News

Athletics Ireland National Marathon Results - Dublin 2003

Results of Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championships 2003

Dublin

Monday October 27th 2003

Gary Crossan and Annette Kealy, National Marathon Champions 2003 Photos: David Maher / Sportsfile

Individual Masters Results

Women

M40

M45

M50

F35

F40

F45

Cork City Sports Athletics Person of the Month of October 2020 - Conor Callinan

Conor Callinan is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for October 2020

River Lee Hotel

Monday December 21st 2020

Conor Callinan, Colaiste an Chroi Naofa and Leevale AC, is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for October 2020 - Photo: Martin Collins

The award was presented at a function at the River Lee hotel, on Monday December 21st 2020

The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by 96FM/C103FM, The Echo, The River Lee, Cork Crystal and Leisureworld

Cork City Sports Homepage

Cork City Sports - Awards Archive

Cork Athletics Homepage

Cork Athletics Facebook Page

The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month of October 2020 is Conor Callinan, Colaiste an Chroi Naofa and Leevale AC, pictured here with Donal Murnane - Photo: Martin Collins

Cork City Sports Athletics Person of the Month - October 2020 - Award Citation

Conor Callinan, with Tony O'Connell - Photo: Martin Collins

The October Cork City athlete of the month award goes to Conor Callinan, Colaiste an Chroi Naofa and Leevale AC.

Conor Callinan (Colaiste an Chroi Naofa and Leevale AC) is the October recipient of the Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month award. On the 5th October Conor won the Intermediate Boys Pole Vault at the 92nd South Munster Schools Championship, at CIT Track.

His winning height of 4.20m set a new record for the event, eclipsing the 34 year old record by 60cm.

Conor Callinan with with his parents Olive and Kieran Callinan - Photo: Martin Collins

Watch Cork Athletics Videos on Vimeo

Irish Runner Magazine - 100 Sub 4 Miles for Marcus O'Sullivan - February 1998

Marcus O'Sullivan - Century of Achievement

Irish Runner Magazine, February/March 1998 - Vol 18, No 1, P22-23

Marcus O'Sullivan

Marcus O'Sullivan featured on Cover of Irish Runner Magazine, February/March 1998

Download Full Article (PDF File) - Irish Runner Magazine, February/March 1998 - Vol 18, No 1, P22-23

Millrose Games

It was a lot like old times at Madison Square Garden on Friday 13 February - Marcus O'Sullivan was the first athlete to address the post-race press conference.

The modest Corkman may not have won the 1998 Wanamaker Mile, but his 3:58.10 third place made him only the third man ever to post 100 sub-fours - and the US media wanted to know immediately how it felt to make history.

'There's a great sense of relief now that this target has been achieved,' Marcus answered. 'I began to focus on the dream (of achieving 100 sub-fours) about five years ago when I was thinking of retiring from athletics. I was cleaning out my basement when I came across the trophy I won for my first sub-four, in Chapel Hill in 1983. I then started counting the number of times I had broken four minutes - it was 76.

'That's when I decided to go for the 100, which means entry to a pretty exclusive club - only John Walker, Steve Scott, and now myself have achieved the target. It has helped greatly to keep me motivated over the past several seasons.'

Now O'Sullivan is a fully fledged member of the club - since New York he has actually notched sub-four number 101, this time in Australia. Steve Scott, incidentally reached 136, John Walker 124.

Marcus O'Sullivan's 101 Sub-4 Miles

 * Indoor sub-four number 47, surpassing the previous world record 46 of Steve Scott (USA) The above list excludes approximately 20 sub-four road miles and more than 90 metric 'equivalents' - 3:40 or faster for 1,500m.

Marcus O'Sullivan's Off-The-Ball Interview on 20th Anniversary of 100th Sub-4 Mile

Marcus delivered a vintage performance on what was probably his final appearance in the Wanamaker, an event he had won five times. The 1 7,000-plus crowd were totally behind him on the final two circuits as he fought to keep contact with eventual winner Laban Rotich of Kenya (3:55.69) and American Paul McMullen (3:57.46).

'My legs felt very tired on the final two circuits, and I did not have quite the finish of other occasions,' said the man who at 36 was conceding eight years to Rotich.

'I think it's important that you continue to keep searching for goals in sport and life in general,' he continued. 'If you lose motivation you lose desire and if you lose desire you go through what I would call a doldrums effect, where you are just floating along. I'm just very thankful that I was in the basement that day five years ago cleaning out.

'Finding that old trophy made the past four or five years wonderful for me - I've learned more about myself and the sport and training and what to do and what not to do than ever before in my life. It's like a light came on in a room and I knew for the first time where everything was. I don't believe I would have reached that pinnacle of understanding had it not been for the circumstances that have me here tonight.'

It was a night in New York that one felt immensely proud of Marcus O'Sullivan. When eventually he got to sit down and chat in the Old Stand (where the Irish were living it up into the small hours), he radiated humility and quiet satisfaction.

'I feel really blessed and content,' he mused. 'I've had 15 wonderful years in athletics and 30 great seasons, mostly injury- free - and that is something to be very grateful for. Tonight it feels like things have come the full circle. I expect to slowly wind down my career over the next while.'

Marcus's wife, Mary, and kids, Laura and Christopher, were in the Garden to see history made. Probably nothing gives Marcus more pleasure than heading off with his family to their small farm in Sussex County, New Jersey, where they help with the annual vegetable harvest. 'I love the farm. It's close to Mary's parents, and the kids have a great time there.'

One man mightily impressed with Marcus in New York was Ray Flynn, himself our fastest miler and a sub-four 89-timer: 'Marcus has had a really great career. His three World Indoor golds (at 1,500m) were special.'

Likewise Eamonn Coghlan, who interviewed Marcus trackside on the night: 'This is a special night for Marcus - it crowns a great career. And now that the mile is not usually included in big meets, it seems unlikely the Hundred Club will be gaining new members in the near future.'

For the man himself, there was no huge post-race fanfare, no popping champagne corks, no cake of 100 candles. Clearly, he was content to quietly wind down a night that will always have a special meaning for himself and his family and all of us fortunate enough to have been there. 'This is a good night to just quietly reflect on my career and give thanks for everything,' he concluded.

It was a Corking night all round at the Garden. Mark Carroll won the 3,000m (7:49.38) for the third straight year and professed himself delighted to be injury-free and looking forward eagerly to the outdoor season and some big 5,000m efforts.

Still, the night belonged to Marcus O'Sullivan - a night of magnificent achievement, quiet satisfaction, and typically modest reflection for the man who left Cork 15 years ago to take up scholarship at Villanova and has done himself and his country proud in so many great races ever since.

Indoor sub-four number 47, surpassing the previous world record 46 of Steve Scott (USA) The above list excludes approximately 20 sub-four road miles and more than 90 metric 'equivalents' - 3:40 or faster for 1,500m.

Related Articles

Irish Runner Magazine - Marcus O'Sullivan - July 1986

Marcus O'Sullivan's Off-The-Ball Interview on 20th Anniversary of 100th Sub-4 Mile

Archived Articles

Irish Runner

Marathon Magazine

Looking Back - 25 Years of BLE in Cork

Subscribe to Irish Runner Magazine

Cork Athletics Year-End Registration Figures - December 2020

Cork Athletics Registration Figures for Year Ending December 31st 2020

Cork Athletics Registrations 2010 - 2020

December end-of-month registrations for Cork Athletics stand at 6,919, a fall of 1,308 (15.9%) registrations compared to the 2019 year-end figure of 8,455. Following over a decade of continuous membership growth, a fall in registrations is to be expected, given the Covid pandemic.  

Indeed, the drop, just under 16%, might be considered to be less than might have been expected in the circumstances, however, given that most registrations occur in the first three months, and that the first lockdown, and suspension of competition, did not occur until mid-March, we are definitely not seeing the full-year effects of Covid on Registrations.

2021 registrations are likely to be slow in take-up, at least initially, until things have settled down after roll-out of the vaccines, and reopening of competition.

In spite of all that this year has thrown up, twelve clubs actuallu increased their registered membership, by a combined total of 138 members, from 1090 to 1229, just under 13%. A further fourteen clubs either maintained their membership numbers, or dropped ten (10) or less members.

At the other end, four clubs dropped a combined total of 439 members, falling from a total of 1320 to 851, a drop of just over 35%

Club Reopening Strategy?

Given that more people than ever have been exercising and running during the pandemic, one would hope that clubs will get a 'bounce' in membership and membership enquiries - time will tell.

NOW is the time that clubs should be asking themselves if they are set up to accept an influx in membership.  Do you have sufficient coaches, mentors and officials?   Have they completed Child Protection Training?  Have any, for whatever reason, dropped out of the sport, so that your club will need to fill their place?  ....just some of the things you may need tio think about.

Closed to New Members??

If your club is unable to accept new members, please DON'T just tell prospective members "We are full, ask again next year!"  If you genuinely can't take new members, please refer them to the 'club down the road' - it might kill you to do so, but it will help the sport.  Also if you can't accept them, ask yourself Why Not? Is it a capacity problem? Is it a problem with a shortage of coaches?  Whatever your constraint is, it may be worth talking to Grace Lynch, Athletics Ireland's Munster RDO
 

Fifty five clubs were registered during 2020 - one club registered in 2019 did not renew their club membership, or register any members during 2020.

National Standings

Athletics Ireland are likely to issue the December end-of-month National registration figures in the coming days. Standing of Cork clubs in the various Top 50 National standings will then be added to this page

Overall Registrations as at December 31st 2020

27 Largest Clubs, by Total Registered Members

Leevale AC and Bandon AC head the table, both clubs exceeding the 600 mark, leading the other clubs by a significant distance. Five clubs: Togher AC, Ballymore Cobh AC, Midleton AC, Youghal AC and North Cork AC all have over 300 registered members.

A total of sixeen (16) clubs have over 200 registrations, while a further twelve (12) clubs have now exceeded 100 registered members, making a total of 28 clubs with 100 or more registered members.

 Remaining 28 Clubs, by Total Registered Members

Total Registrations for Cork Clubs December 31st 2020

Juvenile/Junior Registrations as at December 30th 2020

 Leading Cork Juvenile Clubs

Bandon AC, on 386, lead the table ahead of Leevale AC, on 309, with Belgooly AC on 220.

Adult (Senior/Masters) Registrations as at December 31st 2020

 Top 28 Adult Registrations by Club - December 31st 2018

Mallow AC have almost 50% more Registered Seniors & Masters than nearest rivals, Leevale AC, with Togher AC head Eagle AC, while Midleton AC are just one registration ahead of Ballymore-Cobh AC.

Next 28 Adult Registrations by Club - December 31st 2020

Senior Registrations as at December 31st 2020

Senior Registrations - December 31st 2020

Leevale AC remain a distance ahead of all others at the head of the Senior table, with 85 Seniors. Doneraile AC are in second place, with 49 Senior members, behind Leevale AC. Togher AC come next, with with 45, followed by Bandon AC (34) and Mallow AC (29)

Masters Registrations as at December 31st 2020

Top 28 Masters Registrations by Club - December 31st 2020

Mallow AC are well ahead of the rest of the field, with 238 Masters registrations. Eagle AC and Midleton AC have 163 and 154 respectively. Ballymore-Cobh AC and Togher AC follow next, while a total of 14 clubs top the 100 mark.

Age Distribution Data

Overall Age Distribution

As last year, the overall age distribution throws up some interesting observations:
There are two distinct distributions, based around Young Juveniles and Masters Athletes, with older Juveniles and Seniors literally nowhere to be seen. 

Female Age Distribution

Male Age Distribution

From age 8 to 16, Juvenile girls outnumber boys 1608 to 1497. There is a distinct drop off after age 14, and the numbers from age 16 to 34 - including all seniors - makes  dismal reading.  The situation is not helped by the pandemic situation, however, once athletics emerges at the other side of the Covid crisis, strategies to address the low senior numbers, and retention of Juveniles.

The drop off of Juveniles has been noted across many sports in Ireland, and is worrying from a number of perspectives, not just athletics membership. In particular the non-participation of juveniles, along with the related and alarming growth in obesity, among juveniles and younger adults, is almost certainly going to lead to a significant rise in general population health issues in the coming years.

From an athletics perspective, the low numbers between 18 and 35 is of particular concern, as this is the group from which our Championship, International and Olympic hopes will emerge.  Historically, Cork has 'punched above its weight' in producing European, World and Olympic Champions and medalists, along with many, many International athletes.  To continue this proud and valued heritage, we really need to be attracting, and retaining, more people in this age range.

Overall Male-Female Age Distribution

 As with the overall age distribution, there are two separate distributions, and possibly three, when it comes to Male-Female registration ratios. In the Juvenile range, boys marginally outnumber Girls in all ages. However, moving into the adult ranges, that trend is significantly reversed, with a few exceptions, with Women outnumbering Men.  In another twist, once 55 is passed, Men outnumber Women. This is possibly a legacy from earlier times, say 25 to 30 years ago, when very few women took part at adult level.

Results from Ballycotton 5 Mile Summer Series - 1977 to 2017

Ballycotton Summer Series  1977 - 2017 131 Races

The Results Project



For Forty Years - Yes 40 Years! - from August 1977 until August 2017, Ballycotton was one of the epicentres, if not THE epicentre, of running in Ireland, with the iconic Ballycotton 10 and the Ballycotton 5 Mile summer series, comprising the Ballyandreen 5, Shanagarry 5, Churchtown South 5 and the Ballycotton 5 rounding off the fabulous five Ballycotton races.

Sadly, all good things come to an end, and race organisers, Ballycotton Running Promotions, brought down the final curtain after the final race of the 2017 summer series.  But they gave us wonderful experiences and memories, and set a very high bar for other race organisers, in terms of quality and attention to detail, and, without doubt, value for money.

Ballycotton Results

Following the demise of the Ballycotton races, the Ballycotton Running website remained online, up to October 2020, however it has now gone, and with it any info on the site. However Ballycotton Running Promotions have consented to Cork Athletics hosting the Ballycotton 10 and Ballycotton Summer Series results on the Cork Athletics website.

So...  Only 40 Ballycotton 10 (1978 - 2017) results to post - They have all been converted into tabular form - just to create the 40 webpages and upload....so it'll take a little while.

In the meantime, many of the results from one hundred and fifty six (156) Summer Series races have already been posted - Sixty one (61) are already on-line, with a further thirty five (35) ready to upload, and will be posted in the coming days/weeks.  The remaining seventy (70) need to be processed, so the Ballycotton 10 results are likely to be posted before the final ones from Summer Series.


So .... For now - Enjoy looking back over the last 10 years, 2008 - 2017, with another 21 sets of results, inc 2001, 1987 & 1988, along with the very first three - Ballycotton 1977 & 1978, and Shanagarry 1978, along with several more. Happy Days!

Ballycotton Summer Series Historical Archive

Work in progress to include all races in series

Update - Cork and Munster Cross Country Championships 2020 - Dec 10th

Cork & Munster Cross Country Championships 2020 Update

Update Thursday December 10th 2020

Yesterday, December 9th, Athletics Ireland released dates for some National Cross-Country Championships, and several queries have been received since, regarding the status of both Cork and Munster Championships.

As per Cork Athletics County Board's statement of November 9th, Cork County Board is committed to holding its remaining Cross-Country Championships at the earliest opportunity, depending on the stae of play with regard to Government Covid-19 regulations and advice.

Cork Athletics County Board has reiterated that the county must be at Covid Level 2, at worst, for Cross-Country to proceed.  At this point in time, it is impossible to predict when that may be, so no specific dates, or even months, have been assigned as of now.

The next County Board Officer's meeting is scheduled for Wednesday February 3rd, however Cork County Board has resolved, should the County return to Level 2, a meeting will be held at short notice, and the Cross-Country will resume as soon as possible after that.


Yesterday, December 9th, Athletics Ireland announced dates for the 2020/2021 Cross Country season.  These dates are dependent on Covid-19 regulations and advice in force at the time.

 
Cork Athletics' release (December 9th)

However it is also necessary that Provincial (Munster, in our case) should already have been held as qualifiers. Yet the Provincial Championships are, themselves, dependent on the Covid-19 regulations and advice.

Currently, it is understood that Munster have contingent plans to hold Munster Cross-Country Championships in late January and early/mid February, but all must be confirmed.

Given the above, it is highly unlikely the remaining Cork County Championships will be held before late March. Nevertheless, it may be possible to 'juggle' Cork dates/fixtures to 'fit in' with National and Munster dates, given the smaller numbers (due to qualification conditions) applying at National.

County Board AGM

The Annual General Meeting of Cork Athletics County Board, normally held in January, is to be held as soon as it can be held 'in person'.

Covid-19 Level 5 Update - January 2nd 2021

Covid-19 Level 5 Update

January 2nd 2021

 

Photo montage (above): HSE Covid Advice, Covid Vaccine being administered to Frontline Health Worker, and Ireland's daily Covid incidence to Friday Jan 1st - BEFORE yesterday's 3,394 reported cases

Latest news (6:10pm), Saturday 2nd January

4 deaths and 3,394 cases confirmed:

    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has been informed of 4 additional deaths among people with COVID-19 in Ireland
    There have been 2,252 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland
    3,394 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the last 24 hours
    96,926 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland
    as of 2pm today, 607 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 56 are in ICU. There have been 71 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Ireland's daily Covid incidence to Friday Jan 1st - BEFORE yesterday's 3,394 reported cases

Level 5 - Sport

Training

People may meet with people from ONE other household in outdoor settings when taking exercise.

No indoor or outdoor exercise group activities, including those involving children, should take place.

Outdoor golf and tennis are not permitted.

Individual training only. No exercise or dance classes. No indoor or outdoor gatherings involving “individual training” except for professional and elite sports.

Matches and events

Professional, elite sports, horse racing, greyhound racing and approved equestrian events only are permitted to continue behind closed doors.

No other matches or events are to take place.

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools

Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools must close from close of business on 31 December

Editorial

This editorial does not necessariallly reflect Cork Athletics County Board's views

We have passed a critical point, with Ireland clearly in a third wave, and the Covid-19 virus rampant. The emergence of a new, more virulent, variant in the UK has heightened the risk, and there are further reports of yet another variant in South Africa, which is reported to be more potent again. Along with all of this, younger people are contracting the virus.

Light at end of Tunnel - Vaccine Rollout

In spite of all of this, things are changing - the tide won't turn until some 70% of the population has been vaccinated. The vaccine is not our only weapon against Covid - we all need to keep doing what we have been advised to do all the things we have been advised to to all along.  Government advice is well and good, but it doesn't stop Covid - Covid is passed by US (You and I) - Not by Government/HSE edicts - WE are responsible for transmission of the virus, but we can help stop it, by following the advice.

Athletics Ireland FAQs - July 8th 2020

Return to Activity Guidelines (Previously Issued):

Road Race Event Organiser Guidelines

Road Race Volunteer, Staff and Marshalls Guidelines

Road Race Participant Guidelines

Covid-19 Level 5 Update - December 22nd 2020

Athletics Ireland / Sport Ireland Covid-19 Level 5 Update

December 22nd 2020

Athletics Ireland Update 22nd December 2020

Ireland is moving to Level 5 from the 24th December 2020

Training and matches

No training or matches should take place, with the following exceptions:

    Non-contact training in pods of up to 15 may take place outdoors
    Professional, elite sports, horse-racing and greyhound racing are permitted to continue behind closed doors

All other training activities should be individual only.

News / Editorial

Republic of Ireland now has fastest Covid incidence rate in European Union - Dr. Holohan (Dec 23rd)

Ireland's Covid-19 Cases Dec 2020

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the Republic of Ireland now had the fastest growing incidence rate in the European Union. “Unfortunately, none of the indicators of this disease are showing encouraging signs”

That was on Wed Dec 24th, when Ireland reported 922 cases for the previous 24 hours. In the three days since then, rates have increased dramatically, with 938 cases on Christmas Eve, 1025 on Christmas Day and 1296 cases today

Time Trial Definition

A Time Trial is defined as a test of a competitor's individual speed over a set distance, in which competitors are separately timed.

The *VAST MAJORITY* of athletes and clubs have complied with HSE/Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland guidelines, however a handful of individuals seem to feel that they are exempt from such restrictions, with races, involving athletes from many clubs, taking part in races involving anything up to 100 participants, along with a 'officials', and a host of supporters and spectators. Operated under the label of Time Trials, these races are largely organised via private social media groups - apparently believing that such groups are secret - The trouble is, when two or more people know something, it's no longer a secret.   And if it's run in a very public place - like the Marina/Monahan Road - even early in the morning - you may as well advertise it on the front page of the Echo.

The vast majority are complying, in groups of 15 max., and confining runs to club members, as per guidelines and even organising proper individual time trials. These runs ARE covered by Athletics Ireland insurance.

The minority organising races masquerading as time trials, and involving massively in excess of the permitted 15, and with many non-club members, are NOT covered by Athletics Ireland Insurance.  In addition they risk bringing the sport into disrepute...and ... God forbid that a positive Covid case is detected among them, it will do absolutely nothing to enable the sport to resume 'normal service' any time soon.

As in all non-contact sports, the prime risks come before and after the event - during the pandemic, we have seen photos & videos from these races, with handshakes, hugging and high-fives, along with 'snorting' (to clear noses) and spitting.

So......if YOU are organising, or participating, in such an event .... Please think twice about it. You won't get any thanks...or sympathy...if things go 'pear-shaped'

Athletics Ireland Covid FAQ – Level 5

1.    What athletes may train during Level 5?

All elite athletes, as defined below, and school going children and young people, aged 18 years or below, may attend club training.

2.    How many children may train together?

Pods of 15 including the coaches may train outdoors together socially distanced and following good hygiene etiquette.

3.    How many pods are permitted in an outdoor setting?

Multiple pods may train where space allows for social distancing.

4.    What is the definition of an elite athlete?

Senior international athletes are defined as elite. [This updates the previous definition as below:

5.    May school-going children and elite athletes travel beyond the 5km limit to attend training?

Yes, they may.

6.    May coaches travel beyond the 5km limit to deliver training sessions?

Yes, coaches are permitted to travel over 5km to attend club training sessions.

7.    May athletes and coaches cross county boundaries?

Yes, if travelling to a club training.

8.    May we use indoor facilities for training?

No, indoor facilities remain closed under level 5.

9.    Must we continue using the Athletics Ireland booking app and health questionnaire before every training session?

Yes, for contact tracing purposes the booking app and the health questionnaire should be used before each training session. Link to Athletics Ireland booking app. Clubs may use their own internal booking app/questionnaire, but whichever app is used, completion of a Contact tracing / health questionnaire is mandatory.

10.    May athletes and coaches cross from the six counties into the Republic?

Yes, for the purpose of delivering a club training session for school going children 18 years or younger and elite athletes.

11.    Does all equipment e.g. hurdles, javelins, shots, etc., require sanitising before and after use? 

Yes, the guidelines regarding sanitising equipment remain in place.

12.    May adults train collectively in groups? 

No, only individual training for adults is allowed.

