Ballintotis 4-Mile Race - 2015
Camera Operators: Ursula Barry, Gerard Cott jnr, Kevin Knowles, Noreen Knowles, Olan O'Brien and Martin Preston.
Editor: Olan O'Brien
Record 1171 Entry !
See all the Results here and a gallery of photos here photos by Denis O'Flynn here Full report soon. |
OVER A THOUSAND RUN IN BALLINTOTIS (Evening Echo 17/4/15)
By John Walshe
On what was a night of records, a massive total of 1,170 runners took part in the sixth annual Ballintotis four-mile road race which was held in ideal conditions around this picturesque area outside Midleton.
Never has the 1,000 mark been breached for an evening race in Cork and if this traditional opener to the spring and summer season is anything to go by, a hectic few months lie ahead on the roads of the county.
Since this race – organised by Ballintotis Community Council and East Cork AC – moved from nearby Castlemartyr five years ago, there’s only been one winner and that sequence continued last night as James McCarthy of the promoting club made it an unprecedented sixth victory in a row.
But not alone did the Ballincurrig man clinch his sixth win, he also recorded his fastest time of 19:25 over the four-mile circuit. Made to work hard all the way by former Cork City Marathon winner Alan O’Shea, McCarthy was understandably delighted with his performance.
“I’m very happy with that; it was a fairly close finish this year, the closest of all the finishes over the last few years as I just got ahead of Alan towards the end, it was nip-and-tuck all the way around,” he said of his four-second victory.
O’Shea, too, was pleased with his performance, saying it was his fastest time for the past four years. “I was supposed to be doing the London Marathon next week but I have been troubled with a hamstring so I’ll probably wait till the autumn now,” he said.
Sean McGrath (East Cork) had a personal best of 19:40 in third with Barry Minnock of Rathfarnham-WSAF a half-minute further back in fourth position.
Anne-Marie Holland, now a member of Youghal AC, repeated her victory of last year in the women’s race with her time of 23:58 nine seconds faster than she ran 12 months ago.
“That’s just outside my best of 23:47, so I’m happy with that. I’ll probably stick to the shorter distances for the summer and my next race will be the Stryker four-miler followed by our own Kilcredan 5km,” she said.
Karina Teahan of St Finbarr’s was second in 24:18 with Evelyn Cashman (Youghal) repeating her third place of last year in 24:31.
The race was also graced with the presence of Olympic silver-medallist Sonia O’Sullivan who finished second in her F45 category in a time of 25:56 before presenting the prizes and making herself available for numerous photographs and autograph signings.
The Cobh legend summed up this enormous community promotion, saying she was delighted to be part of the record-breaking night: “It really is a great race, it’s amazing and I’m delighted to be here. What makes it so special is the location and you can sense the good energy about the place, it’s also a great community event for everyone living down here.”
Results
J McCarthy (East Cork) 19:25; 2 A O’Shea (Bantry) 19:29; 3 S McGrath (East Cork) 19:40; 4 B Minnock (Rathfarnham-WSAF) 20:10; 5 T O’Donoghue (East Cork) 20:12; 6 A Sheehan (Leevale) 20:55; 7 J O’Connell (Leevale) 21:16; 8 K Kelleher (East Cork) 21:21; 9 R Patterson (Leevale) 21:41; 10 A O’Brien (Eagle, M40) 21:44.
M40: 2 S Simcox (Mallow) 21:49; 3 I Dorgan (St Finbarrs) 22:21.
M45: 1 M O’Keeffe (Youghal) 22:43; 2 N O’Regan (Midleton) 23:41; 3 S Deveraux (Youghal) 24:05.
M50: 1 D McCarthy (East Cork) 24:13; 2 B Linehan (Carraig na bhFear) 24:15; 3 N Curtin (Youghal) 24:30.
M55: 1 C Murphy (Leevale) 24:44; 2 N Aherne (Mdleton) 25:51; 3 D Caroll (Eagle) 26:07.
M60: 1 E McEvoy (St Finbarrs) 24:41’; 2 P Twomey (Eagle) 26:34; 3 W O’Riordan (Sr Brendans) 26:42.
M65: 1 R Piotowski (Eagle) 26:03; 2 J Murray (Rising Sun) 29:52; 3 D O’Connell (Midleton) 30:13.
M70: 1 J Curtin (East Cork) 38:30.
MJ: 1 K Hickey (unatt) 24:24; 2 J Leahy (unatt) 24:58; 3 F O’Brien (Midleton) 25:47.
Women: A-M Holland (Youghal, F40) 23:58; 2 K Teahan (St Finbarrs, F35) 24:18; 3 E Cashman (Youghal, F40) 24:31; 4 C Parnell (Leevale, F55) 24:41; 5 F Santry (East Cork) 24:54; 6 H Leonard (Leevale, F40) 25:42.
F35: 2 M Dennehy (unatt) 26:18; 3 Y Fitzgerald (Midleton) 28:18.
F45: 1 A Doris (Midleton) 25:47; 2 S O’Sullivan (Ballymore-Cobh) 25:56; 3 H Gilroy (Midleton) 25:57.
F50: 1 B Sheedy (Midleton) 30:18; 2 E Sheehan (unatt) 30:20; 3 M O’Mahony (Ballintotis F4L) 30:27.
F55: 2 E Keane (unatt) 26:09; 2 C Boyle (unatt) 37:41.
F60: 1 M Linehan (Togher) 37:00; 2 A O’Keeffe (unatt) 37:15; 3 M Horgan (unatt) 37:41.
F65: 1 K O’Brien (St Catherines) 33:20; 2 M Barry (Midleton) 38:00.
FJ: 1 D McCaughley (unatt) 30:56; 2 L McAuliffe (Midleton) 30:56; 3 E O’Keeffe (Youghal) 32:01.
Online Entry is now Closed
Entry Desks will be open from 5pm to 7pm on this Wednesday evening and from 1pm onwards on Thursday. It is important to note that if you have already entered on line, it is necessary to collect your race number and race buff at either of the aforementioned times. Please make a special effort to collect your number or enter as early as possible.
Thursday 16th April at 8pm
Walkers Start at 6.30pm
Held in association with EAST CORK AC with the kind assistance of BALLYCOTTON RUNNING PROMOTIONS
Prize for 1st Male & 1st Female
1 Year Leisure Centre Membership at Castlemartyr Resort
Prize for 2nd Male & 2nd Female
Weekend Stay in Trabolgan Holiday Centre (T&Cs Apply)
Individual Prizes for Top 6 Males & Top 6 Females
Prizes in All Categories
Chip Timing at Start & Finish
Entry Fee €10 for Runners & Walkers
Free Running Buff for all finishers
Race HQ – Ballintotis Community Centre just off Main N25 between Midleton and Castlemartyr
CALL 086-8778182 for more details
Online Entry is now Closed
Entry Desks will be open from 5pm to 7pm on this Wednesday evening and from 1pm onwards on Thursday. It is important to note that if you have already entered on line, it is necessary to collect your race number and race buff at either of the aforementioned times. Please make a special effort to collect your number or enter as early as possible.
13/4/15
Race Day is almost upon with the sixth running of the Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race just hours away. Dan McCarthy is due to fire the starter’s gun at 8pm on this Thursday evening April 16th and expectations suggest that another very large entry is set to go the start line. Last year’s record entry of 996 runners created a new record for a mid week fixture in Munster with James McCarthy again proving the “king of the road” by the fifth year in a row.
Sonia Returns
This year’s race was given a further boost a few days ago when former World Champion and Olympic medalist Sonia O’Sullivan declared her intention to run in the race, having also taken part 2 years ago. Sonia thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Ballintotis in 2013 and following a return from recent injury she took to the roads again on Sunday last when finishing 3rd lady in the Great Island ‘4’ Mile Race in her native Cobh.
Help Required
The organisation of the race requires involvement from so many different people and once more the local Ballintotis community are stepping up to the task. But we still need one final push in the following areas.
Here are the main areas where the organisers still need assistance.
