Pauline Curley

Cork City Marathon 2024 32

 ADVERT

OPEN
7 DAYS Family Friendly café famous for its fry-up
8.30am to
5pm. breakfasts,Tony’s Bistro is a Cork institution.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Tony’s Bistro 69 North Main Street, Cork.

Tel: (021) 427 0848
Cork City Marathon 2024 33
 THE
MEDALS 2024
We’ve redesigned the much sought after medals, which this year
will be made from recycled metal, in keeping with our sustainability
goals.

The full Marathon is based on a concept design by Ultra Runner

Alex O’Shea which symbolises participants running under the River
Lee through the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

The half marathon medal showcases another of Cork’s famous

landmarks - St. Finbarrs Cathedral while the 10K medal continues
the nautical theme of the marathon medal with participants
running along the banks of the River Lee. We can’t wait to present
these to all participants as they cross the finish line on June 2nd.

Cork City Marathon 2024 34

 MESSAGE FROM
SANCTUARY RUNNERS
Graham Clifford
The sight of hundreds of blue legal status, nationality, skin colour,
Sanctuary Runner t-shirts darting religion, culture, gender or sexual
their way through the streets of Cork orientation. A city where decency,
on the June Bank Holiday weekend respect and kindness form our united
has become synonymous with this – culture – and will always do so. A city
Ireland’s most friendly and welcoming that’s sound.
community marathon.
So, if you happen to find yourself
Since 2018 we’ve taken part in this running alongside a Sanctuary Runner
wonderful run with the support of today please say hello or if you’re a
Cork City Council. spectator please give us a shout –
you’ll never know how welcomed and
And what a team it is – made up of well-received such a warm roar of
sound Corkonians and those who support will be.
have moved to our city for a wide
variety of reasons including our dear Because we all run through life
friends who are seeking international together and the finish line will come
protection, safety and sanctuary. for us all. Let’s make sure the run is
one where we all support each other
This Marathon Day we, say louder than even at the hardest points.
ever, that Cork is a city of welcomes,
a city where EVERYONE is respected To find out more about the Sanctuary
and valued equally regardless of their Runners visit Sanctuaryrunners.ie

Cork City Marathon 2024 35

35
 On the day
TRANSPORT
We encourage all racers and race attendees to make their way to
race by foot, walk or public transport. However we do recognise that
some attendees may be coming from further distances and may
need parking to be made available to them.

CAR PARKING

Opening &
Name Location
Closing times
Q-Park Carrolls Carroll’s Quay, Victorian Quarter,
24 hrs
Quay Cork, T23 P2TX
Eglinton St, Ballintemple, Cork,
Q-Park City Hall 24 hrs
T12 H795
Q-Park Grand The Grafton Mall, Centre, Cork,
24 hrs
Parade T12 PXR5
Q-Park St Wandesford Quay, The Lough,
24 hrs
Finbarr’s Cork, T12WC78,

Cork City Marathon 2024 36

ADDITIONAL CAR PARKS

Opening &
Name Location
Closing times
Paul Street Car St Paul’s Ave, Centre, Mon - Sat: 07:30 - 0:00
Park (multi- storey) Cork Sun: 11:30 - 0:00
Mon - Sat: 07:30 - 21:30
North Main Street
Sun: 11:30 - 21:30
Car Park (multi- Kyrl’s Quay, Centre, Cork
(Closed Bank
storey)
Holiday Monday)
Merchants Quay 5 St Patrick’s St, Centre, Mon - Sat: 08:00 - 23:00
Car Park Cork Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
27 Oliver Plunkett Street
Lapps Quay Public
Lower, Centre, Cork, 24 hrs
Car Park
T12 C2C1, Ireland
50 Grand Parade, Centre, Mon - Sun: 06:00 -
Park it Here
Cork, T12 D638, Ireland 22:00
Moore Street Car 4 Moore St, Centre, Cork,
24 hrs
Park T12 Y7W0, Ireland
34-36 St Patrick’s Quay, Tue - Sat: 07:00 - 0:00
Patrick’s Quay Car
Centre, Cork, T23 T624, Sun - Mon: 08:00 -
Park
Ireland 20:00
Patrick’s Bridge 6 St Patrick’s St, Centre, Sat: 06:30 - 19:00
Car Park Cork, Ireland Closed Sun and Mon
Kent Station Car Lower Glanmire Rd,
24 hrs
Park Cork, Ireland

BUSES - PARK AND RIDE

The Park & Ride service from the Black Ash centre, on the South City
Link (N27), into the city centre will operate every 8-12 minutes from 06:15
am. The service costs €5 for the day. Participants and spectators are
urged to use this facility and leave their car outside the city centre. The
bus will bring you to the centre, a minute’s walk from the City Hall.

Cork City Marathon 2024 37

ADDITIONAL TRAINS
There will be additional early morning services on Sunday 2nd of June.
These trains will leave Cobh and Mallow at 7.00am and Midleton at
7.15am on Sunday, June 2nd.

GENERAL BUS INFORMATION

City and suburban bus services will be restricted because of the race
during the bank holiday weekend. Information for general bus operations
for the 2nd of June can be found below.

Route 202: - Northside Shuttle:

From 08:00 hrs., service from Hollyhill (Apple), will operate as normal
as far as North Cathedral Bus Stop, then via Gerald Griffin Street, North
Monastery Road, Wolfe Tone Street, Cathedral Road, and normal Route to
Hollyhill (Apple). Normal services will resume at approx.10:30 hrs.

Route 202: - Southside Shuttle:

From 08:00 hrs. service will operate from Anglesea Street (City Hall Bus
Stop) to Bessboro via 215 routes. From 10.30 hrs. service will operate
between Apple as Bessboro via 215 routes.
Normal service to resume at approx. 13:00 hrs.

Route 203: - Northbound: - start of service- 11.30.

Ex Manor Farm, via Pouladuff, N40, South City Link, Eglinton Street, T Mc
Sweeney Quay, Parnell Place, right to Merchants Quay, left for Brian Boru
Bridge, via Summerhill North, left to North Ring Road, right to Blackpool
Flyover, left to normal route at Dino’s and resume normal route.

Route 203: - Southbound: - start of service- 11.30.

Ex Parklands, normal route to Dino’s, turn right to N20, left on to North
Ring, right to Ballyhooly Road at Dunnes Stores, continue via Summerhill
North to Brian Boru Bridge, Clontarf St and Bridge, right on to T Mc
Sweeney Quay, left to City Hall Stop, left to Station Road, right to South
Link, left to N 40, then slip to Pouladuff Exit and resume normal route to
Manor Farm.

Cork City Marathon 2024 38

Route 203: - Southbound: From 11:30 hrs. – 15:00 hrs:
From St Patricks Bridge, service will operate via Merchants Quay, Clontarf
St, Anglesea Street (City Hall), South Link Road, N40 and take the Togher
slip to Manor Farm.

Route 203: - Northbound From 11:30 hrs. – 15:00 hrs:

Service will operate via the N40, South Link, Parnell Place, Merchant’s
Quay to Parklands.

Ex Parklands via Merchant’s Quay/City Hall.

Route 203: - Northbound From 15:00 hrs. – 18:00 hrs:

Normal route to Parliament Bridge then operate via South Mall, Parnell
Place, Merchants Quay then right onto St. Patricks Bridge and normal
route thereafter.

Route 203: - Southbound From 15:00 hrs. – 18:00 hrs:

From St. Patricks Bridge operate via Merchants Quay, Clontarf St, City Hall,
and normal route thereafter.

Route 205: - From start of service to 12:00.

MTU to Anglesea Street (City Hall) service will operate from via Curraheen
Rd. Wilton Roundabout, N40 and South Link Road,
Anglesea Street to MTU service will operate from via South Link Road, N40,
Wilton Roundabout Curraheen Rd. Melbourne Rd, MTU. Kent Station will
not be served before 12.00.

Route 205: - From 12:00 hrs. – 15:00 hrs:

From MTU service will operate via Curraheen Rd, Wilton Roundabout, N40
and South Link Road, Merchant’s Quay, St Patricks Bridge and on to Kent
Station.