13.      May competitions or matches take place?

No, competitions or matches may not take place during level 5.

Face Coverings

Sport Ireland Release on HPSC summary update on the efficacy of visors compared with masks and face coverings

Any additional queries on the content should be raised directly with the HSPC via  +353 1 8765300 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Some key recommendations include:

•    In public settings, when considering the options of cloths face coverings compared with visors, expert opinion and international guidance generally favours cloth face coverings.

•    There is a rationale and laboratory evidence in particular for favouring cloth face coverings over visors where the wearer is at a higher level (standing) than those potentially exposed at a lower level (sitting).

•    However, there is evidence that visors do reduce exposure to droplets to a certain extent and may be an alternative in certain circumstance includingPeople with breathing difficulties

      - People who are unable to remove masks/face coverings without help
      - Anyone with particular needs who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the mask/face covering
      - In settings where people who have learning difficulties or hard of hearing or deaf are present.

•    Where cloth face coverings are used, it should be of multiple layers of suitable fabric and correctly applied. Further information on the handling and care of cloth face coverings can be found here.

•    Where visors are used they should cover the entire face (above the eyes to below the chin and wrap around from ear to ear) and be correctly applied. Further information on the handling and care of visors can be found here.

Athletics Ireland FAQs - July 8th 2020

Return to Activity Guidelines (Previously Issued):

Road Race Event Organiser Guidelines

Road Race Volunteer, Staff and Marshalls Guidelines

Road Race Participant Guidelines

Dylan Hassett - Leevale AC - Runs 2-36-53 Marathon - Dec 2020

Leevale AC's Dylan Hassett Runs 2:36:53 Marathon

Chandler, Arizona, USA

Sunday December 20th 2020

 Dylan Hassett

Leevale AC's Dylan Hassett ran 2:36:53 in today's elite invitational 'The Marathon Project', in Chandler, Arizona, USA.  With a 2:35:29 PB, her target was to capture Ireland's second Olympic Marathon place, but her effort fell away, after being on pace to do so until 35k.

Dylan Hassett's Splits

She was on dead pace until 25k, passing the mark in 1:28:28, but her average pace dropped slightly over the next 5k, passing 30k in 1:47:01.  She was then 53 secs down on pace, and two minutes behind Sanchez Garcia, the last woman to dip below 2:29:30. By 35k (2:07:05), her average pace dropped to 5:44, and she was 3:05 down on target. This had increased to 6:50 by 40km (2:28:32)

While Hassett will be disappointed with the time, no doubt, after talking to her coaching and backup crew, she will take heart from a gutsy performance that saw her stay on pace until well into the distance.  With just over five months left until the May 31st deadline, Hassett still has time to recover from today, and make another attempt at Olympic Qualification.

The invitation only event was held on a 4.3-mile loop around the Rawhide Events Center, on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Chandler, Arizona, and was confined to 50 men and 50 women.

 

Women's Winner

The women's race was won by Sara Hall, who became the second fastest America woman, behind Deena Kastor (2:19:36) Hall was on pace to beat Kastor’s American record but fell back in the second half.

Full Results

Irish Olympic Women's Marathon Spots

Ireland can send three athletes to the Olympic marathon, but all must meet the qualification time of 2:29:30 [It is also possible to qualify from a 5th place finish in a World Athletics approved Gold Label Marathon, or on points, but the knock-on effects from the lack of races during Covid probably rules these qualification places out for remaining Irish hopefuls] 

As of now, Ireland has only one qualifier; Fionnuala McCormack. Fionnuala McCormack booked her placewith her 2:26:47, 5th place, performance in Chicago in October 2019.  Ireland has two more available places, and anyone who hopes to get on the plane must breach the 2:29:30 barrier.

The battle is now on between Ann Marie McGlynn and Aoife Cooke, Eagle AC, and others who may be quietly working to. Probably Hassett will make another attempt later in Spring 2021. Rumours abound over who else is in the running for the remaining two places, but two others stand out;   McGlynn ran 2:35:31 in Valencia's Elite Marathon, just 2 weeks ago, so presumably will make another attempt before the May 31st 2020 deadline. Cooke has apparently deferred her qualification attempt until April, which probably means that she is putting her faith on qualifying from that Marathon. Either way, any further Irish qualifiers, after Fionnuala McCormack, will need to run at least 2:29:30.

Organiser's Profile for Dylan Hassett

Dylan Hassett - Ireland  - 2:35:29
Hassett, who has represented Ireland since 2018, set a personal best of 2:35:29 at the 2020 Chevron Houston Marathon.  This time was good for a 14th place finish.  While competing for the United States, Hassett qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a half marathon time of 1:14:09.  She also placed 15th at the 2016 10k road championships.  Before taking her talents to the roads, Dylan had an impressive collegiate career competing for William and Mary, where she was a multi-time NCAA national qualifier.

