New Route For 2010
Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon takes a new turn for 2010
Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon takes a new turn for 2010
- Record year expected as entry numbers already up 50% compared to last year -
The organizers of the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon are changing the race course in 2010, taking out the punishing hills along the 26.2 mile route to make it flatter and more enjoyable for all those taking part.
On the back of feedback from runners and relay teams, the main change to the 2010 route is the exclusion of the energy sapping uphill on Model Farm Road from Inchigaggin Bridge out to Nangles Nursery and the tough downhill after that on Church Hill. To compensate for the loss of two miles in the western section, the new route takes in the popular walkway amenity along the Lough Mahon waterfront and the Rochestown/Blackrock section of the old Passage railway line. Two miles out from the finish line, the new route also sees a shift from the Western Road at the Sacred Heart Church to the Mardyke, a stretch of road with a more favourable camber for runners. Full map and course details are available to download on the marathon’s brand new ‘social media hub’ at www.readysteadycork.ie
A flying start to entries
Running a marathon must have been top of the new year resolutions list for many people this year if entry numbers this year are to go by – the number of people registering to take part in the Bord Gais Energy Cork City Marathon this year is double the number of submissions received in the same period (January – February) last year. Meanwhile, registrations for the marathon relay race have trebled compared to last year’s figures which puts the event on track to reach a record 10,000 people to take part on June 7th. Commenting on the course and surge in numbers, Jim O’Donovan, Race Director of the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon said “these significant changes have produced a flatter, more even course, which lends itself to the exciting prospect of a faster finish this year and maybe even a record time. Thanks to all the runners who’ve given us some great feedback based on their experience over the last few years – this is a marathon for everyone and whether you’re running, jogging or walking it, this year is gearing up to be the best and biggest year ever! Seeing the numbers surge since Christmas was a fantastic result and this will help us achieve our target of raising €3m of vital funds for charity.”
Relay course:
The 2009 relay changeover points have not been changed. The modifications to the course, however, mean that the distances between the relay points have changed.
The shortest leg is now the fifth and final stage, at about 4.5 miles long. It’s about a mile longer than the 2009 short leg, but to make up for that you get honour of the wonderful finish on St Patrick’s Street! The longest stage for 2010 is the third stage, from Ringmahon Road to Victoria Road, measuring about 5.8 miles on a very flat surface.
For more information please contact Rhona Cashman, H+A Marketing + PR. Telephone: 021-4666200 / 087 6978477. Email: rcashman@hagroup.ie
2010 Course Changes:
Start to Castle Road (c. 11.5 miles) – unchanged.
New Section: Lough Mahon Walkway & Rochestown/Blackrock old railway line.
Marina (c. 15 miles) to Lower Friars Walk (c. 18.75 miles) – unchanged.
Minor change: Lower Friars Walk to Pearse Road, Connolly Road excluded.
Minor change: The Lough (c. 19.5 miles), lap around the Lough excluded.
Hartland’s Avenue to Inchigaggin Bridge (c. 22.5 miles) – unchanged.
New Section: Inchigaggin Lane to Carrigrohane Straight.
New Section : Mardyke (c. 24.5 miles), Western Road excluded.
Minor change: Mardyke Bridge to finish, straight run along the north quays to St Patrick’s Bridge and finish line, as before, on St Patrick’s Street.
How the Changes Affect the Relay
The 2009 relay changeover points have not been changed. The modifications to the course, however, mean that the distances between the relay points have changed. The shortest leg is now the fifth and final stage, at about 4.5 miles long. It’s about a mile longer than the 2009 short leg, but to make up for that you get honour of the wonderful finish on St Patrick’s Street! The longest stage for 2010 is the third stage, from Ringmahon Road to Victoria Road, measuring about 5.8 miles on a very flat surface.
The relay stages are now as follows:
Stage 1: St Patrick’s Street to Silversprings: 5.5 miles
Stage 2: Silversprings to Ringmahon Road: 5.5 miles
Stage 3: Ringmahon Road to Victoria Road: 5.8 miles
Stage 4: Victoria Road to Model Farm Road: 5.2 miles
Stage 5: Model Farm Road to St Patrick’s Street: 4.6 miles
Forgive me for being a bit of a damp rag but as the ‘climb’ in Cork begins, in my mind, as you come off the South Link Road and gradually builds up to the Model Farm Road I can’t see how it really is much more flatter than previous years. I have always found the bit from Musgrave Park to the top of the MFR the hardest part. However, this year, should I decide to take part, I would be reaching this hard part approx 2 miles futher into the race thus more tired. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate what the organisers are doing to try and make the race easier but you still end up going up the MFR, albeit this time only half way up.
Hi Alan ,
Thanks for the comment. The 16 to 21-mile section is the hilliest section in the marathon as you described it there but for a variety of reasons that has not been changed- mainly traffic restrictions and road closures We originally looked, for e.g., at reversing the route – so that the finish would run back in from Glanmire but it just wasn’t feasible and would mean shutting the north side of the city and mean that the tunnel is closed for the day. Although you will be hitting the hillier western section two miles further into the race, you won’t have the additional three miles out the west to face and cutting out the Blackrock Village section also cuts out a significant hill that should allow a little saving of energy for the 16-mile+ part of the race.
A Cork City marathon just wouldn’t be feasible without a hill of some description! – believe it or not there are some people who want more hills in it than less!!
If you have a look at some of the comments on boards.ie http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055815477&page=4 describing the course they might be useful and we will be putting up an in-depth guide to the course on the blog also
All the best with the training!
Thanks Alan
Regards
Rhona
I agree with some of the points Alan made, especially the Model Farm Road section. The initial pull up from the Wilton Road and all the way along the Model Farm Road was the hardest section for me last year. However, once I hit the Carrigrohane Rd I never looked back and ran the remaining 4 -5 miles comfortably! I’m glad the Model Farm Road section from Mc Carthy’s Bar is removed though, this was a killer last year.
Looking forward to June 7th!