Great Island Run

10th April

Returning for it's 7th year this year is the Great Island Run, 10 mile race in Cobh, Co. Cork. (also including a 4 mile race). Expect around 600 runners for the 10 mile, and 250 for the 4 mile.

All the money raised from this race is donated to the Irish Cancer Society.

Route

This is a tough enough route, not the worst, and certainly good training. The first 2 miles are fast and downhill, the next 4 miles are pretty challenging. From mile 6 to the finish it's pretty flat, except for a slight incline around 8.5 miles. Also a nice downhill finish with views of cork harbour.

The 4 mile starts downhill and follows the last 3 miles of the 10 mile route.

Registration

Entry for the 10 Mile is €20 online or €25 on the day. Entry for the 4 Mile is €10 online or €15 on the day.

Link to Registration

Just to reiterate, this race is run for the Irish Cancer Society, no profits are taken by organisers.

Easter Weekend Races 2016

#EasterRun

Here's the list of races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Dublin
Friday 25th - The Good Run - 5K - Raheny

Monday 28th - The Battle of Clontarf 10 Mile - Raheny Shamrocks AC

Carlow
Saturday 26th - The Fighting Cocks GFC, Carlow - 5K & 10K

Meath
Sunday 27th - Fr. Murphy AC 10K - Kildalkey

Kilkenny
Sunday 27th - Tullaroan AC 10K & 5K

Wexford
Sunday 27th - Ballyfad Easter 10K

Monday 28th - Rosslare 10K - Wexford Triathlon Club

Offaly
Monday 28th - Edenderry 10 Mile - Edenderry AC


Clare
Saturday 26th - Eamonn Moloney 10K - Ennis (finalist in our 10K of the year!)

Monday 28th - Fern Celtic 5K & 2K

Cork
Saturday 26th - Sheeps Head Easter Run - 10K

Sunday 27th - Doneraile GAA 5K

Monday 28th - Gneeveguila AC 4 Mile - Kiskeam Village

Tipperary
Friday 25th - John Kelly Memorial Run - 7.5K - Templemore

Waterford
Friday 25th - Tramore 4 mile run

Saturday 26th - Tallow Community 5K

Sunday 27th - Waterford City Charity 5 Mile

Monday 28th - Aglish 5K & 10K

Kerry
Friday 25th - Good Friday, Feet First 5 Mile Run - Killarney

Saturday 26th - Kenmare Bridge Run - 10K & 5K

Saturday 26th - Ballybunion Half Marathon & 10K

Sunday 27th - Maurice Collins Memorial 4 Mile - Ballyheigue


Mayo
Saturday 26th - Kilmovee 10K

Saturday 26th - Mayo Mud Run - 8K

Galway
Saturday 26th - Colemanstown 10K

Monday 28th - Loughrea AC 5K

Sligo
Friday 25th - Grange 5K

Monday 28th - Carney Lissadell 10K

Leitrim
Friday 25th March - Noel McManus Memorial Run, 5K & 10K - Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill


Donegal
Saturday 26th - Ballyliffin Coastal 10 Mile Challenge

Sunday 27th - Letterkenny AC 3K

Cavan
Saturday 26th - Easter Bunny Hop & Chicken Run - 10K & 7K

The Searlait Twyang 10 Mile

The Searlait Tywang 10 Mile Memorial Road Race & 5K Fun Run/Walk
15th May


This is the inaugural 10 Mile Road Race in memory of Searlait Tywang in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. Searlait (5) lost her battle with Brain Cancer on Monday 4th January 2016. The run will take place on Sunday 15th May at 11:00am in Castlecomer (starting at Deen Celtic Football Grounds). The race is run to support Aoibheann's Pink Tie - The National Children's Cancer Charity.

Route

This is mostly a flat course, there are a few small hills to look out for; at mile 1-2, 3-4, & 9-10, and then onto a downhill finish. The 5K route is hilly at the start for the first 2K, then flat all the way to the finish (5K race starts at 11:15 am)

Registration

Entry for the 10 Mile is €25 (incl. booking), online entry only! (up to the day before). Entry for the 5K is €5 and registration is on the day from 8am - 10:45am.

Link to Registration

Official Flyer

Races Paddys Day

#PaddysDayRun

Many races and communities are starting to take advantage of St Patrick's Day public holiday, and closed town roads, to host races on the day. It's a trend I like, so I decided to list as many as I could for the day. If I miss any, feel free to comment and I'll update:

Westmeath

The Mullingar Half Marathon

Laois

The Streets of Portlaoise 5K

Dublin

Balbriggan Half Marathon & 10K

Kildare

Kilcock 1mile race

Kilkenny

Paddy's Day 5K dash

Cork

Marina Rowing Club 6K

Castlelyons 4 mile

Dawn Run 10K, Ballinspittle (Courcey Rovers GAA)

Tipperary

Ardfinnan GAA 5K & 10K

Limerick 

Croom gets moving, 6K and 10K

Donegal

Letterkenny 5K

Sligo

Tubbercurry 10k

Antrim

The Craic 10K, Belfast

Monaghan 

Crocus 5K Monaghan Town (and 2.5K walk)

ASICS FuzeX

Product Review - ASICS Fuzex - 25th February

About the runner

In mid January I got the 'new to market' ASICS FuzeX runners. The concept behind "fuzeX" is that it is a fushion of the Gel and Foam in traditional runners. So rather than having a Gel Insert in the runner, they are both mixed, what this means is that there is no difference in impact regardless of where your foot strikes.

But let's get one thing straight, I was pretty excited to, as always, to break out new runners!

How I got on

I've taken the runners out now on a good few short runs (3-4 miles) and only a couple of mid-distances (around 10 miles). I've brought them to two races, but have yet to bring them out on a long distance race (half marathon +).

What I liked:

• Weight - these felt pretty light on my feet, definitely a plus.
• Comfort - typical ASICS, these felt very comfortable to wear. Nice cushioning feel on impact.
• Fit - Good fit, felt particularly good around the ankle area. A lot of space in the "toe box" area, perhaps more than I need personally, but not a problem.

What could be better:

• Speed - Although they are light weight, I felt that they didn't have the usual "springiness" of an ASICS runner. Felt a little flat, but I mainly felt that in the shorter races, like 5K, less of an issue for longer distances.

Can't judge yet:

• Stability / Durability - Can only give this verdict after some serious wear and time. They seem solid, like most ASICS runners, so I would imagine they will stand the test of time.

Final Verdict

A pretty solid runner, good for a runner with a neutral gait. Although lightweight, it probably won't be my runner for short races, but will be for middle distance. Will see how it fairs over long distance.

The heel - good for Neutral runner

Getting ready to hit the road

The lady's pair are VERY pink - thanks to the wife!

Balbriggan Half Marathon & 10K

17th March

Another running event that takes place on St. Patricks Day is the Balbriggan Half Marathon and 10K. This event has been running since 2011. This race is run to support the Balbriggan Cancer Support Group.

Route

This is a challenging route, it's by no means flat, so view it as a pretty good work out. The 10K is a loop, with the half marathon being this loop twice, roughly. Expect around 5/6 climbs per loop, with the equivalent downhills to make up the time.

Here's a video of the loop

Registration

Entry for the half is €37.45 (incl. booking). Entry for the 10K is €26.75 (incl. booking).

Link to Registration

What you get

Here's the medal that you get for this race: