Clonakilty Marathon

slingerz

Any boardsie doing this event this year or any boardsie with prior experience of it, even the half or mini marathon??

PDCAT

Done the 6 mile run two years ago. Lovely scenery and enjoyable run. Think their was a thread on this race here last year.....if you can find it.
As far as i can remember, the marathon/half marathon course is tougher (hilly) than your normal marathon course.

tHE vAGGABOND

Was going to do this.....until I read the thread about last years race and Im going to pass now

grasscutter

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Was going to do this.....until I read the thread about last years race and Im going to pass now

i did it last year and the start suffered from overcrowding since it was started at Inchydoney. This year they are back to starting in the town which you would hope fixes those issues.

Corkie100

I've done this for the last three years. I thought last year was an absolute disaster- crowded, traffic problems getting to Inchidoney, very late start, little on offer at finish line. I would have to say I really enjoyed the first two years, though, so now that they're moving back into the town i would expect it to be much better, the problems last year were pretty much all associated with the change of start line.
The half marathon is a tough enough route, but around a lovely area, nice quiet country roads, great atmosphere around Clonakilty at finish when it started and ended there. It is a bit over-priced, though, in my opinion. So, would I recommend it? It's on at a time when half marathons are hard to find, so it's possibly a good winter target if you're from that area or further west, otherwise you might be better off opting for the Waterford half that's on around then too.

Longboard

The waterfront was my first half last year. I haven't done too many halves or full marathons to compare it too since then. Apart from the parking fiasco and the lack of supplies initially at the end of the race, it was a good day out. I will be doing it again this year as i enjoyed it overall. Its just a question of whether to do the full or the half.

EauRouge79

Corkie100 wrote: »

I've done this for the last three years. I thought last year was an absolute disaster- crowded, traffic problems getting to Inchidoney, very late start, little on offer at finish line. I would have to say I really enjoyed the first two years, though, so now that they're moving back into the town i would expect it to be much better, the problems last year were pretty much all associated with the change of start line.
The half marathon is a tough enough route, but around a lovely area, nice quiet country roads, great atmosphere around Clonakilty at finish when it started and ended there. It is a bit over-priced, though, in my opinion. So, would I recommend it? It's on at a time when half marathons are hard to find, so it's possibly a good winter target if you're from that area or further west, otherwise you might be better off opting for the Waterford half that's on around then too.

+1 on all of that.

Ill still probably run this year despite the issues last year. Not sure yet whether it will be the full or half.
Clon is a great town if you are planning on staying on after the event and thats a big plus.

slingerz

Any further thoughts on this, seriously considering registering for it even though ive only really taken up running in recent weeks i can currently manage 7 miles without a problem so i reckon i should be ok by the time this comes around in december

TFBubendorfer

slingerz wrote: »

Any further thoughts on this, seriously considering registering for it even though ive only really taken up running in recent weeks i can currently manage 7 miles without a problem so i reckon i should be ok by the time this comes around in december

Go for the half. It will provide just the incentive you need to keep training.

opus

A friend of mine is thinking of running this so looks like I might be there to keep them company. Read all the negative stuff from last year but assume (hope) they have learned from that.

slingerz

opus wrote: »

A friend of mine is thinking of running this so looks like I might be there to keep them company. Read all the negative stuff from last year but assume (hope) they have learned from that.

i believe the start was out at inchadoney island last year and the logicistics of that wasnt feasible. from what i can make out the start is at the waterfront (old GAA pitch) and continues out towards inchadoney from there

scriba

I'm another in two minds about this, after running the half last year. I loved the race itself, but the organisational chaos left me cold (figuratively and literally). At this time of year, down south, it's either this or Waterford for HM, so I may do it yet.

belcarra

I paced the marathon last year and found it to be a tough course but the scenery more than made up for it for me.
I spoke to the organisers before and afterwards and have seen them a few times since then also. They are real running people and have expanded to the B2B marathons in Feb, the Courtmac ultra a few weeks ago and I think they have also a couple of other things brewing. I've seen Bob in various races in the past year so he's very conscious of what a runner requires, thus changing the start/finish back to Clon (He had external issues which meant it was not feasible last year, hence Inchydoney start/finish).

