For the fifth successive year runners have the opportunity to partake in the John Buckley Sports/Munster Ten-Mile Spring Classics Series as the four races in the area from January to April combine forces in this unique Series.In the cycling world, the 'Spring Classics' are an integral part of the competitive year and seen as instrumental in the build-up to the more arduous Tours later in the season. The aim of this ten-mile Series is to promote each race at the classic distance of ten miles, while rewarding the runners who complete all four races with a specially commissioned long-sleeve T-shirt. As well, there will be prizes for the leading male and female runners, which will be decided on the cumulative times over the four races.
Once again, John Buckley Sports has agreed to be overall sponsor of the Spring Series and if you wish to view their excellent website go to: www.johnbuckleysports.com
There is no additional entry fee for the Series - just run the four races (however - your entry must have been accepted for Ballycotton). Further details (including contacts) on the three races other than Ballycotton can be found below.
Marathon Deliveries/MALLOW '10' - Sunday January 7th, 12.30pm.
GlaxoSmithKline/DUNGARVAN '10' - Sunday February 4th, 2.00pm
BALLYCOTTON '10' - Sunday March 4th, 1.30pm.
Sonny Murphy Memorial KINABOY '10' - Sunday April 8th, 2.00pm.
Sunday January 7th: - Marathon Deliveries/Mallow '10', 12.30pm.
Contact: John Holland 022-21280.
Mallow AC have been promoting a 10-mile race for a number of years, although this course has only been used since 2001. A nice flat loop, comprising of town and country roads, it has met with unanimous approval. Mallow is also well served with a good roads network, making the venue very central for people travelling from any part of the country.
Unfortunately, last year the race had to be postponed due to dense fog and when it was re-arranged for May, numbers were understandably down somewhat. The winning time of 56:05 by Willie Reidy was the slowest ever for the race but there was a superb performance by Niamh O’Sullivan who finished eight overall in a new course record of 58:47. With the closure of Irish Sugar, this year sees a new sponsor in Marathon Deliveries, a company fronted by well-known Mallow runner Peadar Curtis.
Sunday February 4th: - GlaxoSmithKline/Dungarvan '10', 2.00pm.
Contact: James Veale 058-42059.
Formally a 10km race, the move to ten miles a few years ago proved to be a very successful one. A new course was introduced in 2004 and last year saw the biggest-ever turnout with a total of 427 finishers. Like Mallow, the race has a new sponsor in GlaxoSmithKline, the local company who also sponsor the popular five-mile race in July. Starting and finishing near the excellent facilities of the Dungarvan Crystal Sports Centre, the course uses mainly country roads and also has a potential for fast times. One of many races held in the area, the event is also part of the Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series. Last February, Sandis Bralitis recorded a very fast 50:08 Jackie Carthy taking the female honours in 62:44.
Sunday April 8th:- Sonny Murphy Memorial Kilnaboy '10' (Co. Clare), 2.00pm.
Contact: Vincent McCarthy 065-6837875.
One of the oldest 'tens' in the country, outside of Ballycotton. Usually held on Easter Sunday, it now has settled on the second Sunday of April (which, as it happens, is Easter Sunday this year!). The introduction of the Spring Series has also benefited this ‘Clare Classic’ with a fine turnout of 219 finishing last year. Gerry Ryan was the winner in 51:00 while Valerie Colleran was first woman 63:58. The slightly undulating circuit on the outskirts of The Burren contains some stunning early spring scenery, passing through the tourist village of Corrofin. The race is also an idea opportunity to enjoy an early-season break in ideal outdoor surroundings. Also, like Mallow, there is a 10km walk which starts at 1.30pm. The three races featured above are all organised by enthusiastic runners themselves, so you can be sure of a warm welcome and a well-organised race, with free refreshments and free results afterwards. Give them your support, they deserve it - and we also need to keep these races going at the classic distance of 10 miles on the road!