There’s something special about a club race done right and in Minane Bridge this July, Tracton AC are putting their best foot forward once again.
The Tracton AC 4 Mile Road Race takes place on Friday 11th July at 8pm, and in just four short years, it’s carved out a proper place on the summer running calendar. The route rolls through quiet country roads near the south Cork coast, with glimpses of Ballycotton Island, wide road sections, and a sting in the legs just before the finish. If you’ve never raced down this way before, this one’s a treat, a true mix of fast sections and rural charm.
The race is chip-timed, AAI-permitted, and professionally measured, with a €15 entry fee and an optional tech tee for just €5. It’s open to runners aged 16+, with cash prizes for overall and age group winners, and a bonus for breaking the course record. Speaking of which, the times to beat are sharp:
- Men’s: 20:23 (Nathan O’Leary, Leevale AC)
Women’s: 22:22 (Aoife Cooke, Eagle AC)
Race HQ is the Tracton Arts & Community Centre (Eircode: P17 NP40), just south of Minane Bridge and about a 35-minute drive from Cork City. There’s plenty of parking, toilets at both HQ and the start line, and even a music-filled post-race spread back at HQ with tea, treats, and trophies.
Tracton PRO Maeve Pigott says the race has a deeper story behind it:
“The club wanted to bring a road race back to the area, inspired by the old Tracton 5 Mile that ran for years. The roads had changed, so we had to reimagine the course and what we’ve built is something we’re really proud of. It’s a race runners talk about, and come back to.”
📍Where Exactly Is This?
Minane Bridge is just over 7km south of Carrigaline, nestled between rolling farmland and the coastline. From Cork, just head through Carrigaline, follow signs for Minane Bridge and Roberts Cove, and you’re there. A classic summer escape, only half an hour from the city.
🏁 Quickfire Race Info:
- Distance: 4 miles (professionally measured)
- Start Time: 8pm sharp (number collection closes 7:30pm)
- Registration: Online only, closes 4pm race day
Sign up here - Start Location: ~500m uphill walk from HQ
- No walkers, no headphones, no refunds/transfers
- Toilets: At HQ and start line
- Water: On-course and finish line
- Post-race: Refreshments and prizegiving at HQ
💶 Prize Breakdown:
- 1st M/F – €100
- 2nd M/F – €75
- 3rd M/F – €50
- Category prizes 40-49, 50-59 etc. (€25/€15)
- Wheelchair M/F – 1st place prize
- Course record bonus – €50
In summary, Tracton AC 4 Mile ticks all the boxes. Coastal breeze, country lanes, and club hospitality at its finest.
📮 Enquiries: [email protected]
Images: John Allen (Cover) & Mick Dooley (Article Body)