From Kent Station, service will operate via City Hall/South Link Road, N40,
Wilton Roundabout Curraheen Rd, Melbourne Rd and on to MTU.

Route 205: - From 15:00 hrs. – 18:00 hrs:

MTU to Kent Station, service will operate from via Grand Parade, South
Mall and Merchant’s Quay, St Patricks Bridge, and normal route thereafter.

Kent Station to MTU, service will operate from via Clontarf St, Anglesea St,
South Terrace, Grand Parade, and Washington Street. Normal service will
resume at 18:00 hrs approx.

Cork City Marathon 2024 39

Route 206: - From 07:30 hrs. - 10:30 hrs:
Services from Grange will operate as normal on the Douglas Rd. then via
Tramore Lawn, Douglas Road and City Hall.

Outbound services to Grange will depart from City Hall operating as per
the normal route. There will be no access to South Mall from 07.30-10.30.
From 10:30 hrs. approx. services will operate to/from South Mall. Inbound
diversion will remain in place via Tramore Lawn and Douglas Rd with
resumption to full normal route from approx. 13:30.

Route 207: - Southbound: - Start of service – 11.00:

Service will operate from Summerhill to Brian Boru Bridge, Clontarf St and
Bridge, right on to Terrance Mc Sweeney Quay, left to City Hall Stop and
normal route thereafter.

No. 207: - Northbound: - Start of service – 11.00:

Operate via Cotter St, Old St Road, Old Station Rd, Eglinton St, Terrance
McSweeney Quay, Parnell Place, right to Merchants Quay, left for Brian
Boru Bridge, Summerhill, and normal route thereafter.

Route 207: - From 11:00 hrs. – 18:00 hrs:

Northbound services will operate via South Mall and Merchant’s Quay, St
Patricks Bridge, and normal route thereafter.

Southbound services to Donnybrook will operate via Merchants Quay,

Clontarf St, Anglesea St. and normal route thereafter. Normal service will
resume at 18:00 hrs. approximately.

Route 207A:
Service will not operate before 11:00 hrs.

Route 208: - Northbound from Start of service – 11.00:

Will operate via Wilton Roundabout, Sarsfields Rd Roundabout, via N40
and South City Link, Eglinton St T Mc Sweeny to City Hall, Parnell Place,
right on to Merchants Quay, left on to on to Brian Boru Bridge, and normal
route thereafter.

Route 208: - Northbound from 11.00 - 15.00:

Will operate via Wilton Roundabout, Sarsfields Rd Roundabout, via N40
and South City Link, Eglinton St T Mc Sweeny Quay to City Hall, Parnell
Place, left on to Merchants Quay, right on to Patricks Bridge, and normal
route thereafter.

Route 208: - Southbound Start of service – 11.00:

Will operate via Brian Boru and Clontarf Bridge operate via South Link
and N40, Sarsfield’s Road Roundabout, Wilton Roundabout, 1st exit on

Cork City Marathon 2024 40

to Bishopstown Road, then normal route. Normal route to resume from
18:00hrs.

Route 208: - Southbound from 11.00 – 15.00:

Will operate via St Patricks Bridge, Merchants Quay, Clontarf Street,
City Hall, South Link and N40, Sarsfield’s Road Roundabout, Wilton
Roundabout, and normal route thereafter. Normal route to resume from
18:00hrs.

Route 208: - 15:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs:

Services from Curraheen towards Ashmount will operate as normal to
Washington Street, then via South Mall, Parnell Place, Merchant’s Quay, St
Patricks Bridge, and normal route thereafter.
Services from Ashmount will operate Clontarf St, Anglesea St, South
Terrace, Grand Parade turning left onto Washington Street.

Route 212: No Service until 13.30

Route 213: - Park & Ride

Services will operate between Black Ash Park and Ride site, Eglinton Street
and Anglesea Street (City Hall). Every 12 mins from 06.15 – 17.00.

Route 214: - From 07:00 hrs. – 14:30 hrs:

Services from CUH will operate via Sarsfield Road, South Link Road,
Eglinton Street and Anglesea Street (City Hall). Then operate via South
Link Road, Tunnel, Dublin Road to Glanmire and then to terminus.
Services from Glyntown will operate as normal to Dunkettle Roundabout
to Dunkettle Interchange, Tunnel, South Link Road to City Hall. Then via
South Link Road, Sarsfield Road to CUH.

Route 214: - From 14:30 hrs. – 18:00 hrs:

14:30 -18:00 From CUH normal route to Washington St. Then via Grand
Parade, South Mall and MQ, St Patricks Bridge and normal route
thereafter.
From Glyntown will operate via Clontarf Bridge, City Hall, South Terrace,
Grand Parade, Washington St., and normal route thereafter.

Route 215: - From Blarney from start – 11.00:

Before 11:00 -Normal to Bros Delaney Road, turn left to N20, left on to
North Ring, right to Ballyhooly Road at Dunnes Stores, continue via
Summerhill South to Brian Boru Bridge, Clontarf St and Bridge, right on
to Terrance Mc Sweeney Quay, left to City Hall Stop then normal route
terminating at Bessboro.

Cork City Marathon 2024 41

Route 215: - From Bessboro to Blarney Start – 11.00:
Start at Bessboro, normal route to South Terrance, then operate via Copley
Street, Cotter Street, Old St Road, Eglinton Street, T Mc Sweeney Quay,
Parnell Place, right to Merchants Quay, left for Brian Boru Bridge, via
Summerhill North, left to North Ring Road, right to Blackpool Flyover, right
to Bros Delaney Road then normal route thereafter.

Route 215: - towards Blarney From 11.00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs:

11:00 -18:00 operate via South Terrace, South Mall, Parnell Place Merchants
Quay, St Patricks Bridge, and normal route thereafter (before 13:00 the
service only operate from Bessboro, after 13:00 operate as normal from
Jacobs Island.
Services from Cloghroe will operate via Merchants Quay, Clontarf Street,
Anglesea Street, then normal route (until 13:00 operate to Bessboro only,
after 13:00 operate as normal to Jacobs Island. Normal services will resume
from 18:00 hrs. approx.

Route 216: - From start of service to 14:30 hrs:

Services from CUH will operate via Sarsfield Road, South Link Road,
Eglinton Street, Anglesea Street (City Hall) and then normal Route.
From 11.00- 14.30
From CUH will operate via Sarsfield Road, South Link Road, Old Station Rd.
South Terrace, South Mall, and normal route to Monkstown.
Services from Monkstown will operate normal route to South Terrace, then
via Cotter Street, Copley Street, Old Station Road, Eglinton Street, Anglesea
Street (City Hall), South Link Road and Sarsfield Road to CUH
.
Route 220: - Carrigaline/Crosshaven to City Centre/Ballincollig/Grange
Manor 07:30 - 15:00:
Normal to South Terrace then via Cotters St, Old Station Rd. Eglinton St to
City Hall City Hall then via South Link, N40 to Poulavone Roundabout and
normal route thereafter.

Route 220: - Ex EMC/Ballincollig City Centre; Carrigaline/Crosshaven

07.30- 11:00 hrs:
From the Poulavone Roundabout then via the N40 and South Link
Road to Eglinton Street, Anglesea Street (City Hall) and normal route to
Carrigaline/Crosshaven.
11.00- 15:00 hrs. services will operate normal service route to Poulavone
Roundabout then via the N40 and South Link Road, Old Station Road
Georges Quay, South Mall, and normal route thereafter. Services will revert
to normal route from 15:00 hrs.

Cork City Marathon 2024 42

Route 223: - 07.30 – 11.00:
Inbound from Ringaskiddy, services to operate via South Terrace, Cotter
Street, Copley Street, Old Station Road, Eglinton Street, Anglesea Street
(City Hall); then operate outbound from Anglesea Street (City Hall) as per
normal route. Normal service will resume at 11.00 hrs approx.

Route 225 07.30 - 11.00:

07:30 -11:00 - All services operate ex Clontarf Street and normal route
thereafter. (Kent Not Served)
Inbound services will terminate at Parnell Place.

Route 226: - 07.00 - 11.00:

All outbound services will operate ex Clontarf Street.
Inbound services will terminate at Parnell Place. only no access to Turners
Cross (Kent Not Served).
11.00-13.30
Services will resume service to Kent Station. Service will operate via City
Hall, Old Station Rd, South Link. No access to Turners Cross until 13.30.

Outbound Stage Carriage/Expressway From

07.30 – 15.00 Approximately
Services to West Cork and Tralee 07.30 – 16.00.
Services will operate via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd.
Roundabout, and normal route from Wilton Roundabout.

Services to West Cork and Tralee 16.00 – 18.00.

Will operate via Clontarf Street, Anglesea St. South Terrace, Grand
Parade and left onto Washington St and normal route thereafter.

Services to Macroom/Farnanes 07.30 – 16.00.

Will operate via South Link and, N40 take exit 1 towards Blarney N22 to
Poulavone Roundabout and normal route thereafter.

Services to Macroom/Farnanes 16.00 – 18.00.

Will operate via Clontarf Street, Anglesea St. South Terrace, Grand
Parade and left onto Washington St and normal route thereafter.

Services to East Cork, Waterford, and Dublin 07.30 – 14.00

Will operate via South Link and Jack Lynch Tunnel.

Route 51 services towards Limerick/Galway 08.25 – 12.25.

Will operate via Brian Boru Bridge, Summerhill, left onto North Ring Rd.
R635 to Blackpool flyover, turn right and normal thereafter.

Cork City Marathon 2024 43

Race Day Departures From Parnell Place

07:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

07:50 Midleton / Ballinacurra Operate via South Link and Jack Lynch
Tunnel

08:00 Dublin Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

08:25 Galway Operate Via Brian Boru Bridge, Summerhill, North Ring To
Blackpool Flyover And Normal Thereafter

09:00 Skibbereen Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd.
Roundabout And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

09:25 Galway Operate Via Brian Boru Bridge, Summerhill, North Ring To
Blackpool Flyover And Normal Thereafter

09:40 Waterford Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

10:25 Galway Operate Via Brian Boru Bridge, Summerhill, North Ring To
Blackpool Flyover And Normal Thereafter

10:30 Glengarriff Castletownbere Operate via South Link, N40 West,

Sarsfield Rd. Roundabout and normal route from Wilton Roundabout

10:30 Youghal Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

10:30 Tralee Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd. Roundabout
And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

10:40 Waterford Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

11:00 Fermoy Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

11:25 Galway Operate Via Brian Boru Bridge, Summerhill, North Ring To
Blackpool Flyover And Normal Thereafter

11:30 Goleen Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd. Roundabout
and Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

11:30 Midleton / Ballinacurra Operate via South Link and Jack Lynch
Tunnel

Cork City Marathon 2024 44

12:00 Dublin Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

12:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

12:30 Tralee Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd. Roundabout
And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

12:40 Waterford Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

12:45 Farnanes Operate Via South Link And, N40 Take Exit 1 Towards
Blarney N22 To Poulavone Roundabout And Left Onto Normal Route

13:00 Fermoy Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

13:00 Midleton / Ballinacurra Operate via South Link and Jack Lynch
Tunnel

13:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

13:30 Tralee Via Ballyvourney Operate via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield
Rd. Roundabout and normal route from Wilton Roundabout

13:30 Glengarriff Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd.
Roundabout And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

13:40 Waterford Operate Via South Link And Jack Lynch Tunnel

14:00 Dublin Operate Normal Route

14:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

14:30 Tralee Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd. Roundabout
And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

14:30 Skibbereen Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd.
Roundabout And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

14:30 Youghal Operate Normal Route

14:40 Waterford Operate Normal Route

14:50 Clonakilty Operate Via South Link, N40 West, Sarsfield Rd.
Roundabout And Normal Route From Wilton Roundabout

Cork City Marathon 2024 45

15:00 Fermoy Operate Normal Route

15:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

15:30 Midleton / Ballinacurra Operate normal route

15:30 Tralee Operate Via Clontarf Street,Anglesea St. South Terrace, Grand
Parade And Left Onto Washington St

15:40 Waterford Operate Normal Route

16:15 Skibbereen Operate Via Clontarf Street,Anglesea St. South Terrace,

Grand Parade And Left Onto Washington St

16:15 Midleton / Ballinacurra Operate normal route

16:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

16:30 Bantry Operate Via Clontarf Street,Anglesea St. South Terrace, Grand
Parade And Left Onto Washington St

16:30 Tralee Operate Via Clontarf Street,Anglesea St. South Terrace, Grand
Parade And Left Onto Washington St

16:40 Waterford Operate Normal Route

17:00 Clonmel Operate Normal Route

17:15 Midleton / Ballinacurra Operate normal route

17:25 Galway Operate Normal Route

17:30 Tralee Via Ballyvourney Operate Via Clontarf Street,Anglesea St.

South Terrace, Grand Parade And Left Onto Washington St

17:30 Macroom Via (Ballincollig) Operate Via Clontarf Street,Anglesea St.

South Terrace, Grand Parade And Left Onto Washington St

17:40 All Services Can Resume Normal Routes.

Cork City Marathon 2024 46

How Far Will YOU
Run in the Cork
City Marathon -
It’s All About the
SPR!
by John Quigley,
AIMS/World Athletics Grade
‘A’ International Measurer
The Cork City Marathon, Half-
Marathon, and 10k have been
measured to AIMS/World
Athletics standards. This
certifies that the course is at
least the specified distance acting as shields/protection,
keeping traffic back .....Imagine,
Courses are normally measured driving at 100kph, on the South
starting from the finish line, back Ring, approaching the Jack
to the start, so you’re going in Lynch Tunnel, and coming
reverse to the runners direction. across a cyclist cutting across the
Because of issues like the South road in front of you! RTE News
Link Road, where you’d be that evening “An auld fella, who
cycling against traffic, and the should know better, became
Jack Lynch Tunnel, where traffic roadkill, cycling all over the road
is manic at the best of times, the on a dual carriageway!”
Cork Marathon’s measurement
takes place over four separate So... Measurement is taken
Sunday’s, early in the morning. seriously, and personal
In normal circumstances, the safety even more so. Course
Marathon would be measured certification lasts five years, so
in a single session...but the First Cork will need to be done again
Rule of Measurement is ‘Go before the 2027 event, unless the
Home Safely’ course changes.

The South Link, South Ring Every year, it’s disappointing to

Road, Tunnel and Tivoli sections see so many runners, particularly
are done with Garda ‘Protection’, those at the front of races,
with several large Garda ‘Jeeps’ ‘running all over the gaff’, and

Cork City Marathon 2024 47

yet, afterwards they’ll claim to The entire length Tunnel itself
have run the shortest line, even was measured along the centre
when photos and videos show wall, yet pretty much everybody
otherwise! runs along the other lane, with
many close to the opposite wall.
Tips on Where to Run the SPR After this, on the approaches to
- Shortest Possible Route - and Mahon Point, most go out in the
possibly Save Yourself Both road, whereas it is measured,
Distance and Minutes for the most part, in the hard
shoulder, close to the edge of the
The main areas where people tarmac
run long are; the section from
Christy Ring Bridge to Ladyswell SPR - How to run on a ‘twisty
Brewery, both on the way out, road’
and back, The section between
4 Miles and the Tunnel. The This is where the course is
Tunnel itself, and the South Ring measured ‘Line of sight...Bend
to Mahon Point slip road, from to Bend’. Where’s the next Bend/
Mahon Point slip road to the Corner? Head straight for it!
Dog’s home are MAJOR areas
where you can lose time/run Why run a longer distance?
long...and most do!
You’ve trained for months... and
The next big ‘loss making’ then underperform because
section is the South Link, you run farther than you need.
particularly from the Elysian to The strategy should be the
Boreenmanna Road, however same for your shorter races
the biggest ‘loss maker’, after too. The primary reason for not
the Tunnel/South Ring/Mahon running the SPR is when you’re
Point section, is Curragh Road to heading into a strong headwind.
Tramore Road Tunnel to Mahon and you’re sheltering behind
Point. someone bigger than you <grin>
....been there done that!