The Marathon Project - Arizona Dec 2020

The top-25 men and women from the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon received automatic entries.
The course has been described as "so flat and fast it almost looks boring", on perfect road surfaces. The event will comply with USATF and World Athletics COVID guidelines and spectators will not be allowed. Pacers will be used, with target times of 2:10:00 (Men) and 2:24 (Women), geared towards the top athletes, but, depending on the field, there may be additional pace groups.

The course is dead flat – without camber, on an out-and-back 4.3-mile section, appropriately called, Loop Road,  with roundabouts at both turnarounds. On of the organizers said “It’s like Berlin”

Course Map

Dylan Hassett’s European Athletics Athlete Profile

Name: Dylan Hassett

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

Place of Birth: Memphis, TN

College: College of William & Mary -  Major: Kinesiology & Health Sciences

College Coaches: Stephen Walsh & Natalie Hall

Honors & Highlights

•    Three-time NCAA qualifier at 10,000 meters

•    Qualified for NCAA at 5,000 meters

•    Earned All Southeast Region in XC (2014)

•    Competed at NCAA XC championships three years (2012, '13, '14)

•    Earned All Colonial Athletic Conference honors in XC three years

•    CAA Champion at 10,000 meters (2015)

•    15th at 2015 USATF Club XC Championships

•    Qualified for 2016 USA Olympic Marathon Trials with 1:14:09 Half Marathon

•    Competed in 2016 USA Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles

•    15th at 2016 USA Women's 10K road championships

Dylan Hassett - Leevale AC - to Run in US The Marathon Project - Dec 2020

Leevale AC's Dylan Hassett Attempts Olympic Marathon Qualification in 'The Marathon Project'

Chandler, Arizona, USA

Sunday December 20th 2020

Leevale AC's Dylan Hassett, who has a Marathon PB of 2:35:29, runs in Sunday's 'The Marathon Project'. She will need to knock at least 6 minutes off her best though. The event will be held on a 4.3-mile loop around the Rawhide Events Center, on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Chandler, Arizona, The event is invitation only and limited to 50 men and 50 women.

Organiser's Profile for Dylan Hassett

Dylan Hassett - Ireland  - 2:35:29
Hassett, who has represented Ireland since 2018, set a personal best of 2:35:29 at the 2020 Chevron Houston Marathon.  This time was good for a 14th place finish.  While competing for the United States, Hassett qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a half marathon time of 1:14:09.  She also placed 15th at the 2016 10k road championships.  Before taking her talents to the roads, Dylan had an impressive collegiate career competing for William and Mary, where she was a multi-time NCAA national qualifier.

Word is that Dylan is in great form going in to Sunday's race.

Irish Olympic Women's Marathon Spots

At present, only Fionnuala McCormack has booked her place on the Irish Marathon team for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, secured with her 2:26:47, 5th place, performance in Chicago in October 2019.  If Ireland is to send more women to the Marathon, each must breach the 2:29:30 barrier. [They may also quailfy if they secure a Top 5 placing in a Gold Label Marathon, irrespective of the finish time. However, with Marathons in short supply, due to the pandemic, these valued places will be like Gold dust].

Rumours abound over who else is in the running for the remaining two places, but two others stand out; Ann Marie McGlynn and Aoife Cooke, Eagle AC.  McGlynn ran 2:35:31 in Valencia's Elite Marathon, just 2 weeks ago, so presumably will make another attempt before the May 31st 2020 deadline. Cooke has apparently deferred her qualification attempt until April, which probably means that she is putting her faith on qualifying from that Marathon. Either way, any further Irish qualifiers, after Fionnuala McCormack, will need to run at least 2:29:30.

The Marathon Project - Arizona Dec 2020

The top-25 men and women from the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon received automatic entries.
The course has been described as "so flat and fast it almost looks boring", on perfect road surfaces. The event will comply with USATF and World Athletics COVID guidelines and spectators will not be allowed. Pacers will be used, with target times of 2:10:00 (Men) and 2:24 (Women), geared towards the top athletes, but, depending on the field, there may be additional pace groups.

