4 June 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
File photo: 80 year olds Joe and Kay O’Regan from Enniscourty finishing the 2016 Cork City Marathon hand in hand 30 years after their first marathon together at the Cork City Marathon. Pic: Darragh Kane
The Cork City Marathon takes place today, and more than 6,000 people are expected to take part.
For the first time in 11 years, the race is being held on the Sunday of the June bank holiday, rather than Monday.
There are two events, a marathon and a half marathon.
The main marathon – and the first leg of the team relay – begins at 9am on Patrick Street, and the half marathon will commence at 10.45am on Monahan Road
There will be plenty of road closures and diversions in place across most of the city.
Road closures today:
6am to 1pm:
- Albert Road
- Victoria Road
- Centre Park Road
- Monahan Road and surrounding areas
- Castle Road, Blackrock
6am to 2pm:
- Ballyphehane/Togher/The Lough
- Tory Top Park and vicinity
- Magazine Road
- Orchard Road
- Farranlea Road, Farranlea Park and surrounds
- Wilton Road
- Western Road
6am to 3pm:
- Model Farm Road
- Inchigaggin Lane
The South Ring Road (N40) is the main route to divert around the City. The Jack Lynch Tunnel will be open all day but with lane restrictions between time 8am and 1pm. Access to the City Centre is via the South City Link which will be open all day with lane restrictions from 8am to 1.30 pm.
Speaking ahead of race day, Race Director, Jim O’Donovan wished all participants the very best of luck and an enjoyable day on the streets of Cork: “The marathon team and I are thrilled with the number of seasoned and first-time participants who have registered for this year’s Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, Inter-Services Championships and Youth Challenge. We wish all participants the very best of luck as they take to the start line and wish them a happy and safe race. As always, I trust the Cork people will show their support with loud cheering voices along the route. Lastly, I would like to thank our over 500 volunteers located around the course, from race stewards and officials to water-station staff and medical responders, who work tirelessly to make this event a success.”
MIllennium Hall at @corkcitycouncil is a veritable warehouse as we sort bibs, tops & goodie bags for @TheCorkMarathon. #Morethanamarathon pic.twitter.com/GNnRJXorAI
— Cork City Council #StaySafe (@corkcitycouncil) June 2, 2017
This event is unlike others, as the whole city comes alive and gets behind participants to show their support. Hotels, restaurants and bars across the city are offering numerous food and drinks deals to participants who show their medal. Moving the traditional race day from Monday to Sunday allows participants an opportunity to celebrate their great accomplishment that evening and gives athletes a day to rest and recover before heading back to their nine-to-five on Tuesday.
For participation information such as registration locations and times, race day check-list and for all traffic restrictions, please visit www.corkcitymarathon.ie
