Cork City Marathon: Expert advice, participant information, road closures and more
Almost 11,000 people are set to lace up their trainers and make it to their start line on Sunday morning and spectators will make their way into the city to motivate participants over that finish line. Picture: Chani Anderson.
Excitement is building for this year's Cork City Marathon, which takes place this Bank Holiday weekend.Â
Almost 11,000 people are set to lace up their trainers and make it to the start line on Sunday morning, while spectators make their way into the city centre to motivate participants over the finish line.
2,500 people will take part in the full marathon, 4,200 people will take part in the half marathon and a further 4,200 people will take part in the 10km race.
While preparations are being made and participants are resting up ahead of the big day, members of the official podcast partner of the marathon, the Runners Diary, have offered their advice to race goers.
Speaking to the , Brian Ahern, Damian Kenneally, and Andy Goulding, who recently held a pre-marathon information evening at Clancy's in Cork city, shared their advice on what participants should focus on in the lead-up to race day, how to deal with pre-race nerves and the significance of partaking in the event.
"There are a few things to concentrate on over the next few days - sleep would be a huge one. You want to be well rested going into Sunday. Try and stay off your feet as much as you can and get to bed early. Hydration is another big thing; get plenty of water into you over the next few days. Last thing is fuel," they advised.
"Watch what you're eating over the next few days, carbs are your friend, and try and stay away from anything that may upset your stomach on the day."
Touching on nerves and how to deal with pre-race jitters and nerves when making it to the start line, they reassured people that nerves are perfectly normal.
Nerves are perfectly normal, it's just a sign that this means a lot to you. A good tip is to maybe look back over your training to remind yourself that you have the work done and you are ready for this.
"Also, remind yourself why you are actually taking on such a huge challenge. We all run for different reasons, and reminding yourself of the why will help you achieve your goal on the day."
Their tips to help stay focused during the race included staying as relaxed as possible during the race.
"For the vast majority of people, you are running the race for your own sense of achievement. Be very proud of even getting to the start line and hopefully achieving your goal at the finish line. Think of that feeling of running down Patrick Street with thousands cheering you on. When the going gets tough just remind yourself how you will feel crossing the line," they said.
Touching on how much crossing that finish line means to people, they said: "We all have different abilities and standards but at the end of the day we all get the same medal, whether you run three hours or six hours. Be grateful for having the ability to take part in whatever shape or form. There are so many out there that would love to be in our position."
Race director Eamon Hayes thanked Ahern, Kenneally and Goulding for their "invaluable contribution to the Cork City Marathon this year", describing their podcast as one that has gone "from strength to strength".
"We are so lucky to have them on board as partners," he said.
He went on to thank media partners, sponsors, Cork City Council, and the organising committee of Pat Walsh, John Quigley, Stephen Geoghan, Denis O’Sullivan and Kevin Cummins from the athletic partners Cork County Athletics Board and Cork Business Houses Athletic Association, and wish participants an enjoyable race day experience.
"A city needs a marathon and we could not have one without such massive support from you the running public. Runners are amazing people. You have trained hard and maintained a healthy lifestyle for a long period of time. Living a healthy lifestyle by and large means less trips to the doctor, hospitals, and benefits society hugely," he said.
"We welcome our runners from all over Ireland and indeed the world who all converge on our city this June weekend. You make a significant contribution to local businesses within the city.Â
"So, thank you all. On our side we have worked around the clock with all the stakeholders to ensure you have a great day on June 1."
- Full Marathon: Starts at 8.15 am from Patrick’s StreetÂ
- Half Marathon: Starts at 10.15 from Monahan Road (Assembly at Kennedy Park T12H9CF)Â
- 10k Race: Starts at 8.45 am from Patrick’s Street (Assembly on Merchant’s Quay at 8.15am)Â
- Maps of each race route are available to view here.Â
Race packs, including bib and timing chip, must be collected during the official registration at Cork City Hall on Friday, May 31 from 12pm to 7pm or Saturday, June 1 from 11am to 6pm.
Those who are unable to collect their pack at City Hall can get someone else to collect it for them once the person collecting the pack has their registration form, barcode, date of birth, and mobile number.
Cork City Hall will host an expo showcasing exhibitors, including key partners and sponsors, on Friday from 12pm to 7pm and Saturday from 11am to 6pm.
Exhibitor stands will include Analog Devices, The Edge Sports, Elverys, 42K, Bodylite, Taranis Recovery, Sanctuary Runners, The Runners Diary, Red Bull, Kinsale Tri Club, Buff Barrier, New Levl, All Strings Attached, The Irish Runner, Patrick Carroll, Apex, Defence Forces, and all your charities.Â
Even if you are not participating in this year’s marathon, head along and chat to the exhibitors and stock up on some of your apparel for the coming season.
- 13 stations across the marathon course, two for the 10k race. The locations of the water stations are marked on the course map located on the Cork City Marathon website. Participants can also opt to fill up their hydration belt, backpack, or their bottle if they are using one.
- Available at City Hall, near the start/finish lines, and portaloos throughout the course. The locations of these are noted on the course map.
- Available at water stations near portaloos. Map of locations here.Â
Spectators play a vital role in the Cork City Marathon, motivating the participants on the day. Some of the best points to view the race from include:
- Patrick Street/ Grand Parade/ anywhere in the city centreÂ
- By the ElysianÂ
- St. Patrick’s Bridge (seeing the race on both sides of the river)Â
- Turners CrossÂ
- The LoughÂ
- Model Farm Road near MTUÂ
It is advisable to plan your route in advance of coming into or out of the city by car, bus or train.
Road closures begin at 4am on Patrick Street and adjoining streets. All other closures are put in place from 8am. Detailed information on road closures and traffic restrictions are available here.
Location: Black Ash Centre, South City Link (N27) Service: Runs every 8 to 12 minutes from 6.15 am - €5 for the day.
- Trains: Additional early services from Cobh, Mallow (7:00 am), and Midleton (7:15 am) on June 2nd.
- Buses: City and suburban services will be restricted; check the Cork City Marathon website and Bus Eireann for updates.
For more information on this year’s event, visit Cork City Marathon - Cork City Council and follow @corkcitymarathon on social media.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