I'd expect that most/all of those issues from last year should be fixed this year. If I wasn't away that weekend I'd be dropping down to Clon again myself.

slingerz

this is going to be my first half anyway so quite nervous about it. Time wise i would love to come under 2hours but i think beating 2.15 would be great and beating 2.30 perhaps more realistic.

thing is i havent even done a 10k yet so quite nervous about even lasting the course!

ertred

I'm going to do the half - first timer as well. Can anyone advise if it's feasible to stay in Cork City the night before and travel up for the day, was thinking of bringing the clan with me for the weekend?

slingerz

ertred wrote: »

I'm going to do the half - first timer as well. Can anyone advise if it's feasible to stay in Cork City the night before and travel up for the day, was thinking of bringing the clan with me for the weekend?

It is feasible, its about a 45 minute drive to clon from the city centre. Clon itself is a nice place to stay too but understand the clan may want to go shopping while your off for your run.

Staying in the city is only going to add to your logistics on race day thats all

slingerz

Any further interest in this event with Boardsies?

chavezychavez

I'm in I reckon, won't be going for anything like my Dublin time, but would like to set a marker on the course at least for next year.

Not looking forward to those hills especially if its a wet and windy day, but it'll make me keep the training going up until just before Christmas at least.

boydkev

I signed up for this yesterday, Decided on doing the half over the 10K, Bit of a challange to myself and the wife has decided to give the 10k a lash.
I read about the problems from last year and hopefully the change of start should solve the issues.

TFBubendorfer

I will run it, but will take it reasonably easy.
Gotta celebrate your 50th marathon, don't you?

EauRouge79

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I will run it, but will take it reasonably easy.
Gotta celebrate your 50th marathon, don't you?

Jaysus Thomas, how many is that so in 2013........10 in 10 plus what, maybe 5/6 more?

Congrats, thats a great milestone!


I havent commited to the race yet, will see how the legs are this week post Dublin and I may sign up next week. Its a race and a route that I enjoy.

slingerz

Sounds like there should be a few in for it so. Going to be my first half so ye'll all be well ahead of me anyways!

groovyg

Does anyone know how this course compares to the likes of Dingle or Connemara? Is it similar in terms of hills?

TFBubendorfer

EauRouge79 wrote: »

Jaysus Thomas, how many is that so in 2013........10 in 10 plus what, maybe 5/6 more?

Congrats, thats a great milestone!

Thanks
It will be 18 for the year - well, 15 marathons and 3 ultras.

Tralee, Killarney, Cork, Portumna 50k, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Connemara 100 miles, Dublin, Sixmilebridge 30 miles, Clonakilty

TFBubendorfer

^^^
oh, and before someone needs to point it out unnecessarily:
Yes, there are plenty of guys who have run way, way, WAY more marathons this year.

EauRouge79

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Thanks
It will be 18 for the year - well, 15 marathons and 3 ultras.

Tralee, Killarney, Cork, Portumna 50k, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Connemara 100 miles, Dublin, Sixmilebridge 30 miles, Clonakilty

Your forgot to mention sixmilebridge...

slingerz

you must know sixmilebridge like the back of your hand!!

opus

Think I'll find out soon if I'm going to be in Clon or not as agreed to run there with a friend but he's been sitting on the fence for the last few weeks. A decision was promised today
...

And the decision is that we're doing it!

HelenAnne

Corkie100 wrote: »

I've done this for the last three years. I thought last year was an absolute disaster- crowded, traffic problems getting to Inchidoney, very late start, little on offer at finish line. I would have to say I really enjoyed the first two years, though, so now that they're moving back into the town i would expect it to be much better, the problems last year were pretty much all associated with the change of start line.
The half marathon is a tough enough route, but around a lovely area, nice quiet country roads, great atmosphere around Clonakilty at finish when it started and ended there. It is a bit over-priced, though, in my opinion. So, would I recommend it? It's on at a time when half marathons are hard to find, so it's possibly a good winter target if you're from that area or further west, otherwise you might be better off opting for the Waterford half that's on around then too.

