There have been some changes this year so even if you are a returning race veteran - make sure you are up to speed with all the details.

It’s getting really close to race day now and nerves will be setting in. For a first time marathoner, the mental effort that goes into anticipating all the different scenarios that can happen can be exhausting.

Professor George Shorten will be running the Cork City Marathon for a cause close to his heart.

Each week Denise O’Donoghue profiles one of the runners taking part in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon this June.

Uncertainty is the enemy of success. Marathons and long distance races are run on the law of variables.

This year the marathon has moved from the Monday to the Sunday of the June bank holiday weekend and this change has proved extremely popular.

Running really is a contrary business, writes Rob McNamara.

I had a bad day last Sunday. It was in my mind to up my training and run 20 miles. I started out at 10am absolutely determined to have my longest run of the year so far.

Being a long-distance runner can be gruelling and while the rewards are plentiful – medals, glory, improved health, making new friends etc. - training can feel like punishment at times.

The countdown to the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is now at seven weeks and most people will be into the full swing of their training regimes.

New Year's resolutions are long broken now. They are but distant folly that's been replaced by our tried and tested habits - both good and bad.