Cork City Marathon 2024 48

Cork City Marathon 2024 49
 A Trip Along
The Route
Course Description
The Cork City Marathon Course is generally a flat course and is the
flattest City Marathon in Ireland with the two worst hills on 30km
and 34Km i.e. 18 and 21 miles.

The Start
St Patrick’s Street

The curve of St Patrick’s Street follows the line of a river that once flowed
freely along it. In fact, you’ll be running on top of old rivers for most
of the first mile! St Patrick’s Street, the Grand Parade, the South Mall,
Parnell Place (once known as Nelson’s Quay) were all rivers until they
were culverted and paved over in the 1780s to cater for the expanding
city.

St Patrick’s Street has held many historic gatherings over the years with
rallies from political figures such as Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael
Collins. Many of the buildings were destroyed during the Burning of
Cork in the War of Independence in 1920. Today it stands proud as
the main street in Cork City where the City Marathon both starts and
finishes.

Cork City Marathon 2024 50

1
The curve of St Patrick’s Street follows the line of a river
that once flowed freely along it. In fact, you’ll be running
on top of old rivers for most of the first mile! St Patrick’s
MILE MARK Street, the Grand Parade, the South Mall, Parnell Place
Cork Opera (once known as Nelson’s Quay) were all rivers until they
House were culverted and paved over in the 1780s to cater for
the expanding city.

St Patrick’s Street has held many historic gatherings

over the years with rallies from political figures such as
Charles Stewart Parnell and Michael Collins. Many of the
buildings were destroyed during the Burning of Cork in
the War of Independence in 1920. Today it stands proud
as the main street in Cork City where the City Marathon
both starts and finishes.

Following Sinn Féin’s victory in the local elections of

2
MILE MARK
January 1920, Tomás Mac Curtain was elected Lord
Mayor of Cork on 31 January 1920. His tenure as the first
Republican to hold the office, however, was cut short.
Tomás Mac In the early hours of his 36th birthday, on 20 March
Curtain & 1920, members of the RIC (the Royal Irish Constabulary)
Blackpool burst into his house in Blackpool and shot him dead in
front of his family. The shocking murder brought near
universal condemnation. At the coroner’s inquest into
the killing, the jury passed a verdict of wilful murder
against the British Prime Minister, Lloyd George, and
various members of the RIC.

Just before the Church of the Annunciation on Great

William O’Brien Street, a monument to Mac Curtain
stands on the right-hand side outside the Baldy Barbers’
shop.

You’ll pass Mac Curtain’s house where he was murdered

shortly after the two-mile mark, on the left-hand
side just as you come onto Thomas Davis Street. It’s
commemorated by a plaque over the Daybreak shop,
opposite the church.

Cork City Marathon 2024 51

3
Some of the world’s best cyclists have raced up St
Patrick’s Hill, with its 25% gradient towards the top, over
the years – from Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and Sean
MILE MARK Yates, in the Nissan Classic in the late 1980s and early
Look left and 90s, to Frank and Andy Schleck, in the 2007 Tour of
be thankful Ireland. In 2009 Lance Armstrong famously decided not
that you only
to risk the tricky ascent during a torrential downpour.
look up St
Patrick’s Hill
and don’t Today you are lucky – keep running along the flat banks
have to run of the River Lee and enjoy one of the flattest Marathons
up it! in Ireland. No climbing St Patrick’s hill for you!

On the 4-mile mark along the banks of the lovely Lee

4
MILE MARK
look to the left and you will see a beautiful row of terraced
houses called Myrtle Hill Terrace. Count 13 houses from
the left and there is a house steeped in history. 13
Terence Myrtle Hill Terrace was used as a safe house for Terence
MacSwiney’s MacSwiney during the War of Independence in 1919/20.
Safe House Terence MacSwiney was elected Lord Mayor of Cork in
March 1920, succeeding the late Tomás Mac Curtain. In
August 1920, he was convicted of possession of seditious
material and died in Brixton Prison in October after 74
days of Hunger Strike.

After registering for the marathon in City Hall, you’ll exit

the main Concert Hall onto Terence MacSwiney Quay.
MacSwiney and Mac Curtain are commemorated by
two stone busts looking proudly over the river outside
the City Hall.

As you pass the first Relay Changeover area and the

5
MILE MARK
Clayton Silver Springs Hotel on the left-hand side you
are now in the leafy city suburb of Tivoli. The Cedar
Trees in the area are reputed to have been planted by
Tivoli and Sir Walter Raleigh.
Sir Walter
Raleigh The Port of Cork dominates the riverside by Tivoli, with
its container- handling facilities for oil, livestock and ore
and car-import point. Until the 1980s, the Swansea-Cork
ferry docked at the roll-on/roll-off ramp here.

Roughly halfway along the Silversprings dual carriageway,

you cross over from the City into the County of Cork.
Cork City Marathon 2024 52
 So far you have run 6 flat miles. The good news is that

6
MILE MARK
there’s another flat bit ahead for you to enjoy. From the
six-mile marker, you are about to experience something
unique. You are now about half a mile away from
The Jack entering the Jack Lynch Tunnel, named in honour of an
Lynch Tunnel accomplished local sportsman and later Taoiseach.

The Jack Lynch Tunnel is an immersed tube tunnel. It’s

part of the South Ring Road (N40). The Tunnel takes
the road under the River Lee and connects the South
Ring Road with the M8 to Dublin, the N8 Road to the
City Centre (which you’ve just run on) and the N25
to Waterford. It’s a unique experience running in an
underwater tunnel. The north-bound bore is closed to
traffic for the duration of the race, so enjoy it and don’t
forget to holler OGGY OGGY OGGY, OI OI OI!

After all that excitement, as you approach the 7-mile

7
MILE MARK
marker you begin to see light at the end of the tunnel
(sorry couldn’t resist). Just 19 more miles to go! We now
have a hill out of the tunnel and onto the

N40. After 6.5 miles of dead flat, it’s time to give the legs
a small bit of a warm-up in the tunnel. This hill isn’t too
bad and flattens out relatively quickly after you exit the
tunnel.

8
If you are visiting Cork for the weekend and fancy some
out-of-town shopping, you are in the right place. You
now take the slip road up past Mahon Point Shopping
MILE MARK Centre. You won’t have your wallet or purse with you but
Shopping that’s ok, it’s not open yet anyway. Call back after the
Heaven race when it’s open and reward your efforts with a cup
of coffee and get yourself something nice to remember
your achievements in Cork.

Cork City Marathon 2024 53

9/10
If you are visiting Cork for the weekend and fancy some
out-of-town shopping, you are in the right place. You
now take the slip road up past Mahon Point Shopping
MILE MARK Centre. You won’t have your wallet or purse with you but
Sporting that’s ok, it’s not open yet anyway. Call back after the
Mahon & race when it’s open and reward your efforts with a cup
Blackrock
of coffee and get yourself something nice to remember
your achievements in Cork.

11
Just before the 11-mile mark, you’ll see the picturesque
Blackrock Castle ahead. Perched on the shore of Lough
Mahon, the castle was originally built as a fortified
MILE MARK defence in the 16th century to protect the upper harbour
Blackrock and port. The castle was destroyed by fire twice, in 1722
Castle and again in 1827, after which the castle as we see it
today was designed by James and George Pain.

Within the castle, you can explore the universe at the

CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, or enjoy a meal in the
Castle Café and Restaurant in the courtyard – a lovely
setting away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

After the Castle, you enter the flat walkway that sweeps
along the edge of Lough Mahon.

12
We are being very good to you, another flat mile
completed as you pass the 12-mile mark. Take a look
around and ask yourself, ‘have I ever run a City marathon
MILE MARK in such a nice place?’. You have the beautiful River Lee
The Lee estuary to your left and across the water are Rochestown
Estuary and Passage West.

13
Next up it’s time to catch the train! Just before the 13-
mile mark, we leave the Lough Mahon walkway using
a steep bridge over the N40. But don’t worry, it’s just a
MILE MARK short, steep hill and the rewards are worth it. Down off
The Railway the short bridge and you enter the Old Cork to Passage
Line West Railway line and another dead flat section.
This is a spectacular section of the course. This is
Greenway heaven! You get about a mile and a half of
this, so enjoy it.
Cork City Marathon 2024 54
14/15
After the old railway line and approx 14.5 miles into your
journey, you come out onto the Marina. You are now
on the banks of the River Lee again and in the newly
MILE MARK opened Marina Park, directly across from where you
Páirc Uí were on mile 5. Now you have another feast in store. You
Chaoimh are approaching the Historic Cork GAA Grounds Páirc Uí
Chaoimh on the left. The redeveloped stadium opened
in 2017. This is the heartbeat of Cork GAA and has hosted
legends of the game since its original opening in 1976.
Cork Legends of Hurling and Football, such as Ray
Cummins, Jimmy Barry Murphy, Teddy McCarthy, Brian

Corcoran and Seán Óg Ó Hailpín to name but a few,

created some magical moments here over the years. In
fact, legends of music have also played here including
Michael Jackson, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, U2, The
Stone Roses, Paul Weller and Oasis. This year Páirc Uí
Chaoimh has played host to Bruce Springsteen once
more. You merge with the Half Marathon here. The Half
Marathoners have the unique experience of running
underneath the back of the stand. The Cork City
Marathon organising Committee work very closely with
the GAA and are grateful for their help and assistance.

16
Flat again all the way to the 16-mile mark via the Centre
Park road where in October 2017 Storm Ophelia wreaked
havoc knocking 27 trees. The third Relay Changeover
MILE MARK takes place here at the end of the road. This is a noisy
Centre Park spot so soak in the atmosphere as you come back into
Road and the City via the old Jewish Quarter.
the Jewish
Quarter

17
As you approach the 17-mile mark there is a gentle
hill out the N27 South Link Road. We have to ask you
to climb a sharp hill too, right on the 17-mile mark. You
MILE MARK have been getting away with it up until now but to get
Turners Cross back across the city we need to climb a short, sharp slip
road up towards Turners Cross. This hurts, we won’t lie.
However, it’s very very short and over very soon. After an
almost completely flat 17 miles so far I’m sure you won’t

Cork City Marathon 2024 55

 hold a small hill against us! At the top of this hill, you
arrive downhill into Turners Cross.

Turners Cross is best known for the football ground of

the same name on your righthand side. It’s home to
Cork City FC. Visiting Turners Cross is a rite of passage
for most Cork people. The club boasts a proud tradition,
with Hall of Famers Dave Barry, John Caulfield and Pat
Morley household names for their exploits at ‘The Cross’.

18
Another stadium on the 18-mile mark. This time it’s
Munster Rugby’s second ground, Irish Independent
Park (formerly Musgrave Park) on the righthand side.
MILE MARK Rugby has a proud tradition in Cork with international
Munster household names such as Donal Linehan, Ralph Keyes,
Rugby Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer and Donncha O’Callaghan
adorning the rugby fields of Cork, Munster, Ireland and
the World!

19
We haven’t spoken about hills much because quite
frankly they have been few and far between. However,
we’ve got one here on the 18.5- mile mark. We are now
MILE MARK in Ballyphehane, one of the early suburbs of Cork. Many
Ballyphehane of the main roads through Ballyphehane are named
after the executed leaders of the 1916 Rising.

Our hill is on Connolly Road, named after James Connolly.

The climb itself could be described as a flat lead-up to
a medium distance, medium gradient climb. It flattens
out as you reach the 19 mile Mark. The compensation
is that this is a truly Cork suburb, with fantastic local
supporters who’ll cheer you up that hill!

20
After roughly 19.5 miles you approach The Lough to
your right. There aren’t many bodies of water identified
simply by their geographical description but this is one.
MILE MARK Everyone in Cork knows where The Lough is! It defines
The Lough the area, and rightly so. It’s a shallow freshwater lake
that’s one of the oldest official wildlife habitats in Ireland.
Designated in 1881, it’s the protected home for numerous

Cork City Marathon 2024 56

 species of wildlife. Give a wave to the swans as you run
past. The 20-mile mark is up ahead.

21
From the 20-mile mark to 20.5 you are running downhill.
Enjoy it, and it’s time to take a nice breather before
the last climb of the day on Farranlea road. It’s our
MILE MARK version of Heartbreak hill except it’s not really all that
Farranlea bad. More like a mild romantic disappointment rather
Road than heartbreak! I tend to split this climb into three. It’s
best described as one short, sharp climb followed by a
plateau. A second long, light, almost flat gradient climb
followed by a high, short step at the end. Confused?
Don’t worry. You have the worst of the climb over you
when you reach the top of the hill behind County Hall.
When you come out towards Model farm Road there is
a very short, sharp step up onto Model farm road. You’ve
21 miles down and the remaining 5 miles are flat.

22
The final changing of the Relay guard takes place close
to the 22- mile mark near MTU on the Model Farm Road.
More noise and excitement as you pass through the
MILE MARK final Changeover. You know that the hills are behind
The Last Leg! you and glory is ahead. We now take you down a quiet
country lane just to cover off everything. You’ve run
on every kind of road Cork has to offer from bridges to
tunnels, railways, greenways, motorways and now the
country boreen! Get some fuel on here before you exit
onto the Straight Road.

23
You are now on the Carrigrohane ‘Straight’ Road (N22).
As the name suggests, it is straight – you have a full mile,
dead straight and dead flat, ahead before you reach the
MILE MARK County Hall.
Carrigrohane
Straight Built in the mid-19th century, the Straight Road was
served by trams in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.
In the 1920s, it became one of the first concrete road
surfaces in Great Britain or Ireland. Because it was built
on a flood plain, the road and its surrounding areas have
seen dramatic flooding, most recently in 2009.

Cork City Marathon 2024 57

 The Straight Road used to be part of a Grand Prix Circuit,
believe it or not! Combined with the Model Farm Road,
it made for a nice looped circuit where The Cork Grand
Prix was held in the late 1930s. The 1936 race was the
first-ever motor race in Cork, and by 1938 Cork hosted
the only motor race ever in Ireland to run to the then
new International F1 rules. It was won by GP legend René
Dreyfus of France, in a 4500cc Délahaye 145, averaging
speeds of almost 93mph. Just imagine a former Monaco
GP winner tearing down the Carrigrohane straight in an
F1 car today!

Due to the flat surface of the Straight Road, it has also

proved suitable for motorbike and car speed trials,
where the Irish Land Speed record was set many times.

The Carrigrohane Straight hosted the finish to a stage of

1998 Tour De France. This Dublin to Cork stage was won
by the Mapei rider Jan Svorada, in the year that the late
Marco Pantani won the Tour.

Enough talk of speed. At this stage in your run, you are

no doubt going a lot slower than René Dreyfus or the
Tour De France Peloton!

24
You have got there. It’s County Hall. At one stage while
you were running along the Straight Road you thought
it was getting further away. But it’s here now. County
MILE MARK Hall is the administrative headquarters for Cork County
County Hall Council. The 67m-storey building opened in 1968, but
the cladding was extensively redeveloped in the early
2000s. Oisín Kelly‘s statue, Two Working Men, stands
outside the complex.

Cork City Marathon 2024 58

25
After County Hall, you hang a left at the AIB Bank and
a right down the Mardyke past the Mardkye Arena
and the Sonia O’ Sullivan Track, named in honour of
MILE MARK the Legendary runner from Cobh. Sonia won a host of
Sonia O’ titles from Gold Medals at European Championships for
Sullivan 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 meters, Gold at the World Cross
Track at the
Country Championships for 4k and 8K, Silver at the
Mardyke
1993 World Championships in Stuttgart for 1500 meters
and of course Gold at the 1995 World Championships in
Gottenburg over 5,000 meters and Silver in the Sydney
Olympics in 2000 for 5,000 meters.

Further along the Mardyke is Fitzgerald’s Park on the

left-hand side. A public park, Fitzgerald’s Park is also
home to the Cork City Museum which is well worth a
visit.

The 25-mile marker is at the end of the Mardyke after you

turn left, just as you approach the walkway known as Slí
Cumann na mBan (the Republican Women’s Council).
Commemorating women’s role in the establishment of
Irish Independence and of the Irish State, celebrating
Irish women’s right to vote and the appointment of
Countess Markievicz as the first female elected to
Parliament.

THE FINAL STRETCH

Medieval Cork and, later, the Birthplace of Terence
MacSwiney

After the 25-mile marker, you cross the River Lee and
into the heart of Medieval Cork. You’re possibly feeling
that ancient at this stage but hold on, you are almost
there! The hint is in the name – you cross the North
Gate Bridge and the site of the City Gate Prison that
guarded the northern approach to the medieval City
of Cork. Your flat run along North Main Street, with its
dozens of ancient laneways, left and right fossilised in
the modern street layout, will be slightly enlivened by
cobbled stone ramps.

Cork City Marathon 2024 59

 If you have the energy as you approach its end, you
might glance down Castle Street on your left – it’s the
street that was once yet another waterway and one
that gives Cork its Coat of Arms and its motto Statio
Bene Fide Carinis, a Safe Harbour for Ships. It’s hard to
believe you’re running on what was once a defended
medieval island surrounded by marsh!

To square our marathon circle, our venerated Lord

Mayor Terence MacSwiney, encountered four miles into
your journey, was born on North Main Street.

At the end of North Main Street you take a left onto

Washington Street and left again to finish on St
Patrick’s Street.

You are back where you began and have achieved

something great.

You have completed the

Cork City Marathon!

Cork City Marathon 2024 60

 Proud Registration & Fundraising Partner
for the Cork City Marathon

WISHING ALL PARTICIPANTS

THE VERY BEST OF LUCK
TAKING PART!

www.eventmaster.ie
Cork City Marathon 2024 61
 ULTRA RUNNER AND WORLD
RECORD HOLDER ALEX O’SHEA
ANSWERS THE QUESTION ON
EVERYONES LIPS -
WHAT TO DO IF ITS HOT?
A popular question we are potentially be in the sun for a few
being asked? What if Cork hours take responsible measures
marathon experiences a hot such as use a good tried & tested
day? With Cork marathon taking suncream. Your sports shop can
place early In the summer we advise you on a suncream that
don’t have any great certainty will give you good UV protection
when it comes to the weather whilst running over several
we can experience some hot hours. Test it out on your training
summer conditions or some run you don’t want to be testing
summer showers. new things on race day.

Well while the weather is out of In very hot conditions a small %

our control there are measures of people will opt to run in a very
we the organisers and you thin light sleeve top providing
the runner can implement. So total UV protection. This is
remember if it’s sunny you could something that you need to be

Cork City Marathon 2024 62

used to doing and you would Run in the shade when safe to
regularly wet the sleeves to aid do so?
cooling & heat evaporation.
This is more helpful in really The shortest course is a straight
hot conditions...Like everything line from A to B and will have
Practice on a training run and been measured accordingly
adjust before the big day. and at the front of the race
runners will automatically run
Clothing - it needs to be light but this invisible line... But if you are
above all comfortable and wick feeling the heat you may want to
sweat/ moisture away from the consider running in the shade if
body. So no cotton. Kkeep with it’s an option and safe to do so.
the modern hitec sports fabrics There are good sections of the
and don’t forget this means a course that will provide good
good quality sock also. shade.

Consider a hat, a visor or When you get hot you might

sunglasses again this is a confuse thirst with the need to
personal choice. If the hair is cool (you need both)
light on top a light running hat
will offer best UV protection but So with thirst, sip your fluids over
keep it wet as not to over heat a longer period. Drinking a lot
the head. Again buy your hat in a quickly will cause stomach upset
sports shop as a running specific & you may feel bloated with a full
hat will be lighter and usually tummy..
allow the head to breath. A visor
will allow the head breath and So pick up a bottle, sip and carry
still provide some shade on the it for a while. You can carry it in
face. Glasses light and effective your hand, they are a small sized
you don’t want to be squinting bottle easy to run with but again
running in the sun but again they something to practice. Or you
can take a bit of getting used to can invest in a running belt (ask
for running .. Again practice with your local sports shop). The belts
them.... are an elasticated waistband
with a couple of stretchy pockets
A buff this is a neck tube type great for training and race day
scarf that can be a hat, scarf to carry your water bottle a few
bandana or simply worn on the gels etc. a very useful bit of kit
wrist, it provides good cooling but again find one that fits you
when wet and helps regulate correctly and practice so on race
heat. day it’s not something new.

Cork City Marathon 2024 63

So when finished drinking use the remaining water to cool the head,
shoulders, wet your buff hat etc ..

Tip
If you stop to pour a lot of water over your head it provides very
short term relief, it slows your race and large volumes of water
could well result in friction issues with your clothing getting very
wet as it just runs off your head wet top shorts and wet feet leading
to blisters...

You now find yourself running a hot marathon but needing advice
for a very wet marathon? So if you are doing the big water over the
head pour, stop, lean your head forward so it’s not over your shoes
and pour slowly targeting your head. But personally I’d go with use
small amounts of water on your head shoulders arms etc and do it
more often while maintaining your run..

Should I run through the shower on the course?

In the past on hot days there has been a water shower. Yes you can
run through it. The water is in mist form, light droplets for cooling.
Ideally run through and keep on pace.

Don’t stop in it, you will go past cooling and just get extremely wet.
Feels good until you realise your clothes and shoes are now very wet
and may cause you other issues.

Remember keeping our feet dry is important.

Cork City Marathon 2024 64

Cork City Marathon 2024 65
 The Runners
Diary
Many great stories begin by
accident or by chance and that is
no different when it comes to the
number one running podcast in
Ireland and our Podcast Partners
the ‘Runners Diary Podcast’. To
trace it all back we have to head
to a rural village in North Cork.
A little village that has a house
that will not be mentioned in known with his enthusiasm in
the great stories of athletics but getting a new club “Bweeng Trail
is the home to the formation of Blazers” formed and also as the
a club, the formation of a high race director of the Bweeng 5k.
profile race and also where the
Runners Diary Podcast tones
were first heard. Both have taken a hobby to an
extremely high level and their
Brian Ahern was the original weekly podcast has been nothing
founder of the Podcast in its most short of sensational when it
basic and as he says now almost comes to all matters running
embarrassing state. A short 15 related. The duo are extremely
to 20mins piece on fixtures and proud of how far they have come
results….it soon was going to be taking their podcast on a journey
cast to the rubbish bin when to now being weekly the most
Damian Kenneally approached listened to running podcast in
Brian about how to start a Ireland and that includes some
podcast. That conversation led to big overseas hitters that runners
both joining forces and the rest would follow here too. The shows
as they say is history!! format is like a weekly magazine
where they bring us the news
Damian Kenneally is known to of the week, the results of races,
many over the years for his own upcoming fixtures and weekly
running pedigree he is also well competitions. The most popular
know to the running public as element of the show is generally
he works with the Edge Sports the weekly interview and the
and gives great advice to those list is endless from Olympians
looking for a bit of help in such as Catherina McKiernan,
choosing the right shoes and Aoife Cooke to some of Irelands
accessories needed to help with best coaches. We have heard
running. Brian Ahern is also well inspirational stories from people
like Jerry Forde and Keith Russell
Cork City Marathon 2024 66
and amazingly in recent times party something that has never
they even managed to get an been done at the Cork Marathon
interview with Gary Cantrell AKA before. It was a bold and brave
Lazarus Lake from the Netflix step into the unknown however
fame “Barkley Marathons”. their bravery was rewarded with
a day to remember. This year
they are back again and make
Another element to the podcast sure to join them after you cross
is how much the lads have given the finish line in the Deep South
back. They help out clubs by Bar and Beer Garden where they
featuring weekly fixtures and will be joined by Ed Fitzgerald
with the help of the clubs giving who will amazingly on the day
free entries to their followers. be lead biker/ Pacer and DJ at
This helps the clubs and the the event!! There will also be
followers and with no charge to many special guests at the event
anyone, it is certainly a Win/Win. similar to last year. This year as an
added bonus there is going to be
They also have kept fundraising some amazing prizes to be won
for charities as a key element too at the event.
of what they are about,in 2023
they raised great funds for
Cork Penny Dinners, Mallow While Brian and Damian are the
Search and Rescue and Cork men behind the podcast it would
Missing Persons Search and not have made it to the level it
Rescue. This is something that has without the support of some
is really important to the lads others too. Ruari O’Hagan helps
and once again in 2024 they each week to put some magic
are pushing that forward again on the editing of the podcast,
with their latest fundraiser for Jonathan Kenneally and Andy
Crumlin Childrens Hospice and Goulding also regularly help out,
Breakthrough Cancer Research. with Andy the self-confessed
You can get behind their Runners Diary Ambassador!!
fundraiser by purchasing their Weekly contributions from
2024 Runners Diary Podcast Mags Hasset (IMRA) and Lindie
tshirt where all profits from the Naughton have also helped
sale are going directly to the two raised the levels of this incredible
charities. podcast. The show has also been
thankful to attract some sponsors
who have got fully behind what
The podcast has also been the Brian and Damian are trying
podcast partners to the Dublin to do. Pillar Performance has
and Cork Marathons over been the main sponsor of the
the past 2 years. In 2023 they show, Local company Shoe
suggested to the organizers Rescue have been a huge help
that they would host an after and others like Well Bean and
Cork City Marathon 2024 67
Precision Fueling have also been The Runners Diary Podcast
of great assistance. are delighted to launch
our 2024 fundraiser and
have chosen Breakthrough
Another first and brave step this Cancer Research (@
year was their journey into a 16 breakthroughcancerresearch)
week plan to help novice and and Crumlin Childrens Hospital
beginner runners get to the start (@cmrf_crumlin) as the charities
line with all the training and we will work with and raise
information they would need to as much funds as possible.
have as enjoyable day as possible. The t-shirts are available on @
They enrolled the help of well rwsports.ie website at a cost of
known coach Ken Nason and €30 including delivery, with €15
along with Ken they published going directly to the chosen
a weekly YouTube guide on the charities.
training needed to get to the
Cork marathon, they also have a Link for tshirt is available here:
questions and answers session Pre-Order Runners Diary 2024
each week giving interactive Fundraising Top - RW Sports
feedback that normally is not Shop
seen. Of course there was even
more competitions again with
a weekly prize for their youtube
followers. The Podcast just seems
to have all the boxes ticked
when it comes to the complete
package of what a runner of all
level needs.

