The arrival of the cooler days of autumn always heralds the start of the Cross Country Season and the West Cork Championships is the first event on the calendar. The Championships will take place on Sunday 18th September in the Showgrounds in Clonakilty with a 12 noon start. For Juveniles the races are for even ages from U10 to U16. The events for Juniors (U20) and Seniors are open and there will also be a Masters race. All West Cork Clubs are urged to encourage as many of their juvenile athletes as possible to participate. The Championships is also the final event in the inaugural West Cork Race Series which included a number of road races in the past few months. The following athletes who competed across the series are all now in contention for the top positions, Senior Women, Liz Barry, Bandon, