Marathon Details - Cork City Marathon

International Marathons > Ireland > Cork > Cork City Marathon

Cork City Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Cork, Ireland

June 2, 2024

http://www.corkcitymarathon.ie

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Contact

Name:	Gina Johnson
Address:
Phone Number:	+353 (0)21 4924170
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 4.1

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Number of comments: 15 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

M. S. from CT (6/11/2017) "Well organized in an Enthusiastic Community." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race is very well organized. The start, finish, water stations everything was well executed. There were no staffing or similar problems anywhere. Indeed, everyone associated with the race was incredibly friendly and helpful. I ran the full with two others and two people in my group ran the half. My group had all variety of runners, slow fast in between. All had a great time. As to the course, the official description is a bit misleading. It says it is a generally flat course. True for the first half. Not for the second half. None of the hills are that big. They just keep coming! If you are looking to PR there are better races. That said, you will get a course that goes through some very scenic areas, especially in the first half of the race. Plus, if you like having people cheer you on, there is no shortage of them in Cork! One thing to consider is the way the half and full marathons interact. The half starts an hour and forty-five after the full and joins it at about the full's 15 mile mark. It gets really crowded! Many of the streets are not that wide. You will suddenly find yourself with relatively little running room and weaving through the slower half marathon runners. If you are trying for a BQ or PR the midway congestion is likely to be an issue. One last caution. The official race hotel was The River Lee Hotel. It is a very nice hotel. However, it is about a mile from the start and finish. There are many hotels that are closer and I would recommend booking one of them if you are from out of town.
J. C. from Hereford, England (6/21/2016) "Flattish fast course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Cork City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Hot and very humid this year with some poor course marking/lack of marshals at critical points which let the overall good organisation down this year. Some inconsistent pacers and some good ones this year.
Sven Jacobs from Basel, Switzerland (6/12/2015) "Great Back-To-Basics race with great spectators!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The Cork Marathon this year was run in (at times) torrential rain, with temperatures at around 8 Degrees C, and with strong winds buffeting the runners. As a result this race was a like a wrestling match with runners battling the elements! The course itself would have been wonderful in nice early summer weather. The first 16 miles are in a large loop taking you across the estuary and back into Cork. Once back in Cork the course takes you through various neighbourhoods before circling through the countryside back into the town centre. Due to the weather there were almost no spectators during the first loop but back into town the (thin) crowds were wonderfully enthusiastic. At around mile 16 the half marathon joins the race. Initially I found this terribly annoying - because the Half starts 1.5 hours later... So just as you start to wear down all these fresh runners come whizzing past! However, around Mile 22 this turned into a blessing in disguise: since your bib has a different colour people can easily distinguish you from the Halfers! I was encouraged by loads of spectators and other (Half Marathon) runners. Your bib is personalized and I have to say I have never heard so many people call out my name in encouragement! About 1000 people took part in the Full race, and I would estimate another 5000 in the Half. As with most smaller races picking up your bib was easy. Turning up before the race was just as convenient. There are a number of good hotels right in the city centre, meaning I could leave my hotel 15 minutes before the start! During the race they only provide water (albeit in handy little 250 ml bottles) and only on 3 occasions is an isotonic sport drink available. There are no gels, bananas or energy bars available... Previous reviews have commented the race is hilly - I did not think so. There are one or two climbs around the 22 mile mark but nothing to really test you. Other reviewers have stated it was easy to get a late check-out. Not so in my case with the Clarion Hotel. They insisted on a 09:00 check-out. However, they did store my luggage and allowed me to take a shower at their health club free of charge afterwards! All in all a nice race - great spectators but with the lack of amenities on the course I consider this race back to basics! The rough, exceptional weather did have its charm (and made me feel hard-core) but if the weather had been softer this would have been an awesome experience!
D. N. from Dublin (4/9/2014) "Some steep hills all at the wrong time" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Having completed Manchester, Dublin and Cork i can safely say Cork is by far the hilliest. Granted there are plenty of flat places but watch out for the hills. Support was excellent, and in 2013 it was very warm (for Ireland, mid 20's). Would love to run it again as thoroughly enjoyed it.
M. E. from San Juan, Puerto Rico (6/15/2012) "Excellent. Easy-travel-to race" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon in Europe. The course winds through the city's broad, narrow, old and new roads so one gets a good tour of it. I liked that the HM had a later start so they did not interfered with the 42K runners. I found there was little water and electrolyte drinks available compared to big races, but sufficient I guess. Still I'd suggest you bring your own gels. Cork is a charming small city. It is well communicated to the rest of the republic by frequent buses and trains and most hotels are within easy walking distance to the race start and finish. It has lots of places to eat and have a drink. I had a great time at the race and around Ireland.
Darragh O'Sullivan from Cork, Ireland (6/7/2012) "You're never short of company" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Cork City Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 4th time running the Cork City Marathon and it has gone from strength to strength since the first staging of the race in 2007 after a hiatus of over 20years. The course is fairly flat, especially for the last 5 miles, so its a great race to try to get a PB with. Aid stations are on average every 2 miles and alot of the locals on the route are on hand with sweets and fruit. Given that there is also a half marathon and a relay race on the same morning, the course, the amount of runners never thins out so you're never stuck for someone to talk to. The support along the course can't be faulted either. Its not to the extent of the New York or Berlin marathons, but there are certainly alot more spectators on the route than you would get in your average Irish marathon. The only caveat is the Irish Weather, which the organisers have zero control over. You could be running in a drought or a deluge! So pay close attention to the local forecast right up to the night before and prepare accordingly. All in all, a brilliantly organised marathon which i would recommend without hesitation. Full marks to Gina and all her team!
K. N. from Chicago, U.S.A. (6/6/2012) "Beautiful day but not enough water" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The cons: 2 of the first 3 water stops had no water when I got there (on a 5:00 pace) and one volunteer was surly. None of the advertised energy-drink stops had any drinks left. Only refreshments at the end were water and bananas. That's poor planning. The pros: cheerful, helpful, charming people; lovely countryside and interesting cityscape; not too hilly; and surprisingly sunny weather for race day. Spectators along the way shouted 'well done' and 'brilliant.' My daughter ran the half marathon and transit to the start was well organized. Overall, Cork is a delightful place to visit, especially if you have Irish roots.
Dunwoody Runner from Atlanta, Georgia (6/9/2011) "You need to run this race." (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great small race that you need to run. The city is nice, the race is organized the way a race should be organized, the course was nice, the crowd support is great for a small race. Being from the US, I had no idea what to expect at a European marathon. I was impressed with every aspect of the race. First, the registration took less than 5 minutes including parking. The expo was small, but had everything that you could need. Like the rest of Ireland, everyone was very nice and made you feel welcome. The course was very nice with a variety of scenery and the hills weren't too bad, and helped break up the monotony of a flat course. (I live in Atlanta, which has a lot of hills, so I am used to running small hills.) The course flowed well, there was only one sharp turn in the Blackpool area that made me lose my stride. It was well marked and there was a water stop about every 2 miles. I loved the small water bottles provided - it allowed me to take my gels and water without walking. I was skeptical of the late (9:00 a.m.) start, but it was actually more relaxing than getting up early and going 100 miles per hour to get ready for the race. The crowd support was great for a small marathon, especially towards the end. We stayed at the River Lee Hotel. It was a nice, modern European hotel, which was an easy 1km walk to the start/finish line. Check-out was at 13:00, and you could extend that for 15 Euro per hour. All in all, it was a great race experience, which I would recommend.
T. B. from Willerby, England (6/15/2010) "Good, but bad weather!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed the race, even though we had the worst weather I have run in for a marathon in a long time. I was not bothered by the rain; it was the wind as well against the river that made it hard. The spectators did help, though, cheering you on when you were struggling with cramps. Still, an enjoyable event, and thank you to all of the organizers and spectators as well.
p. g. from Ireland (6/15/2010) "Getting better every year" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Cork City Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nice medal and tech t-shirt in Cork colors. Changes on the course have improved the race, and I would now classify it as a good course for a fast time. Very good support, even with the very wet and windy weather. thanks to everyone who helped out with the marathon. Only one gripe: only water and bananas available at the finish.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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M. S. from CT (6/11/2017) "Well organized in an Enthusiastic Community." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race is very well organized. The start, finish, water stations everything was well executed. There were no staffing or similar problems anywhere. Indeed, everyone associated with the race was incredibly friendly and helpful. I ran the full with two others and two people in my group ran the half. My group had all variety of runners, slow fast in between. All had a great time. As to the course, the official description is a bit misleading. It says it is a generally flat course. True for the first half. Not for the second half. None of the hills are that big. They just keep coming! If you are looking to PR there are better races. That said, you will get a course that goes through some very scenic areas, especially in the first half of the race. Plus, if you like having people cheer you on, there is no shortage of them in Cork! One thing to consider is the way the half and full marathons interact. The half starts an hour and forty-five after the full and joins it at about the full's 15 mile mark. It gets really crowded! Many of the streets are not that wide. You will suddenly find yourself with relatively little running room and weaving through the slower half marathon runners. If you are trying for a BQ or PR the midway congestion is likely to be an issue. One last caution. The official race hotel was The River Lee Hotel. It is a very nice hotel. However, it is about a mile from the start and finish. There are many hotels that are closer and I would recommend booking one of them if you are from out of town.
J. C. from Hereford, England (6/21/2016) "Flattish fast course" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Cork City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Hot and very humid this year with some poor course marking/lack of marshals at critical points which let the overall good organisation down this year. Some inconsistent pacers and some good ones this year.
Sven Jacobs from Basel, Switzerland (6/12/2015) "Great Back-To-Basics race with great spectators!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The Cork Marathon this year was run in (at times) torrential rain, with temperatures at around 8 Degrees C, and with strong winds buffeting the runners. As a result this race was a like a wrestling match with runners battling the elements! The course itself would have been wonderful in nice early summer weather. The first 16 miles are in a large loop taking you across the estuary and back into Cork. Once back in Cork the course takes you through various neighbourhoods before circling through the countryside back into the town centre. Due to the weather there were almost no spectators during the first loop but back into town the (thin) crowds were wonderfully enthusiastic. At around mile 16 the half marathon joins the race. Initially I found this terribly annoying - because the Half starts 1.5 hours later... So just as you start to wear down all these fresh runners come whizzing past! However, around Mile 22 this turned into a blessing in disguise: since your bib has a different colour people can easily distinguish you from the Halfers! I was encouraged by loads of spectators and other (Half Marathon) runners. Your bib is personalized and I have to say I have never heard so many people call out my name in encouragement! About 1000 people took part in the Full race, and I would estimate another 5000 in the Half. As with most smaller races picking up your bib was easy. Turning up before the race was just as convenient. There are a number of good hotels right in the city centre, meaning I could leave my hotel 15 minutes before the start! During the race they only provide water (albeit in handy little 250 ml bottles) and only on 3 occasions is an isotonic sport drink available. There are no gels, bananas or energy bars available... Previous reviews have commented the race is hilly - I did not think so. There are one or two climbs around the 22 mile mark but nothing to really test you. Other reviewers have stated it was easy to get a late check-out. Not so in my case with the Clarion Hotel. They insisted on a 09:00 check-out. However, they did store my luggage and allowed me to take a shower at their health club free of charge afterwards! All in all a nice race - great spectators but with the lack of amenities on the course I consider this race back to basics! The rough, exceptional weather did have its charm (and made me feel hard-core) but if the weather had been softer this would have been an awesome experience!
D. N. from Dublin (4/9/2014) "Some steep hills all at the wrong time" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Having completed Manchester, Dublin and Cork i can safely say Cork is by far the hilliest. Granted there are plenty of flat places but watch out for the hills. Support was excellent, and in 2013 it was very warm (for Ireland, mid 20's). Would love to run it again as thoroughly enjoyed it.
M. E. from San Juan, Puerto Rico (6/15/2012) "Excellent. Easy-travel-to race" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon in Europe. The course winds through the city's broad, narrow, old and new roads so one gets a good tour of it. I liked that the HM had a later start so they did not interfered with the 42K runners. I found there was little water and electrolyte drinks available compared to big races, but sufficient I guess. Still I'd suggest you bring your own gels. Cork is a charming small city. It is well communicated to the rest of the republic by frequent buses and trains and most hotels are within easy walking distance to the race start and finish. It has lots of places to eat and have a drink. I had a great time at the race and around Ireland.
Darragh O'Sullivan from Cork, Ireland (6/7/2012) "You're never short of company" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Cork City Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 4th time running the Cork City Marathon and it has gone from strength to strength since the first staging of the race in 2007 after a hiatus of over 20years. The course is fairly flat, especially for the last 5 miles, so its a great race to try to get a PB with. Aid stations are on average every 2 miles and alot of the locals on the route are on hand with sweets and fruit. Given that there is also a half marathon and a relay race on the same morning, the course, the amount of runners never thins out so you're never stuck for someone to talk to. The support along the course can't be faulted either. Its not to the extent of the New York or Berlin marathons, but there are certainly alot more spectators on the route than you would get in your average Irish marathon. The only caveat is the Irish Weather, which the organisers have zero control over. You could be running in a drought or a deluge! So pay close attention to the local forecast right up to the night before and prepare accordingly. All in all, a brilliantly organised marathon which i would recommend without hesitation. Full marks to Gina and all her team!
K. N. from Chicago, U.S.A. (6/6/2012) "Beautiful day but not enough water" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The cons: 2 of the first 3 water stops had no water when I got there (on a 5:00 pace) and one volunteer was surly. None of the advertised energy-drink stops had any drinks left. Only refreshments at the end were water and bananas. That's poor planning. The pros: cheerful, helpful, charming people; lovely countryside and interesting cityscape; not too hilly; and surprisingly sunny weather for race day. Spectators along the way shouted 'well done' and 'brilliant.' My daughter ran the half marathon and transit to the start was well organized. Overall, Cork is a delightful place to visit, especially if you have Irish roots.
Dunwoody Runner from Atlanta, Georgia (6/9/2011) "You need to run this race." (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great small race that you need to run. The city is nice, the race is organized the way a race should be organized, the course was nice, the crowd support is great for a small race. Being from the US, I had no idea what to expect at a European marathon. I was impressed with every aspect of the race. First, the registration took less than 5 minutes including parking. The expo was small, but had everything that you could need. Like the rest of Ireland, everyone was very nice and made you feel welcome. The course was very nice with a variety of scenery and the hills weren't too bad, and helped break up the monotony of a flat course. (I live in Atlanta, which has a lot of hills, so I am used to running small hills.) The course flowed well, there was only one sharp turn in the Blackpool area that made me lose my stride. It was well marked and there was a water stop about every 2 miles. I loved the small water bottles provided - it allowed me to take my gels and water without walking. I was skeptical of the late (9:00 a.m.) start, but it was actually more relaxing than getting up early and going 100 miles per hour to get ready for the race. The crowd support was great for a small marathon, especially towards the end. We stayed at the River Lee Hotel. It was a nice, modern European hotel, which was an easy 1km walk to the start/finish line. Check-out was at 13:00, and you could extend that for 15 Euro per hour. All in all, it was a great race experience, which I would recommend.
T. B. from Willerby, England (6/15/2010) "Good, but bad weather!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Cork City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed the race, even though we had the worst weather I have run in for a marathon in a long time. I was not bothered by the rain; it was the wind as well against the river that made it hard. The spectators did help, though, cheering you on when you were struggling with cramps. Still, an enjoyable event, and thank you to all of the organizers and spectators as well.
p. g. from Ireland (6/15/2010) "Getting better every year" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Cork City Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nice medal and tech t-shirt in Cork colors. Changes on the course have improved the race, and I would now classify it as a good course for a fast time. Very good support, even with the very wet and windy weather. thanks to everyone who helped out with the marathon. Only one gripe: only water and bananas available at the finish.

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Marathon Details - Cork City Marathon