I did the half last year. Loved the course, but the organisation was disastrous, and it wasn't cheap. It's the only time I've ever been really taken aback by how disorganised a race was - I'll usually take a bit of delay / queueing etc in my stride, but I think the stress of parking, the length of the delays, especially in such cold weather, the chaos at the bag drop, the lack of info about revised start times, only black pudding to eat at the finish line etc just made it a memorably poor race. It will probably be much better now that they've moved the start back to town, but to be honest I'd be reluctant to go back. It's a pity, as the course was lovely and there was great support in the villages along the route.

slingerz

feedback from last years race doesnt seem to be great so hopefully all efforts will have been made to ensure that this one will be well organised and setup meeting all the standards expected.

as its my first i wouldnt be able to tell whether its good, bad or indifferent!

HelenAnne

slingerz wrote: »

feedback from last years race doesnt seem to be great so hopefully all efforts will have been made to ensure that this one will be well organised and setup meeting all the standards expected.

as its my first i wouldnt be able to tell whether its good, bad or indifferent!

I bet it will be much better, and actually my friend did it with me last year and, like you, it was her first, and as you say above, she didn't have anything to compare it with so she loved it and would like to do it again.

Enjoy, and best of luck! We went to a really nice café after on the mainstreet in Clon, so look out for that for post race soup & scones!

Aimman

slingerz wrote: »

feedback from last years race doesnt seem to be great so hopefully all efforts will have been made to ensure that this one will be well organised and setup meeting all the standards expected.

as its my first i wouldnt be able to tell whether its good, bad or indifferent!

Between one thing and another, it was moved out to the Inchadonny Hotel which caused a lot of logistic problems but they have been given the go ahead to bring it back into the town centre this December which should sort out last years congestion and confusion.

Irish_rat

Going to run this as my first half. Ran 17km yesterday so starting to increase the mileage before December. Have ran a few 10km's races before but this is something else. My only worry is the hills!

slingerz

Irish_rat wrote: »

Going to run this as my first half. Ran 17km yesterday so starting to increase the mileage before December. Have ran a few 10km's races before but this is something else. My only worry is the hills!

Your better prepared than me and its my first half as well! my longest run so far is 13K going to go for a long run next Monday of 15K as my long run beforehand as well as one more 10K race.

Worried about the hills (and the weather!) but i reckon i'll just take it as it comes and finish it as best i can

HelenAnne

slingerz wrote: »

Your better prepared than me and its my first half as well! my longest run so far is 13K going to go for a long run next Monday of 15K as my long run beforehand as well as one more 10K race.

Worried about the hills (and the weather!) but i reckon i'll just take it as it comes and finish it as best i can

If I remember rightly, there are a lot of downs as well as ups!

Irish_rat

slingerz wrote: »

Your better prepared than me and its my first half as well! my longest run so far is 13K going to go for a long run next Monday of 15K as my long run beforehand as well as one more 10K race.

Worried about the hills (and the weather!) but i reckon i'll just take it as it comes and finish it as best i can

I think the main thing is taper for the race week no niggles and fresh to run it out. I'll be doing little to no runs the week before it the hard miles are going in now over the next two weeks. I made that mistake before for a 10k, was a hard slog.

I'm not setting any time targets if I do it under 2 hrs great but the main thing is finishing it. It takes me a few miles to get into a stride so having the hill early will be good. Whats you average pace?

slingerz

Irish_rat wrote: »

I think the main thing is taper for the race week no niggles and fresh to run it out. I'll be doing little to no runs the week before it the hard miles are going in now over the next two weeks. I made that mistake before for a 10k, was a hard slog.

I'm not setting any time targets if I do it under 2 hrs great but the main thing is finishing it. It takes me a few miles to get into a stride so having the hill early will be good. Whats you average pace?