Stewards Help
We need over 100 stewards to make this race happen. If you know of anyone that would like to help out please contact 086-8778182.
Food
We need as much as possible. As mentioned before this is a community effort and without out its not possible. Cakes/sandwiches/biscuits/quiches whatever it is please contact Jean O Gorman on 086-3319101, or private message her on Facebook. She needs to know numbers urgently.
Entry Desks
Entry Desks will be open from 5pm to 7pm on this Wednesday evening and from 1pm onwards on Thursday. It is important to note that if you have already entered on line, it is necessary to collect your race number and race buff at either of the aforementioned times. Please make a special effort to collect your number or enter as early as possible.
Car Parks
Weather permitting there will be three car parks in operation. All motorists are asked to follow the advice of the gardai and stewards when approaching the race route. Car Parks will be signposted well in advance on the approach roads. Please allow plenty of time in advance of the race start and please be patient afterwards. Obviously, before during and after the race there will be restricted access for motorists.
Walk Begins at 6.30pm
The walk will begin at 6.30pm sharp and will go in the opposite direction to the race. Registration for the walk will take place from 5.30pm to 6.15pm. Refreshments for all walkers will be served in the marquee adjacent to the Community Centre immediately after the walk and before the start of the race.
Race Begins At 8pm Sharp
Wheelchair competitor Jerry Forde will begin at 7.45pm with the race beginning at 8pm sharp. All competitors are asked to be at the start line by 7.50pm. There will be graded time zones in operation and ALL competitors are asked to line up in their correct time zone, based on their anticipated finishing time. By doing so, the race will be much more enjoyable and safer for everybody.
Chip Timing
Of course, chip timing has been introduced this year. So there is no need for panic as a timing mat will be in operation at both the start and finish line. Full results will be available quickly afterwards with all race results/category prizes also on line at precisiontiming.net.
Prizes
This year’s race will feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes going to the top 6 men and top 6 women across the line. There are also 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre will sponsor the top prizes with Castlemartyr Resort offering a fantastic 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and 1st female finisher. Thanks to the sponsorship of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers, Midleton each participant will also receive a free running buff.
Spot Prizes
There will also be spot prizes aplenty – runners/walkers are asked to check of their back of their number to see if they have won a spot prize. Winners can collect their prizes after the race from the stage area.
All Race Enquiries
Finally all race day enquiries should be directed to the designated race line 086 8778182
8/4/15
Pre Registration For Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race Closes On Monday Next April 13th - Last Year's Race Had 996 Finishers
Top Prizes
This year’s race will feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes going to the top 6 men and top 6 women across the line. There are also 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre will sponsor the top prizes with Castlemartyr Resort offering a fantastic 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and 1st female finisher. Thanks to the sponsorship of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers, Midleton each participant will also receive a free running buff. We also 1st, 2nd and 3rd in ALL age categories and there will also be numerous spot prizes on offer. Please check the back of your race number to see if you have won a spot prize.
James Looking For 6th Win
The race is hosted annually as a fundraiser for the continued development and upkeep of the local Community Centre. It is a joint venture between Ballintotis Area Community Council and East Cork A.C with the help of Ballycotton Running Promotions. James McCarthy of the host club has a remarkable record in the event and will be bidding for a six in a row triumph in this year’s race. Incidentally, 2015 will be the first occasion that the Ballintotis ‘4’ will feature chip timing, with a timing mat located at both the start and the finish line.
Walk At 6.30pm
After attracting a record entry of 996 runners in 2014, it appears as if Ballintotis is set to again welcome a huge number of runners this year, for a race that has an 8pm start. For those who might fancy something a little less taxing, the traditional ‘4’ Mile Walk will as usual begin at 6.30pm. Again entry fee is 10 euro per person, but there is no line entry.
Traffic Advice
All those attending this year’s race and walk are asked to follow the advice of gardai and stewards ar all times. A number of restrictions will be in operation on the race route. Overall, the best advice is to arrive early and allow plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.
Finally, all queries concerning the Race and Walk should be directed to Race Directors -Sean Murphy and John Cashman on 086-8778182.
