Clonakilty Marathon 10th December 2011

specialk1977

Is there anyone thinking about runnin this event this year..Out with an injury at de mo so I might not be ready for Dub..Any idea how good de course is ?

Scholesy1981

Im seriously thinking about running it myself, not sure though, depends on (a) if I do Dublin and if so how my recovery goes ( ambitious eh?!! ) and (b) the weather, going by last year I'd hate the same thing to happen again - even though it went ahead which must have been massive relief for all concerned - have all my long runs done and then for the marathon be called off at the last minute like so nearly happened last year. Unfortunately I cant speak for the course as I havent done it before but Ive looked up previous threads on it and the course profile as well, seems to be some creepy hills in it and alot of countryside running! Well hopefully I'll make it coz I havent much planned after it, Raheny 5 next Jan next big race for me so plenty time to respond to treatment

anymore

Scholesy1981 wrote: »

Im seriously thinking about running it myself, not sure though, depends on (a) if I do Dublin and if so how my recovery goes ( ambitious eh?!! ) and (b) the weather, going by last year I'd hate the same thing to happen again - even though it went ahead which must have been massive relief for all concerned - have all my long runs done and then for the marathon be called off at the last minute like so nearly happened last year. Unfortunately I cant speak for the course as I havent done it before but Ive looked up previous threads on it and the course profile as well, seems to be some creepy hills in it and alot of countryside running! Well hopefully I'll make it coz I havent much planned after it, Raheny 5 next Jan next big race for me so plenty time to respond to treatment

I did it last year and if I am reasonably recovered from injury will do it this year as well. It is a testing course with hills in both the first and second half but the most diff cult hill/s on and around the 20 mile mark if my memory is correct. Having run both Dingle and Clonakilty last year, I would have said Clon was the tougher and it being run in Dec, then weather may make it even more demanding. Lat year Clon got really lucky with the race taking place the weekend after the severe weather and there was no rain either. Rain during a summer marathon is one thing but in the middle of Dec would be quite a different thing altogether.

anymore

I thought it was brave of organisers to have the marathon in DEC given the dnagers of bad weather and the event was well run and organised. I think about 700/800 ran the combined half and marathon so it was a good atmosphere - gathering at 8,00 am or therabouts in the still winter darkness gave it extra atmosphere.

Jimh

Not one for a PB then - Is a Santa Costume required? - Theres not much time to get up to spped before it is taper time again after Dublin

Scholesy1981

Not one for a PB then - Is a Santa Costume required? - Theres not much time to get up to spped before it is taper time again after Dublin

Hal Higdon has a good plan for going from one marathon to another in such short space of time, check out his website

hunnymonster

I'm trying to negociate this one at home :-)

elvis jones

The half might suit me if my wife can do the 10k............make a night of it.

Is it on the Sat or the Sun ???

dizzymom

I did the full marathon in clon last year, found it extremely hilly, i hadnt trained enuf on hills unfortunately so it was doubly excruciating - plus the fact as others have already said, it cud be called off at the last minute, i certain wudnt be doing this one after an injury as its not a flat course, i found it a lot more challenging than connemara, it was very organised and scenically lovely, i think this is one of the toughest marathons in ireland, wud contemplate doin a half marathon this year tho !

anymore

dizzymom wrote: »

I did the full marathon in clon last year, found it extremely hilly, i hadnt trained enuf on hills unfortunately so it was doubly excruciating - plus the fact as others have already said, it cud be called off at the last minute, i certain wudnt be doing this one after an injury as its not a flat course, i found it a lot more challenging than connemara, it was very organised and scenically lovely, i think this is one of the toughest marathons in ireland, wud contemplate doin a half marathon this year tho !

If temperatures were low and it rained, I'd say it could be hell !:D

mathso

Have not done this race , but heard it is a good course but cold cold cold last year.

SnappyDresser

Looking forward to the Clonakilty Marathon in December. Looks a beautiful course. Might compare to the Connemara or Bogtrotters by the photos on the website. Hopefully not too cold

www.runclon.ie

eliwallach

Ron Hill, Jimmy Hill and Damon Hill all love this marathon.
Beautifully organised, but it will probably be cold.

elvis jones

I had a look at the half but its twice the price of Waterford on the same day so Waterford wins !

45 Vs 22.................

eliwallach

elvis jones wrote: »

I had a look at the half but its twice the price of Waterford on the same day so Waterford wins !

45 Vs 22.................

A wise choice.

Dr.Sanchez

Registered for it last night, will probably kill me but looks amazing!

Buck

I've entered the half marathon today, can anyone tell me how hilly that course will be? I've only ran 1 other half and that was in the Phoenix Park, how would it compare?

Corkie100

Buck wrote: »

I've entered the half marathon today, can anyone tell me how hilly that course will be? I've only ran 1 other half and that was in the Phoenix Park, how would it compare?

I ran it last year, found it reasonably tough but not terrible! Haven't done the phoenix park half so can't compare. Would think it's slightly tougher than the other half maras I've done though. Main hills are around miles 5-6 and mile 9 I think?? Trying to remember!! In between the hills I think there's some good running to be had though. think the more severe hills are in the full marathon. I quite enjoyed it overall, nice country roads, scenic route, well marshalled etc. I do remember feeling at the end that it was over-priced and that I might not bother again, but I can't really remember why so I'll probably give it a go again this year!

mr.wiggle

Hi Corkie, Heard it was absolutely freezing on the run last year and quiet a few dropped out.
Would advise anyone thinking of doing it to be prepared gear wise and bring plenty of energy foods.
Would love to do this run myself, scenery looks impressive, but finding it hard to justify the 45e for the 1/2 M.
If they had a buddy system that knocked off 20e for two entries maybe, it would attract more interest.
I find myself looking at more and more runs and moaning about the prices.
Either I've turned into a miser or there's really no recession happening in Ireland !

Mr.W.

run_Forrest_run

elvis jones wrote: »

I had a look at the half but its twice the price of Waterford on the same day so Waterford wins !

45 Vs 22.................

€45 for a half marathon is shocking. What the hell is on offer for this money??
I always think about the Ballycotton 10, cost is something like 12 or €15 and you get a great race with super organisation (all run by volunteers not looking for a profit!). For an extra 3.1 miles I can't see the extra cost of €30 making sense.

EauRouge79

Did this last year. I did half and wife did the 10k. We really enjoyed it. Tough course, very hilly at 5/6 and 9 miles for the half. Hope they change the hill at 9 miles as the downhill afterwards is scary fast and on a gravel surface.
Expensive but well run event and very scenic.
Wont do the ful marathon as it seems to hilly.

seanin4711

whats the craic at this one regarding pacers and water/fuel stops?
many of them-any good?
thanks
j

elvis jones

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

€45 for a half marathon is shocking. What the hell is on offer for this money??
I always think about the Ballycotton 10, cost is something like 12 or €15 and you get a great race with super organisation (all run by volunteers not looking for a profit!). For an extra 3.1 miles I can't see the extra cost of €30 making sense.

Have to agree with you 100%

SnappyDresser

I think. Compare to Dublin where it was nearly 90. All I want is a few water stations, mile markers and an accurately measured course. Great if there is a medal and/or teeshirt.

corkrunner71

i008787 wrote: »

I think. Compare to Dublin where it was nearly 90. All I want is a few water stations, mile markers and an accurately measured course. Great if there is a medal and/or teeshirt.

Did the full last year and really enjoyed it. Tough hilly course at times and certainly a lot less people on the roads after the half runners veered off around 8/9miles but it was lovely to run on quiet country roads. Usual water stations at 3m intervals, as with most marathons here. The marshalling was 1st class both by stewards and Gardai on the day, considering the cold weather as well, the turn out was super. Lovely top and medal afterwards as well. They also had shower facilities and massage if required, plus some hot clonakilty pudding for those wanting some. Really well run event and I think for the full marathon price, it was well worth it.

BobMac104

I will do the half id say. dont think i could face another marathon this side of christmas. I agree though that the half price is very high. The full price is resonable.

runningcoach

corkrunner71 wrote: »

Did the full last year and really enjoyed it. Tough hilly course at times and certainly a lot less people on the roads after the half runners veered off around 8/9miles but it was lovely to run on quiet country roads. Usual water stations at 3m intervals, as with most marathons here. The marshalling was 1st class both by stewards and Gardai on the day, considering the cold weather as well, the turn out was super. Lovely top and medal afterwards as well. They also had shower facilities and massage if required, plus some hot clonakilty pudding for those wanting some. Really well run event and I think for the full marathon price, it was well worth it.