The most important factor of all

however that they both want
to highlight is the support they
have got from so many of their
followers, those that listen in
each week, those that follow
them on social media, the clubs
and races. As they often mention
on the Podcast we are all one big
team. So get behind the Runners
Diary, get behind their fundraiser
and make sure to join them for
another after party at the Deep
South.

Cork City Marathon 2024 68

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Cork City Marathon 2024 69
 E R S
PAC
What Is A Pacer

A pacer is someone who gives The pacers (at least 2 at each

up their own race time to try to time slot) will run the race at
help others get under a specific an even pace and finish the
time. The Cork City Marathon has race just under their predicted
a professional vastly experienced time. Pacers will generally cross
team of pacers placed at every the line 30 seconds ahead of
15 minutes starting at 3hours schedule to allow for runners
and ending at 5 hours for the full who are struggling over the last
and every 10 minutes in the half mile of the race to get in on time.
from 1.30 to 2.30 with a bonus set Pacers pace chip time rather
of pacers at the popular target than gun time so don’t panic
time of 1.45. There will be pacers when you see the clock coming
at 40,45,50,55, and 60 minutes in at the finish line the pacer will
the 10k. Some of our Pacers have be pacing according to when
represented their countries , they crossed the start line so its
some are ultra marathon runners important to start in the correct
and all have bags of experience. area where your pacer is.

Cork City Marathon 2024 70

 E R S
PAC
How to Use the Pacer
and what to consider:
When deciding whether to follow time in a race the pace that will
a pacer or not a runner should take appear on your watch to get under
a few things into consideration the 3 hour 30 will most likely be
and understand how the pacer is somewhere around 7.55 pace and
measuring his/her pace. The pacer will go as fast as 7.50 or even 7.45
will use their GPS watch as a guide at times. On downhills pace may
only and will be measuring pace naturally pick up also.
accurately from mile markings
marked on the road. Runners need Also consider that at certain times
to understand that some miles can in the race you may struggle
in fact be longer than others on but you may regain momentum
their GPS if there are many twists later. It would be a bad choice at
and turns in a particular mile. It times when you are struggling to
is not uncommon for a runner to religiously keep step for step with
run 26.4 miles or more in the Cork the pacer if you are not able to
City Marathon or similar Boston do so. It would be wiser in these
qualifier events as the course is circumstance just to keep the
measured to a high degree of pacer within vision maybe allow a
accuracy. A runner will not always little gap to appear and close this
follow the shortest route and at gap on a downhill or at a time
times will run wide due to the when you are feeling better.
crowd or just naturally. Therefore
the difference between 26.21 and The pacer may also bag a tiny bit
26.4 miles will also need to be of time to allow runners to slow
taken into consideration when down slightly running up the two
pacing accurately. You will find hills towards the end of the course
that the first few miles you run when they might be struggling.
in cork are actually longer than Pacers will gain this time evenly
miles at the end due to runner over the first 16 miles or so of the
congestion and twists and turns race. It would be common for
on the course. So your own GPS pacers to be 1 minute ahead of
may have you running 10 seconds time coming into mile 16 to allow
faster than your target pace and some time be lost over the last two
beeping well in advance of the hills which can be challenging. It
mile marker. That is because you won’t seem like you are slowing
have ran a little bit extra. So if you down though as effort levels will be
had targeted 8 minute mile pace very high at this stage.
to get 3 Hour 30 minute marathon
Cork City Marathon 2024 71
 E R S
The 2024 Pacer Team has
been selected and lines out PAC
as follows. (subject to swaps,
changes and injuries)

Full Marathon 3 Hour 15 Minutes:

Mister Motivator: JJ O’ Byrne:

Famous the world over Mister Known as the animal. JJ quite
Motivator Aidan Hogan has a free simply is a character. Leo the Lion
role and runs up and down the to be exact. Not popular with
course helping Runners. Using Munster Rugby fans but JJ is that
both the carrot and the stick he guy you see at Leinster matches
will get you over the line. Aidan has out on the pitch dressed up as a
ran over 300 marathons. lion doing cartwheels. He also stars
in the Brady Tv Advert “come out
3 Hour Team: you other hams”. He is the one that
winks and plays the bodhran!
Alex O’Shea:
World Record Holder for running a Stephen Rooney:
marathon in full fire gear, Winner A popular Cork runner from
of the 2024 Beyond the Ultimate Watergrasshill club. Stephen is well
240 KM Ice Ultra. Alex is a top pacer known on the Cork running scene.
and is also part of the Runners Top man.
Advisory Sub Committee for Cork
Marc Orantes Bravo:
City Marathon.
Also fresh off pacing TCS London
Marathon Marc is Barca through
Arkadiusz Skupin:
and through and comes to Cork
Fresh from pacing the TCS London
to scout for potential new Lionel
Marathon Arka is a regular pacer in
Messi’s
the Cork City Marathon.