23/3/15
Road Race Just 3 Weeks Away
The big night is coming nearer, with the atmosphere building in the locality ahead of the Ballintotis ‘4’ Road Race on Thursday 16th April. Lots of runners have been seen on the course over the last few days and no doubt many more will be on a familiarisation process over the coming three weeks.
On line is open for the past two weeks with a steady flow of entries having being received. The organisers would ask as many people as possible to register in advance. By doing so, you will make life easier for both the committee and for yourself on the day of the race. Please log on to www.ballintotis.com and follow the link to enter. Race numbers can be collected between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday April 16th and again on Race Day from 1pm at Ballintotis Community Centre.
The next meeting of the Road Race committee take place on Wednesday April 1st – 8.30pm in the Community Centre.
Again a general appeal is sent out to the wider community for help on the night. Maybe you can help in providing/sandwiches etc – if so contact Jean O’Gorman on 086-3319101. If you can assist in stewarding matters please give our race line a call on 086-8778182.
This year’s race has the traditional starting time of 8pm with the non competitive walk, beginning at 6.30pm. For those who have not entered on line, entry desks for the race will be open between 5.00pm and 7.00pm on the previous evening (Wednesday 15h) and from 1pm onwards on race day. Entry for the walk will be taken from 5.30pm on Thursday evening. There is no pre entry for the walk.
As always the entire occasion promises to be a great social and sporting spectacle in our local community, so if you are not running please consider helping out in some capacity.
The countdown is very much underway to this year’s Ballintotis ‘4’ Mile Road Race on April 16th after the event was launched in style in the plush surrounds of Castlemartyr Resort. Guests were treated to healthy fruit skewers, granola bars and homemade smoothies prepared by head chef Kevin Burke.
Registration is now open for the race and participants can enter online at www.ballintotis.com until midnight on Monday April 13th. Thereafter participants may also enter in person on either Wednesday April 15th at Ballintotis Community Centre or at the same venue on race day from 1pm onwards. It is important to note that those who avail of on line option must also collect their race number in Ballintotis Community Centre on either Wednesday 15th or Thursday 16th April at the aforementioned times. Entry fee is €10 (plus administration fee if availing of the convenient on line entry).
This year’s race will feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes going to the top 6 men and top 6 women across the line. There are also 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre will sponsor the top prizes with Castlemartyr Resort offering a fantastic 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and 1st female finisher. Thanks to the sponsorship of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers, Midleton each participant will also receive a free running buff.
The race is hosted annually as a fundraiser for the continued development and upkeep of the local Community Centre. It is a joint venture between Ballintotis Area Community Council and East Cork A.C with the help of Ballycotton Running Promotions. James McCarthy of the host club has a remarkable record in the event and will be bidding for a six in a row triumph in this year’s race. Incidentally, 2015 will be the first occasion that the Ballintotis ‘4’ will feature chip timing, with a timing mat located at both the start and the finish line.
After attracting a record entry of 996 runners in 2014, it appears as if Ballintotis is set to again welcome a huge number of runners this year, for a race that has an 8pm start. For those who might fancy something a little less taxing, the traditional ‘4’ Mile Walk will as usual begin at 6.30pm. Again entry fee is 10 euro per person, but there is no line entry.
All queries concerning the Race and Walk should be directed to Race Directors -Sean Murphy and John Cashman on 086-8778182
Christine Hendricks, Castlemartyr Resort Leisure Manager,
presenting the prizes of a year’s membership for the male and female winners to organisers John Cashman and Sean Murphy.
Dan McCarthy, East Cork Athletics Board; Brenda Murphy, Director of Sales & Marketing,
Castlemartyr Resort; James McCarthy, five-time winner of the race; Tommy Hartnet,
Captain of Castlemartyr Golf Resort; Liam O’Brien, secretary, East Cork AC.
