Crowds expected on the double for city marathons

THOUSANDS of visitors are expected in Cork this Bank Holiday weekend for two marathons — one on land and one at sea — and for a ‘bull’ festival.

Ireland’s largest rowing race, the 15-nautical mile Ocean to City race from the harbour to the city, and the Cork City Marathon — the city’s first in 21 years — are expected to generate millions for the local economy over the course of a bumper Bank Holiday.

The Ocean to City race takes place today with over 1,000 rowers in 100 boats.

The marathon takes place on Monday with more than 3,000 participants.

A full French market with more than 20 stalls from Normandy will line Lapp’s Quay between 10am and 6pm tomorrow offering a range of Gallic goodies including cheeses, crepes, and croissants.

It will move to Emmet Place on Monday for the marathon.

“This is going to be a great weekend for Cork,” Lord Mayor Michael Ahern said.

“It’s unique to have two such events — a marathon on water and on land — in one city on one weekend.

“We are really looking forward to people from all over either getting involved in both events or coming out to support the athletes. The tourism boost will be fantastic for the city.”

The Ocean to City race starts in Crosshaven at 12.30pm tomorrow.

After rounding Roche’s Point, the fleet will head for Monkstown where it will be joined by youth crews.

From there, the boats will pass Blackrock Castle and Tivoli before reaching the new finish line at Lapp’s Quay.

Meanwhile, five members of the 100 Marathons’ Club, who between them have completed nearly 900 races, will run on Monday.

Team member Liam Fenlon, 65, who organises the Longford Marathon, said marathons are good for the mind and body.

“Marathon runners have great camaraderie; we always help each other to cross the finish line,” he said.

Club’s member, Paul Watts from England, is a blind athlete who will be running his 156th marathon in Cork on Monday.

The race begins at 9am on St Patrick’s Street, heads for Blackpool, then along the northern quays of the River Lee passing the four-mile mark on the Lower Glanmire Road, before entering the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

Marathon runners will be the first pedestrians to enter the 360m-tunnel since 100,000 The events are being supported by Cork City Council as wells as the Chamber.