My planned pace is between 5.30 and 5.45 a KM. Which will hopefully bring me in around the 2hr mark, most likely between 2hrs and 2:15. i may go with the 2:15 pacers and see how i'm going, if i'm comfortable at mile 10 then i'll move it on a bit. finishing it comfortably is the main aim rather than time for me

slingerz

Registration for this closed last night.

Any last minuters on here?

Irish_rat

slingerz wrote: »

Registration for this closed last night.

Any last minuters on here?

How's the training going slingerz?

slingerz

Not bad now did a 10K last weekend for 49 mins although I reckon the course was a bit short to be honest!

Going to target the 2 mins and see if I can make that it if I fall back to the 2.15 crew

Irish_rat

Think I'll do the same, Sure give me a PM before the race as well be probably running the same pace with the 2hr gang.

slingerz

Irish_rat wrote: »

Think I'll do the same, Sure give me a PM before the race as well be probably running the same pace with the 2hr gang.

will do certainly, i've a bugger of a chest infection at the moment so not getting any runs in with it, hopefully it clears by Saturday week!!:eek:

boydkev

I am hoping to get in under the 2 Hrs, But not sure as never run a half before. But done a few 10k races/runs.
Not sure how i will get on with the extra distance.
Training on sunday was tough in the cold but managed 11.5K in around 58mins.

Irish_rat

slingerz wrote: »

will do certainly, i've a bugger of a chest infection at the moment so not getting any runs in with it, hopefully it clears by Saturday week!!:eek:

Great, hopefully it clears by Saturday week, it's not too far away now. Looking at the map it's a good 4-5% uphill gradient for ~2km after a nice 3km start.

After 9km it's downhill for 4km so the hill really will determine how your race goes IMO. I have it mapped out on mapmyrun

slingerz

That incline does not look like fun at all

Luckily it's early in the race

ger664

Those inclines will account for 4-5 minutes for anyone in or around 2 hr pace. 6 to 10 K is undulating and 13-15 will seperate the men from the boys. There will be some lovely seanic views along the way to make up for it.

Irish_rat

Ran 19k today around 93mins today so might be too fast for the 2hr pace, might hang with them up that hill though.

slingerz

Have the mother and father of all colds with over a week and can't shift it at all

Haven't gotten a run in over a week. Worried about the half next week at this stage any tips to help??

TFBubendorfer

slingerz wrote: »

Have the mother and father of all colds with over a week and can't shift it at all

Haven't gotten a run in over a week. Worried about the half next week at this stage any tips to help??

Not running for a week is not an issue, you don't lose much fitness in such a short space of time.

What's more of an issue is the lingering cold. There is no point racing when your body is not up for it and you could even do yourself some nasty damage if it's really bad. Don't run if there is anything in your lungs, headcolds are usually okay to run through.

Take an honest assessment a day or 2 before the race and decide if it's wise to run or not.

slingerz

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Not running for a week is not an issue, you don't lose much fitness in such a short space of time.

What's more of an issue is the lingering cold. There is no point racing when your body is not up for it and you could even do yourself some nasty damage if it's really bad. Don't run if there is anything in your lungs, headcolds are usually okay to run through.

Take an honest assessment a day or 2 before the race and decide if it's wise to run or not.

Cheers for the advice. The lungs aint too bad and im optimistic that i'll have it shifted by the weekend but its not ideal prep at the same time! Hopefully by Wednesday i'll be back to normal anyway

Slow_Runner

slingerz wrote: »

Cheers for the advice. The lungs aint too bad and im optimistic that i'll have it shifted by the weekend but its not ideal prep at the same time! Hopefully by Wednesday i'll be back to normal anyway

I was in the same boat last week for the Waterford HM. Plenty of rest - no running - as well as dosing myself up with cough bottle and Vit C meant I was feeling better (didn't make the call until the day before the race). Only thing was my energy levels were low and I felt it in the race and really struggled from mile 10 onwards. Feeling good today but time will tell if it'll bite me in the *ss. If I was in any doubt I would not have run.