2024 July and August Update

Championship Races National Masters and East Cork T&F:
National Masters:
We had two competing at the National Masters T&F this year. Donal and Stephen made the trip to Tullamore to compete in the 1500m. Both were in the M40 category and Donal bagged a national medal for his troubles, made all the sweeter no doubt as he also secured the bragging rights with Stephen just behind in 4th. Donal ran 4.29 and Stephen ran 4.31. Both very strong runs at the end of a long summer season.

East Cork T&F:
The East Corks were split in two this year with the main events held in Carrignavar on their 300m grass track and the 5000m races held separately in MTU a few weeks later. In the Tour De France there is a most combative rider award and this most certainly would have went to John Spelman. He competed in 5 different events ranging from 100m to 5000m and took two Golds and two silvers away for his troubles too! Perhaps the decathlon is where he will specialise in the future! Not too far off him was another prolific racer, Tony ran three events and took home a gold, a silver and a bronze. Ollie proved he is the top M45 around taking gold in the 800m and 3000m and also competing in the 5k on the track.

Other golds were in the masters 800m Eibhlin Cleary (F35) and James Mc (M35). In the masters 3000m Nicky took M35 gold. Frank won a tactical 5000m over Tony up in MTU with a blistering last lap to reclaim his title from 2022, winning in 15.30. Tony as mentioned was 2nd in 15.35 and James (2023 winner) was 3rd in 16.19. Denis raced in the 3k and 5k and Michael Furlong was 8th in the 5k. Well done to everyone who took part and helped organise.

National League and Cork City Sports:
Well done to John, Frank and Paul who all admirably represented East Cork AC competing with the "East Cork Athletics Division" in the National League over the summer. Paul and Frank scored high points for the team in the Finals, both coming 2nd. Frank ran 3.59 in the 1500m behind Sean Tobin and Paul ran a strong 5k in 15.15. Special mention again to John and Frank who both doubled up in the preliminary round.

Cork City Sports - Nicky and John both ran in the Cork City Sports in the Open 3k. Thanks as well for all club members who helped out on the night and all the prep work for weeks and months prior with the many jobs that were needed to make the event such a success.

Other Races July - Top 5's:

Well done to Tony for winning two road races in July, Corkbeg 4 mile (20.29) and Churchtown South 4 mile (20.52). And hard luck to James for coming second in both! Tamzin was 2nd in Corkbeg in 24.47 and 3rd in Churchtown South in 24.38. Nicky was 5th in Churchtown in 21.22. Tony also came 5th in Fermoy 4 mile in 20.43. There were 17 others racing in July. Details below.

Bravo too for our Race Directors Eibhlin in Corkbeg and Conor in Churchtown South for putting on two wonderful races to keep the flame lit in East Cork.

Other Races August - Top 5's:
​We had three winners on the roads in August. First up was Tony again winning the Conna 5k in 15.48. Frank ran on the Stryker 4 Mile passing his Grandparents house on route to taking down the win in his trademark style with a big kick for home in 20.23. And finally Michael Harty made a return to the racing after a block of training to win the Amazon 5k in a a swift 15.11.

James was 2nd in Rathcormac and 5th in Conna. Tamzin was 3rd in Conna and Paul Hartnett was 4th in a competitive Cork City 10k in 31.17.