The course is dead flat – without camber, on an out-and-back 4.3-mile section, appropriately called, Loop Road,  with roundabouts at both turnarounds. On of the organizers said “It’s like Berlin”

Course Map

Dylan Hassett’s European Athletics Athlete Profile

Name: Dylan Hassett

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

Place of Birth: Memphis, TN

College: College of William & Mary -  Major: Kinesiology & Health Sciences

College Coaches: Stephen Walsh & Natalie Hall

Honors & Highlights

•    Three-time NCAA qualifier at 10,000 meters

•    Qualified for NCAA at 5,000 meters

•    Earned All Southeast Region in XC (2014)

•    Competed at NCAA XC championships three years (2012, '13, '14)

•    Earned All Colonial Athletic Conference honors in XC three years

•    CAA Champion at 10,000 meters (2015)

•    15th at 2015 USATF Club XC Championships

•    Qualified for 2016 USA Olympic Marathon Trials with 1:14:09 Half Marathon

•    Competed in 2016 USA Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles

•    15th at 2016 USA Women's 10K road championships

TV Coverage

The race starts at 10am local time (3pm GMT), with live coverage on USA.TV beginning at 2:45pm Irish time. Unfortunately viewing requires USATF.TV+ Plus membership

4-04-15 Mile PB for Fearghal Curtin in Columbia USA - December 2020

Fearghal Curtin runs 4:04.15 PB

Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Saturday December 12th 2020

 
Fearghal Curtin, Arizona State and Youghal AC

Five and Dime Athletics Meet Banner 2020

 Men's Mile - Five and Dime 2020

Results of Men's Mile

 
Official Results Men's Mile

Fearghal Curtin, Arizona State and Youghal AC, ran a personal best of 4:04.15, when finishing fifth in the one mile at the Five and Dime outdoor athletics meeting in Columbia, South Carolina, yesterday, Saturday December 12th 2020.

Fearghal marginally improved on his previous PBs of 4:04.77, set indoors, in Ames, Iowa, last February, and his outdoors best of 4:04.88, set in Tempe, Arizona, in April 2019.

Along the way, in the Mile, he was timed at 3:46.34. It was a good workout for Fearghal  - he was 'in the mix' throughout, an appeared to be easing up as he approached the finish line

This performance comes just a week after his 13:57 5k, at The Track Meet, in San Juan Capistrano, California, on Friday last, Dec 4th, which was his first race for quite some time.

Intermediate 1500m times in Men's mile

 

Full Five and Dime Meet Video

Related Articles

Sub 14 Minutes for Fearghal Curtin on Good Night for Irish

Youghal Double with Stirling Silver for Emma Landers and 800m win for Fearghal Curtin

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month June 2019 Fearghal Curtin

3:42 1500m PB for Fearghal Curtin at Portland Games 2019

13:53 5000m for Fearghal Curtin at Bryan Clay Invitational 2019

Sub-14 for Fearghal Curtin at Iowa State Classic 2019

Fearghal Curtin First Collegiate Athlete at UW Invitational 2019

Fearghal Curtin has Massive 5000m PB at Florida Relays

Big 3000m PB for Fearghal Curtin

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month of December 2017 - Fearghal Curtin, Youghal AC

Update - Athletics Ireland National Cross Country Championships 2020 - Dec 9th

National Cross Country Championships 2020 Update

Update Wednesday December 9th 2020

Athletics Ireland has announced dates for the 2020/2021 Cross Country season

Competitions will be subject to strict protocol and limited numbers will be competing, in accordance with Government Guidelines applicable at the time.

Age groups are based on 2020 ages (i.e. THIS year). All athletes must be registered Atheltics Ireland members for 2021 (NEXT year)

Numbers permitted to participate will be a limited, in accordance with government guidelines. Consequently the following will apply.

National Senior Cross-Country Championships:

Qualification:  

•    First 3 Clubs from each Regional Championship (Leinster (rest of Leinster clubs), Dublin (Dublin clubs), Connacht, Munster, Ulster/ANI (6 athletes per team, 4 to score)

•    Plus First 6 individuals from Regional Championships (excluding those already qualified on club teams)

•    Plus 2019 club and individual winners

•    Plus up to 23 places available to elite/HP/U23 athletes based on European Cross Championship participation over the past 3 years

If there are remaining places available, they will be allocated on the discretion of the National Endurance Coordinator.

National U19/U20 Championships

•    Qualification: Open entry, but confined to athletes born in 2001 or 2002

National Juvenile Individual and Inter-Provincial Championships

•    Qualification: First 15 individuals from each Province

•    Medals: First 12 individual finishers

•    First 8 Provincial finishers to score, 15 medals for Provincial team

•    No direct entry. All entries must come through the Provincial Secretary

•    Athletes may move up one age group

National Juvenile Inter-Club Championships

•    Age groups: U11, U13, U15, U17 and U19

•    Qualification: First 3 Club teams (from 2020 Provincial competition, substitutions may be made), Teams of 5. This may be increased to 4 teams if government restrictions allow.

•    Team Medals: 4 to score, 5 team medals, no individual medals

•    No direct entry. All entries must come through the Provincial Secretary

•    Athletes may move up one age group

All competition dates and conditions are subject to change, in line with Government guidelines.

Venues to be confirmed.

Athletics Ireland are considering hosting further competitions, and dates for these will be released in due course.