Cork Marathon 2008: Race Date Announced

25th Oct 2007

June 2nd for Cork Marathon 2008

Overall race winner Alan O'Shea, Cork, holding up the cup after he won the Cork City Marathon, Darina Gately, the Montenotte Hotel, Cllr. Michael Ahern, Lord Mayor of Cork, and Noreen Murphy, Chairperson A.A.I..

The 2008 Cork City Marathon will be run on Monday, June 2, organisers announced today (Thursday) and more than 8,000 runners are expected to take part.

“Last year’s first marathon in Cork for 21 years was a great success and we’re delighted to confirm the date for next year’s event so people can put it in their race diaries early,” said Race Chairman Jim O’Donovan.

“In 2007 we had over 1,700 individual entries and nearly 3,000 took part in the relay– in 2008 we expect those numbers to grow to 8,000,” he added.

“The overwhelming response to last June’s event was positive from runners and spectators alike and next year will be all about building and improving on that.”

City Manager Joe Gavin welcomed the announcement: “The council has committed to backing this event for five years and to see it get off to such a successful start and showcase Cork as a premium destination was tremendous.”


Next year’s marathon will follow the same successful format with men’s and ladies’ individual events and the relay where up to five team members can run legs to complete the marathon.

“The relay element of the race surpassed our expectations with nearly 700 teams taking part,” said Mr O’Donovan.

“It is a superb way for people to raise money for their favourite charities and ensure that everyone can take part in the Cork City Marathon. That is what this marathon is all about.”

Lord Mayor Cllr Donal Counihan said he was delighted that this event had so quickly become a flagship for the city.

“The number of people who came to Cork for this event on what has been traditionally a quiet weekend for the city is proof that when we put our best foot forward, Cork is seen as a fantastic destination to visit.

We look forward to seeing even more visitors next year. Competitors will be able to enter the race online from November 1 at www.corkcitymarathon.ie