Spot on. That was my experience of the full last year also.

seanin4711

fancy going close to 4 hours if possible as all set for Dublin only for illness the day before to rule me out.bummer

seanin4711

Hi all!
The organisers are in NYC at present i think participating in the marathon over there!
anyway they stated that any questions would be answered in "the next ten days" according to the email I got, that was yesterday.
I asked about pacers and gels etc.
c u there

seanin4711

runningcoach wrote: »

Spot on. That was my experience of the full last year also.

have you seen the profile of the course?
there is a monster at 28km approx
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/21001966

Bold Abdu

I did the half last year and really enjoyed it. I found it quite hilly and there is a savage downhill section at 8 or 9 miles that makes you feel like you're going to take off.

Really well organised and a good crowd to cheer people home. I wasn't too impressed by the top as I thought it was poor quality and a poor fit. Medal was good quality although I do tend to throw medals in the bin anyway.

It wasn't too cold either.

I was thinking of doing the mini-marathon this year as I've done no training but the distance is neither 6m or 10K which is a pity. It's more of a none distance. I'll have to re-think participation now.

Dr.Sanchez

seanin4711 wrote: »

have you seen the profile of the course?
there is a monster at 28km approx
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/21001966

Notice it also says the word "mountain"

FionaOD5

Last year, as race organisers we received fantastic feedback through boards.ie- both positive and negative and we are grateful for the opportunity to improve the service we provide by taking this criticism on board. Lots of people are asking "what do you get for your money"- I would be delighted to fill you in and take any other input at info@runclon.ie. for your money, you get the following; AAI measured courses, full safety plan, Red cross ambulances and base station, runners rescue packs at second half water stations with deep heat, Vaseline, plasters and gloves for cold hands, chip timed races by Champion chip, goody bags, long sleeved technical tshirt, fabulous quality bespoke 65mm medal, free massage, Specialist Course Doctor, Emergency trained Nurse, tea/coffee and snacks after the race, Kinetica recovery tent, gels,energy drinks and sports top bottle water, more toilets out on the course, AND your online entry fees are ALL included in the price- there are no hidden costs. I would also like to remind runners that this is a not for profit race, the purpose of which is to fund athletics in the community of Clonakilty. Thanks again for all the feedback- keep it coming and Happy Training for the remainder of 2011 Fiona ODonnell

seanin4711

Hi Fiona!
any pacers and if so what times they focusing on?
john

Just registered
Bring it on!

FionaOD5

Hi John, still in the process of looking for pacers. Big AAI championships the following day that a lot of top level runners are competing in so it's proving difficult. Keep an eye on the site or Facebook to stay updated.

Muppet Man

Hi Lads - I drove the marathon course last weekend.... Here's my observations...

Show respect to hills around the inchydonney complex (around 8 or 9km) - while it is short (300 or 400 meters) the climb is very very steep, followed by a very steep drop into the inchydonney complex, followed again by a 300 or 400 metre climb back out... again, very steep. Could lose a lot of steam here.

11 to 14 KM is steep uphill - but seems to be well sheltered, bar maybe a headwind. Didnt seem too bad when driving it... If you lose pace here dont worry as it was followed by nice long down hill section for about 8km to give some good recovery for the upcoming pain.

I um... got a bit lost after that but picked up the course again around 25km.....

The scenary is fairly spectacular. But the one to watch out for is The hill at 27 KM - it is fairly nasty... long pull for 5 km... you'll know it when you see it... its a hard left turn away from the beach ("red strand"). I would rate the steepness as being similar or harder to the last big hill in Connemara. (but about 3 km's longer ). That being said, it levels off at points for about 200 or 300 metres every mile or so, and then climbs again. If you can make it to the 20 mile/32 Km mark and youre not totally dead, then you should be fine... its steep downhill and basically flat for the last 10km... so my advice is - stock up well on Fuel / Energy around 22/ 23 km to give yourself a kick for 27km (or whatever works) and DONT sprint from 27 to 32km If you were going to have someone out on the course to give you the pep talk that you really need to hear (or to get a ride back to the finish line), I'd say 32 km is the place for them to be at.

Cant wait for it though - looks fantastic - just hope I can shake this sore throat for the race.

Muppet Man.

Muppet Man

Hi Fiona - do I need to bring anything with me to the hotel to pick up my race kit? ID or anything?

Whats the competitor count like at the moment for the marathon?

Thanks
Muppet Man.

