Clonakilty Marathon December 8th

greenplain

Anyone running Clonakility this year ? . I see its a hilly one and not great for a PB.

race website

TFBubendorfer

I'll run it as one of the pacers.

I haven't done it before, but by all accounts, yes it is hilly and not ideal for a PB. On the other hand it is friendly, welcoming and very well organised.

ultraman1

ill be there aswell,lookin forward to it,,,hope it snows:)

The Hammer

Why have they decided to move it out of the town? I remember the hill at Inchodonney last year - where will this feature this year in the re-jigged course? Will there be transport from Clonakilty town to/from the start?

greenplain

is the start far form the town ?

TFBubendorfer

The Hammer wrote: »

I remember the hill at Inchodonney last year - where will this feature this year in the re-jigged course?

http://connect.garmin.com/course/1828995

eliwallach

That's a beauty at mile 19 :eek:

SnappyDresser

Did this race last year. Its a brilliant course. Not a PB but why do people want flat courses all the time. This is west cork! It is a tough challenge and some really difficult hills, the one that brings up from ~12.5 to 13.1 is a tough little bugger. Its for the tough guys/gals only!

breffni blue

Not a PB course, but a nice 26.2 mile run around west cork before Xmas.......relax and enjoy the scenery....

eliwallach

breffni blue wrote: »

Not a PB course, but a nice 26.2 mile run around west cork before Xmas.......relax and enjoy the scenery....

I don't get the 'scenery' aspect to marathons ( or indeed any races). I've run some marathons and HM in scenic areas but never recall admiring the surroundings during the race. After the race, maybe.

belcarra

I'll be pacing 4:15 at this so hopefully there'll be a few more with me than in Dingle...it got lonely out there on the course at times!!

TFBubendorfer

eliwallach wrote: »

I don't get the 'scenery' aspect to marathons ( or indeed any races). I've run some marathons and HM in scenic areas but never recall admiring the surroundings during the race. After the race, maybe.

It's subjective of course, but I enjoy running Connemara or Dingle more than Limerick or Cork - not that it stops me from doing these other races as well.

DogSlySmile

belcarra wrote: »

I'll be pacing 4:15....

Just wondering what are your plans for the hills? Would you be trying to run the first half faster than 4:15 pace before you hit the hills, or will you try to run an even pace and make up the descents what you lost on the climbs?

belcarra

DogSlySmile wrote: »

Just wondering what are your plans for the hills? Would you be trying to run the first half faster than 4:15 pace before you hit the hills, or will you try to run an even pace and make up the descents what you lost on the climbs?

I have yet to focus on the hills/strategy and will no doubt be pointed towards the best strategy by the Race Director.
There are substantial hills at 20km and again at 30km so I expect we will be banking a little time throughout the rest of the course for these. Most of the race will be at approx 5:55/km (9:30/mile) {=4:09:41 est. finishing time} pace with a spare 3-5 mins banked for the hills.

As I say though the RD will give us closer instruction closer to the day.
Hope this helps!

slingerz

Im going to do the 10k piece of this, Im new to running so quite worried about getting to the end of this! Hoping to break the hour mark anyway!

Muppet Man

Ran it last year. Well organised, but definitely not a PB course. The hill at 20 miles is the worst I have ever run in any race. At the time I was in bits even before we started the climb, so it probably felt worse than it actually is. That being said - no one ran it, everyone walked it, so it wasnt just me either.

Top Tip - Bring your woolies to the start line, it was -1 Celsius when we started last year. And the start was delayed by 20 minutes.

EauRouge79

Im going to run this as well. I like the timing just before christmas, ran here the last 2 years and thought they were both well organised.

As it happens we have a sports and social fund in the office here that we all contribute €1.50 per week into and the company matches that.
I suggested that we should actually have a sports theme to this one (as opposed to just pints) and all run in Clon.
As things stand my suggestion has been taken on board and we have 15 registering for 10k, 5 for the Half and just myself for the full.
For most of the 10k participants it will be their 1st ever race.

There will be plenty of pints afterwards!

greenplain

How many did the marathon last year ? I take it you might be on your own for parts of the course, which might be nice

sixpack's little hat

How much slower would this course be compared to say Cork or Dublin on average? How much would someone running around 3:30 expect to lose? 5 or 10 minutes or even more?

dizzymom

yes definatley bring the winter woolies
I would say the course is more difficult than Connemara ! epic hill at 20, looking forward to it this year as I'm only doing the Half marthon as a pacer for 2.15

SnappyDresser

sixpack's little hat wrote: »

How much slower would this course be compared to say Cork or Dublin on average? How much would someone running around 3:30 expect to lose? 5 or 10 minutes or even more?

I would say ~15mins. Its tough in places.

TFBubendorfer

i008787 wrote: »

I would say ~15mins. Its tough in places.

Oh come on, get real. The slowdown will be no more than 5 or 10 minutes.

For 15 extra minutes you would have to walk all of the climbs and refuse to run any faster on the downhills.

breffni blue

sixpack's little hat wrote: »

How much slower would this course be compared to say Cork or Dublin on average? How much would someone running around 3:30 expect to lose? 5 or 10 minutes or even more?

How much time you lose compared to Dublin or Cork? It would all depend on fitness so someone running a marathon @ 3.30 would probably lose 5-10 minutes, and someone running a marathon @ 4.30 would probably lose 10-15 (ballpark).

ray lanigan

i ran this last year,best atmosphere ever at a race,best medal and top,loved the course,yes its hilly but there some theres alot more down hills,it woulnt put me off going for a pb on it:),i was only talking today if i wasnt doing the pacing for it this year i would go for a marathon pb there.

ncmc

I’m thinking of doing the ½ marathon here, DCM in 10 days :eek: will be my first ever marathon, so I think it would be a bit soon for me to do a second marathon (or do the experts here disagree?) It looks like a difficult course, but it is such a beautiful area, if you got a cool, crisp day, it would be absolutely stunning

eliwallach wrote: »

I don't get the 'scenery' aspect to marathons ( or indeed any races). I've run some marathons and HM in scenic areas but never recall admiring the surroundings during the race. After the race, maybe.

I would disagree with this, I love nice scenery during a race, I think it takes the mind of tired legs and sore muscles. I ran the Cork to Cobh race last week and some of the course was just beautiful, it definitely lifts my spirits when I get a lovely vista. In contrast, the Clonmel half in August was such a dull course, just boring country lanes, it definitely felt longer than the Cork to Cobh, even though it was 2 miles shorter.

EauRouge79

ncmc wrote: »

I’m thinking of doing the ½ marathon here, DCM in 10 days :eek: will be my first ever marathon, so I think it would be a bit soon for me to do a second marathon (or do the experts here disagree?).

1st things 1st, by posting this I am not claiming to be an expert! I do have a good bit of marathon experience though.
If Dublin is your 1st marathon, the 5 weeks recovery to another marathon might be asking a bit much of the body. Be sure to recover well from your marathon in terms of nutrition and hydration, but also rest and just enjoy the afterglow.
By all means do the half but again I would just be running for the enjoyment and not consider racing as its still probably to soon.

You will learn a lot about how your body reacts post Dublin and maybe next year you can fit both in.

Good luck in Dublin.

Mad Benny

I registered for this about four weeks ago. Did I read somewhere that they are going to post the race pack out if you register before November?

I can't find where I read it now.

EauRouge79

I thought I read something similar last month but I spoke to them last week and race packs need to be collected.

From website -Entrants can collect their race packs from Race HQ at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa from 10:00 to 22:00 on Friday December 7th and 06:00-07:30 on December 8th

scriba

Entering this today. Looks beautiful, here's hoping for a crisp, clear day!

Diggy78

ray lanigan wrote: »

i ran this last year,best atmosphere ever at a race,best medal and top,loved the course,yes its hilly but there some theres alot more down hills,it woulnt put me off going for a pb on it:),i was only talking today if i wasnt doing the pacing for it this year i would go for a marathon pb there.

Hey Ray,
I see you're pacing the 3.15 group. I wanted to go for sub 3.10 in this as I've a pb of 3.13 and had a good comeback in Dublin from a bit of a break with a 3.16. Is it the type of course to run even splits or should I be trying to get about 2 minutes in the bag for that hill at 20 miles? Cheers

ray lanigan

Diggy78 wrote: »

Hey Ray,
I see you're pacing the 3.15 group. I wanted to go for sub 3.10 in this as I've a pb of 3.13 and had a good comeback in Dublin from a bit of a break with a 3.16. Is it the type of course to run even splits or should I be trying to get about 2 minutes in the bag for that hill at 20 miles? Cheers

hi diggy,first of all well done on a great time in dublin,were u running with us anytime as i was pacing the 3.15 in dublin?
for clonakillty if i was you i would do my long runs on some hilly roads.
theres plenty of hills on it,but theres also more down hills,if i can remember from last year there was more elevation loss,i would just keep the pace even and kick on after the hill at 20mile,you can always drop the pace a little on the uphills and then make it back going downhill,sub 3.10 go for it:)

Diggy78

ray lanigan wrote: »

hi diggy,first of all well done on a great time in dublin,were u running with us anytime as i was pacing the 3.15 in dublin?
for clonakillty if i was you i would do my long runs on some hilly roads.
theres plenty of hills on it,but theres also more down hills,if i can remember from last year there was more elevation loss,i would just keep the pace even and kick on after the hill at 20mile,you can always drop the pace a little on the uphills and then make it back going downhill,sub 3.10 go for it:)

Cheers Ray, will do plenty of hillwork so for the next few weeks . I would have been running with you for a short while anyway, the plan was to run with you guys to about halfway but the queue for the toilets meant I was one of the last to cross the start line as I turned onto merrion square as the gun went , not ideal. Anyway, I caught you guys steadily at inchicore as I didn't want too much weaving. Went on from you at halfway and saw you guys passing me again at the rds as I had fallen in a hole. Will probably go with you guys again for the first few miles anyway and hopefully not see ye again when I leave ya this time . Cheers

adamski8

Im thinking of doing this if i get the all clear from an injury that forced me out of DCM. Looks interesting

greenplain

So with only a few weeks remaining until the marathon,how is everyone's training going ? Last 20 miler this Saturday and then taper for me

EauRouge79

greenplain wrote: »

So with only a few weeks remaining until the marathon,how is everyone's training going ? Last 20 miler this Saturday and then taper for me

Same for me. 20miles this weekend and take it handy after that, havent done a lot of high mileage after recent marathon but feel I need 20+ this weekend.
Still no plan in place as to whether to race or just enjoy the run. Indecision is a *****r

greenplain

In the same boat as you, did the marathon in Waterford during the Summer and have been just ticking along since then. I have not made up my mind up at what time to hit.

ray lanigan

i will be pacing the 3.15 if anyone is going for that time:),doing my last long run of the year on sunday 52mile:D

belcarra

ray lanigan wrote: »

i will be pacing the 3.15 if anyone is going for that time:),doing my last long run of the year on sunday 52mile:D

Stepping back to 40 miles or less after that Ray??:D

I'll be pacing the 4:15 with Breiffni Blue if that suits anyone??

ray lanigan

belcarra wrote: »

Stepping back to 40 miles or less after that Ray??:D

I'll be pacing the 4:15 with Breiffni Blue if that suits anyone??

well belcarra,no way lad,the furthest im going to run after this is clona
kilty:),might try me hand at a few 5ks up to 10milers for a change:eek:

eliwallach

Is anyone else having difficulty registering for these events online?
Or am I just tic.....


Just realised registration is not supported via iPad........:red:

sixpack's little hat

Registration closes today if anyone is still thinking of doing it.

Anyone have any recommendations for somewhere to stay that is near the start/finish line?

physiopad

Did a practise of run of HM route yesterday.

- First off the route is much tougher than last year's which looking was fairly flat barr one significant incline.

- First 3 miles are grand once you get over that short at the start line

- After mile 3, runners will take a Right turn and there is gradual incline for approx 1 mile.

At Mile 5, road is flat for a short while and then you will begin descent into Rathbarry village,

- Running through village in the direction of Galley Head/Red Strand, it is quite hilly for the next mile. (Not as gentle as Website suggets) You will see Galleyhead and Long Strand on your right.

- Route is grand until Mile 8.5 (Ardfield Creamery on Right), there is nasty hill (approx 300m) followed by a short dip and you will then turn Left at Greenfield Cross. At this point, as described by website, the road climbs for about 1mile. Its starts off OK but there is definitely one stretch that will challenge many especially approaching the 10mile mark.

- The good news is that the worse is over here. The road is fairly flat as it joins Ardfield to Clonakilty road. This is followed by a welcome decline for approx 1km. (Quite steep at one small point just after a sharp bend in road -Twohigs)

- This brings us to main Dunmore Causeway then back onto the Island. Mile 12. Road is completely flat until Approx Mile 12.6 - Just when you when you're getting cocky, They have thrown in one last killer of a hill. It is steep for first 100m then continues as gradual incline until a short steep hill down into the finishing straight.

- True to form the finishing straight (200-300m) isn't exactly flat so you'll have to dig even deeper :mad:


So overall its definitely a tough route, Not as tough as the Bay Run but roads aren't great so it Won't be one for the PBs but will certainly will a nice challenge. We're made of tougher stuff down here!:)

To be honest, route is a bit dull for the HM. There is some lovely scenic coastal areas that Half marathoners are missing out on (Redstrand, Dunmore etc). I know this is important for many.

Finally I would say its a massive shame that Start and Finish has been moved from the town itself. There was such a great buzz around town last year. It is a big loss but I know this is outside the control of the Organisers. Hopefully many of the participants will hang around Clon for the evening!

Last word of warning, I would definitely recommend everyone getting to start line early. With one-way traffic system on the island, it will be fairly hectic.

FAO Full Marathoners: Mile 19 is cruel. You have my respect

scriba

Cheers Physiopad, I'm doing the HM myself. Handy info, it's the shorter, steep hills that can catch you by surprise if you're going off the elevation readout alone.

Tipp man running

Strangely starting to look forward to the hill at mile 19 after hearing so much about it...hope it doesn't let me down;)

EauRouge79

Tipp man running wrote: »

Strangely starting to look forward to the hill at mile 19 after hearing so much about it...hope it doesn't let me down;)

Looking forward to this hill as well, we certainly wouldnt want it to be to straightforward. That'd be no fun.

EauRouge79

Overall numbers for this event are up on last year. Over 2000 registered to date.
Having a local marathon on a Saturday and planning my carb loading at my desk for next Thursday & Friday will be a novelty.
Im sure ill upset a few of my colleagues with my constant munching.:)

physiopad

EauRouge79 wrote: »

Overall numbers for this event are up on last year. Over 2000 registered to date.
Having a local marathon on a Saturday and planning my carb loading at my desk for next Thursday & Friday will be a novelty.
Im sure ill upset a few of my colleagues with my constant munching.:)

Wow thats unreal! Any breakdown on distance? There should be a great athmosphere on the course

EauRouge79

Ya, up about 25% on last year!!!
Afraid I dont have a breakdown in distance. The half was by far the most popular distance last year though.
Postal entries are still being taken this week so im sure the number will increase a bit more.
My concerns are how they will deal with start line congestion and most importantly the traffic on the morning, getting everybody there on time.

Im sure it would have been much easier for the organisers if it started in the town but as far as I know this was out of their hands.

ChampionChip

I have the data to process for the race from the last download on 26th Nov and there are 432 in full marathon, 1021 in half and 709 in mini marathon but they are still adding in postal entries so I can see it being very close to the 2500 mark. Brilliant event, great organisation to work with and the location is breathtaking in places.

I know they have anticipated the logistics of getting in and out of the island hence the earlier start.

Of course we will have start mats for all the races and so congestion will not be an issue to affect your overall time.

I always look forward to to Clon, its a long down from Belfast but the buzz is just amazing.

I just did a quick filter on the countries and there are 27 countries outside of the British Isles and Ireland represented.

EauRouge79

ChampionChip wrote: »

Of course we will have start mats for all the races and so congestion will not be an issue to affect your overall time.

Thanks for all of the info. I have a gang of 27 travelling with me to run. In most cases it will be their 1st ever race.
Will the chip be in the bib or attached to the shoe? Thanks

ChampionChip

On the shoelace, bib chips are not reliable thats why NY were not using them this year before race was cancelled.