Doneraile race/walk

Monday 31 May 2010

Doneraile race/walk

Sonia O Sullivan to run in Mallow A.C. 5km trail race/walk
- Doneraile Park, Friday June 4th at 8p.m.


Pre-Cork Marathon Leg Loosener


When Sonia O Sullivan returns from Australia next week she has a hectic schedule of running events to greet her. However, Friday evening, after she has made an appearance at the Doneraile School Sports, will probably be one of the fun parts of her weekend as she just gets to do what she continues to love doing, that is, to put on her running shoes and compete in a friendly 5km trail race like the one being held in the opulent natural surroundings of Doneraile Park on Friday evening. Mallow A.C. asserts that this will be a good leg loosener for anyone preparing for the Cork Marathon on Monday 7th of June or for anyone doing a relay leg. It should be a good combination to start and finish the long weekend with. Sonia herself will be doing a leg of the relay for a celebrity relay team which will include some of Corks hurlers and personalities.

Positive reviews for previous event

While O’Sullivan no longer is able to commit to the hectic schedule of training required of an Olympic athlete, she still likes to get out there and stretch herself. It’s hoped that some of the locals will be inspired to come out and share in the challenge of the 5km event which couldn’t be held in nicer surroundings. The previous 5k event held here at the end of April received all positive reviews, with runners and walkers of all ages and abilities completing the course on the eve of Summer on April 30th. One remark that was made on the evening was that even if it had rained, in surroundings like that, its always going to be an enjoyable evening. So whatever the weather, make sure to start the long weekend with a fun social event like this.

Schedule of events

Registration, which is only 5 Euro’s, starts at 6:30p.m. in Nagle Rice Secondary School, across the road from the Park. Participants are asked NOT to park within the park grounds as gates have to be closed at 8p.m. Parking is available on the road just outside the Park and within the grounds of the school. The race itself gets under way at 8p.m. from just inside the old entrance to the park which is just to the left of the new entrance. Post-race refreshments, tea and sandwiches, along with prize-giving will be held in the School Hall afterwards.
Awbeg Valley A.C. who are hosting the Doneraile School sports in Doneraile GAA pitch from 2 to 5p.m. will also be running a Question and Answer session with Sonia in the Springfort Hall near Mallow. This will be held at around 9p.m. with just a 5 Euro entry fee to this event. Springfort Hall hotel is just 5 minutes drive from Doneraile so whether you are supporting, spectating or participating in the 5km, there should be the chance to make it to the Q&A.

Ballyhoura Series popular again

This is the 3rd race of the Ballyhoura ACTIVE Summer Series of running and walks events, which was re-established this year on the back of a re-emerging running boom. There was a noticeable absence of running and walking events accessible to the general public in the North Cork / East Limerick region. Since this was such a popular series in the 1990’s and early part of this decade, it is great to see the local athletic clubs band together to re-establish the series in the area. Since it has started again, it’s shown its potential with large numbers attending each of the first two events. It’s expected that people will come from afar, like Sonia is, to attend what is set to be a beautiful summers evening of activity in the grounds of the 18th Century landscaped park.
The following is a list of the events in the rest of the Running and Walks series;

  • Fri. June 4th 8p.m. - Doneraile Park Trails 5km – Mallow A.C.
  • Fri. June 18th 8p.m. - Bilboa Ger Mullane Memorial 10k race – Bilboa A.C.
  • Fri. Aug. 6th 8p.m.- Mitchelstown GR8 Kilometres- Galtee Runners A.C.
  • Fri. Aug. 20th 8p.m. - Kilteely Festival 5 mile race - Kilteely CC & Bilboa A.C.
  • Fri. Sept. 3rd 8p.m. - Liscarroll Tom Fitzpatrick Memorial 10k- Liscarroll A.C.


Participants who complete 5 of the 7 races of the series will receive a Mizuno technical running t-shirt. All the races are to be held in scenic countryside surroundings so it should be a nice, fun, active way to spend some of your summer evenings.