Louise Casey and Vicki Murphy
The Leahy family – Ciara, Anne, Sean, Conor and Darragh
Brian Herlihy, Castlemartyr Resort; Tommy Hartnett, Captain of Golf Club;
Brenda Murphy, Director of Sales & Marketing
Susan Fitzgerald and Jane Murphy
Tom O’Neill, Spike Island Heritage Centre,
presenting sponsorship to Jean O’Gorman and Sean Murphy
Mairead Lernihan of Axa Insurance presenting sponsorship to John and Sean
Nina Prendergast and James McCarthy with baby Róise
Tom O’Neill, Dan McCarthy and Sylvie O’Mahony
Tom and Dan enjoying their cuppa!
Sean Leahy, on behalf of Ballintotis Fit4Life,
presenting sponsorship to Jean O’Gorman
Pat and Noreen (and Jamie!) of Eurocom Technology
presenting sponsorship to John Cashman
Miah McGrath of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers presenting sponsorship
to John Cashman for the souvenir race buffs which each finisher in this year's
race will receive. Also pictured are Shane Ruddle, Sean Murphy,
Michelle and Joy McGrath, Sylvie O’Mahony
Graham O’Sullivan of Kukri Sports presenting sponsorship to Sean Murphy
Diane and Hazel Broderick
The countdown is underway to the 2015 Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race which takes place on Thursday April 16th at 8pm. After last year’s very successful event which attracted 996 runners and was won for the fifth year in a row by James McCarthy of East Cork AC, another big entry is expected this time around.
Chip timing at the start and the finish will be introduced this year and with it comes the opportunity to pre register. Online entry will be open from 9am on Monday March 9th until 12 midnight on Monday April 13th. After that there will still be the opportunity to register at Race HQ in Ballintotis Community Centre. Registration will be available from 5pm to 7pm on the evening prior to the race and again from 1pm onwards on race day Thursday April 16th. Entry fee is €10 (plus administration fee if availing of the convenient on line entry). By clicking on the link above from March 9th and following this link, participants will be able to pre register and also find out the latest pre race news.
This year’s race will again feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes to the top 6 men and top 6 women across the line. There are also 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre have again confirmed that they will sponsor the top prizes. Castlemartyr Resort is offering 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and 1st female. Trabolgan is providing an extended weekend break for both runners up. Thanks to the generosity of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers, Midleton all participants will also receive a souvenir running buff.
The Ballintotis 4 Mile Race is of course held in association with East Cork AC and with the assistance of Ballycotton Running Promotions.
All enquiries to Sean Murphy or John Cashman on 086-8778182
Sponsorship Required – Can You Help In Any Way?
Last year a massive number of 996 runners participated in our fifth annual 4 Mile Road Race in mid April, a figure that set a new all time record for a mid week 4 mile race in Cork.
The occasion was a huge sporting and social event in our area and coupled with a 4 mile walk over the same course prior to the race, raised a considerable amount of money for the upkeep and development of Ballintotis Community Centre.
However, as we look forward to hosting another large gathering for this year’s race in mid April we are again on a fund raising mission to help enhance our facility and at the same time cover our annual running costs. The race is the central part of our drive and thus we are actively seeking sponsorship to cover the costs on the night, which includes a very extensive prize list.
Our major outlay includes over 3,000 euro approx on prize costs and in the region of 4,500 euro on misc items such as, chip timing, rental of portable toilets, purchase of road signs, lights, race numbers, internet advertising and other related items.
We hope that you may consider one of the options-
1 - Coming on board as sponsor/part sponsor.
2 - Making a financial contribution towards the prize fund
3 - Donating a prize.
(please note for tax purposes - Ballintotis Area Community Council charitable status number is CHY6865)
We can assure our main sponsors of publicity on local media, including Midleton & District News, Evening Echo 96FM and C103 with an opportunity of photo shoots in advance and on race night. There is also the option of major publicity at race venue on the night. Furthermore our web site will also offer you the opportunity to promote your business.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on designated race line 086-8778182
* see link Ballintotis Road Race 2014 race video on www.ballintotis.com
Best Regards,
Seanie Murphy
John Cashman
Race Directors Ballintotis ‘4’ 2015 - 086-877818.
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