Jacek Latala: 3 Hour 30 Minutes:

Another regular pacer with Chris Grayson:
us Jacek has ran the Cork City Where to start. Quite simply the
Marathon for years. best pacer in Ireland FACT. Fresh
off pacing TCS London Marathon
Sean O’Keeffe: Chris is the standard we all aspire
The insurance Policy. Sean a to. Part of the famous double act
well known top runner in Cork is Team Grozzy who are kicking off
making sure the job gets done. their reunion tour in style in Cork
this year.
Cork City Marathon 2024 72
 E R S
PAC
Fozzy Forristal: Ger O’Toole:
The other half of the famous Ger from Wicklow by way of
double act. Fozzy is a top pacer and Dublin and Blackrock AC. Ger has
we are delighted to have him back paced Cork City Marathon for the
this year. past few years. Another success
story from the Gary O’Hanlon
Dante Aquino: stable of runners Ger is flying at the
Another TCS London Marathon moment.
2024 pacer. Dante is probably our
happiest and friendliest pacer. 4 Hour
Always in good form.
Andrezj Chomicz:
Anna Klimek: Quite simply a legend. Always
Anna a regular pacer on the thinking of others and is a natural
Munster running scene she brings pacer. One of the most popular
great energy to the team. She pacers among the pacing group.
has been a brilliant addition to
our pacing team over the last few Brian Ankers:
years. Brian has been pacing Cork for
years and is one of our most
3 Hour 45 Minutes experienced pacers and we are
delighted to have him back again
Dolores Duffy: this year.
Dolores needs no introduction.
Having recently completed her Akram Shalabi:
100th Marathon in Manchester. A marathon veteran with well over
Dolores is a regular at all marathons, 100 marathons. Recently became
winning a lot of them she joined a Simpson. Has paced many
our pacing team a few years back Marathon Majors and recently lead
and has been absolutely brilliant. the pace group at TCS London
Marathon.
Colette O’ Donoghue:
A club mate of Dolores from 4 Hour 15 Minutes
Watergrasshill. Withdrawn from
last years team due to a late injury. Anne Jennings:
We are delighted to welcome her Brings huge quality to the pacing
back this year.

Cork City Marathon 2024 73

 E R S
PAC
team. A well decorated Ultra marathon. An inspiring pacer. If
runner who has represented you think you’ve heard a good
Ireland on several occasions Anne team talk over the years wait until
is a top class pacer. you hear Paul in full flow.

Dave Stack: Michael Van Der Klei:

A long time regular pacer with us in Experienced Pacer and Ultra
Cork Dave who hails from Limerick runner. First year pacing Cork and
is an extremely popular pacer. brings bags of experience to the
team.
Ian Coxall:
Ian comes to Ireland for the first 5 Hours
time. Ian is a regular pacer in top
class marathons including TCS Johnny Healy:
London Marathon. We hope he There is only one Johnny Healy.
enjoys his weekend on Leeside Ya it’s the same guy every year.
and gets time to take in some of Johnny has been with us for years
the local trad music. and again is an extremely popular
pacer. One of the first on the team
4 Hours 30 sheet every year.

James Kelly: John Walsh:

Wherever there is a marathon John an experienced marathon
there is Jimmy Kelly. Top man, top runner and Deise native is a massive
pacer. Another very popular pacer. addition to our pacing community
this week. Fresh off an excellent job
Brendan Hallissey: in the Great Limerick Run.
No stranger to Marathons and
the Cork Marathon in particular.
A great new addition to our team Half Marathon
this year.
1 Hour 30 Minutes
4 Hour 45 Minutes
Brian Ahern:
Paul Hogan: Yes thee Brian Ahern. Brian has
Like James, Paul is at every done so much for Running in
Ireland through his Podcast the

Cork City Marathon 2024 74

 E R S
PAC
Runners Diary. Brian also gives us
loads of good advice and is on the 1 Hour 45 Minutes:
Runners Advisory Committee of
Cork City Marathon. He is also a Breda Gaffney:
damn good pacer. If there is a race on Breda is at it.
Fresh from pacing the TCS London
Noel Selorm: Marathon Breda is a top pacer
Noel is the first ever pacer who has and hugely popular on the cork
come through the Direct Provision running scene.
Centres. Cork City Marathon has
very close ties with the Sanctuary Richard Hawkins:
Runners are we are delighted to have Richard is another constant on our
Noel on our team. Noel is one of the pacing team the last few years.
friendliest guys you will ever meet Well known in cork running circles
and we are so happy to know him. for years.

Pete Fleming: Anthony Creed:

Top runner and a new addition Anthony has a wealth of experience
to our Pacing Team. Delighted to pacing Cork City Half Marathon.
have Pete on board this year. The 1.50 group are in very safe
hands.
1 Hour 40 minutes:
1 Hour 50 Minutes:
Shane Collins:
Speaking of top class runners, The Eagles.
they don’t come a whole lot better Its welcome to the Hotel
than Shane. In fact he was the California with this group.
fastest Cork runner in the Cork City
Marathon last year finishing 5th Karen Bevan:
overall. Delighted to have him on A top runner and the race organiser
the pace team this year. of the Fota Run and Carrigaline
5 mile among others. Karen also
Bryan Crowley: sits on the Runners Advisory
Bryan is rock solid and paces with Committee. First name on the
us every year. Another top class team sheet.
pacer with a wealth of experience.

Cork City Marathon 2024 75

 E R S
PAC
Ruari Egan: Direct Provision system. We are
As above. Delighted to have Ruairi delighted to have him pacing with
on the team again this year. us this year.

Eimear Burke: Ed Dunphy:

Another stalwart and returning Cool as a cucumber the second Ed
pacer. Very popular with runners of the 2 hour group paces with us
in last years group. Plenty of every year. He brings calm to the
encouragement and good advice storm.
on tap.
2 Hours 10 Minutes:
Vicky Lehane:
New to the pacing team this year. Michelle Greaney:
Another well known local runner Michelle coming from the
who is a big addition to the team Kingdom. Top coach and runner.
this year. Loads of good advice from Michelle
in this group. Delighted to have her
2 Hours: back again this year.

Elaine Guinane: Cian O’Connor:

Elaine has a wealth of experience Cian not only paces the race but
and a very active organiser and also makes sure that the other
club member with Eagle AC. Paces pacers are all sorted and there on
the 2 hour group every year. time. So if any of them are late let
him know.
DJ Ed Fitz:
We keep Ed busy on race day. He is 2 Hours 20 Minutes:
lead bike for the 10k. 2 hour Pacer
for the Half Marathon and DJ at Tamara Lopez:
the Official After Party in Deep Tamara a returning, experienced
South. He has Monday off. and popular pacer takes the 2.20
group this year.
Kofi Kpoglo:
Kofi joins us pacing Cork for the Donal O’ Donoghue:
first time this year. Kofi is our Donal another well known runner
second pacer to come through the brings with him great experience

Cork City Marathon 2024 76

 E R S
PAC
and attention to detail when he 50 Minutes:
paces. Paced GLR half Marathon a TBA:
few weeks back also.
55 Minutes:
2 Hours 30 Minutes:
Sheila Magorrian:
Tom Enright: Returning pacer and forms ½ of
Vastly experienced and good this very popular pacing team.
humoured pacer. On the list every
year without question. Delighted Geraldine Hartnett:
to have him again this year. Another returning pacer and the
other half of the 10ks equivalent
Mike Collins: of Team Grozzy. This is TEAM
Mike is back with us this year MAGNETT. So stick to them people.
and like Tom brings a wealth of
experience. This is a top pacing 60 Minutes:
combo.
Eileen Olden:
10K New to the team this year we are
delighted Eileen is on board with
40 Minutes: us to help people get in under the
hour mark.
Mike Coholan:
One of the toughest slots to fill. We
are delighted to have Mike with us That is our Cork Pacing Team
this year. If you can keep up with 2024. All Volunteers giving up a
him and get under 40 minutes you much faster finish time to help you
will have ran a cracking time. the runner. You run your own race
but this is an extra help for you.
45 Minutes:
#Pacerforlife
Conor O’Neill:
Conor joins us on the team this
year for the first time and we are
delighted to have him on board.
This will be a very popular slot.

Cork City Marathon 2024 77

 Best Of Luck
To All Participants
Wishing all the participants of the 2024 Cork City
Marathon the best of luck!

As the anticipation builds, we eagerly await your arrival

in the beautiful city of Cork. May your determination
carry you through every step of the race, and may
the cheering crowds and scenic views inspire you to
reach new heights. Prepare to be embraced by the
warmth and hospitality of Cork as you embark on this
incredible journey. We can’t wait to welcome you with
open arms and celebrate your achievements.

Run strong, run proud, and enjoy every moment

of this unforgettable experience!
Cork City Marathon 2024 78
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Cork City Marathon 2024 80