FionaOD5

Cool updates on the runclon website- runners emergency packs at stations from red strand onwards. Gloves, deep heat, Vaseline, jelly babies..... Everyone keep fingers crossed the weather stays clear and crisp.
Clonakilty pudding, mince pies, scones, tea & coffee, kinetica recovery tent, berocca boost, more toilets out the course, 100's of spot prizes, gels at water stations, Lucozade at stations, no queuing for goodie bags and tshirts after the race..... Can't wait !

Alorra

Hi All
Looking forward to the half next week- a little bit nervous- not half enough training done- feeing a little under prepared.
Watching the weather its forecasting snow for next week eek think it will be hard enough without that.
So hopefully we don't have to battle that.

Best of luck all

FionaOD5

Muppet Man wrote: »

Hi Fiona - do I need to bring anything with me to the hotel to pick up my race kit? ID or anything?

Whats the competitor count like at the moment for the marathon?

You don't need ID - just yourself. And we are just shy of 1,500 at the moment with 300+ doing the full
We are really excited about the event this year and hopefully everything goes as well as we are planning.

BobMac104

Just to confirm Fiona you can enter on the day before 8 yes? do you still get the chip timing etc if entering on the day?

FionaOD5

BobMac104 wrote: »

Just to confirm Fiona you can enter on the day before 8 yes? do you still get the chip timing etc if entering on the day?

Hi Bobmac- if you enter before 8- yes, you get a chip!

Mick Rice

Am going to give this one a lash....let's hope the hills are not as big as they sound.

Also, is there a veggie version of Clonakilty Pudding for us hippies? :-)

seanin4711

Mick Rice wrote: »

Am going to give this one a lash....let's hope the hills are not as big as they sound.

Also, is there a veggie version of Clonakilty Pudding for us hippies? :-)

those hills should be nothing to a seasoned campaigner like yourself.

EauRouge79

Mick Rice wrote: »

Am going to give this one a lash....let's hope the hills are not as big as they sound.

:-)

Good stuff, hope you enjoy the event. Running as well myself but just doing the half this year.
The views on offer should over shadow the hills.
Would be interested to hear your opinion of the event afterwards.

Gonna give it a go. The half distance.

Haven't stirred since Dublin Marathon. Hope I have enough residual fitness. Have been for a few hikes and did do a 10km in gym this week just to get the legs used to it again. Does anyone out there know if I should still be aiming for a good time (my only proper previous half was 1.42 a month before Dublin) or should I just be aiming to get around in one piece? Does one have a residual fitness from the marathon or does it disappear quickly? Thanks.

run_Forrest_run

Deleted User wrote: »

Gonna give it a go. The half distance.

Haven't stirred since Dublin Marathon. Hope I have enough residual fitness. Have been for a few hikes and did do a 10km in gym this week just to get the legs used to it again. Does anyone out there know if I should still be aiming for a good time (my only proper previous half was 1.42 a month before Dublin) or should I just be aiming to get around in one piece? Does one have a residual fitness from the marathon or does it disappear quickly? Thanks.

if you trained well for the previous marathon then yes, I would believe you will have residual fitness. As long as you ate well and didn't do the dog on it booze wise between now and then it will also stand to you.
However given that you have not trained much specifically for this marathon, personally I wouldn't be strictly aiming for a good time, I'd aim to enjoy it and see how things are after the first half and decide then if you want to up the pace..negative splits and all that.

best of luck to ye all, weather looks good anyway.

run_Forrest_run

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

As long as you ate well and didn't do the dog on it booze wise between now and then it will also stand to you.

Oooops...

Actually I wasn't too bad. Noone heading out anyway so that curbed any excesses.

Thanks for that.

ChampionChip

Provisional results posted on www.championchipireland.com They are subject to confirmation as we had a number of runners who started with the half and then did the mini marathon route and others who entered one race went in the right start but went another route without telling us. Any issues get back to me. Texts sent out also should be in transit now.

Dr.Sanchez

Had a good day, picked a tough marathon for my first but managed to finish in 3:34:40 so Im happy with that!

Everyone there was helpful, and I don't know why some people complain about the price. The medal and t-shirt are awesome!

FionaOD5

00Blaine00 wrote: »

Had a good day, picked a tough marathon for my first but managed to finish in 3:34:40 so Im happy with that!

Everyone there was helpful, and I don't know why some people complain about the price. The medal and t-shirt are awesome!

We are so thrilled with how the day went. Apart from being a little hoarse and sleep deprived- we are buzzed up to the eyeballs because of the fantastic positivity and energy all the runners and walkers brought to Clonakilty today. Thanks for making our day wonderful- you made it happen!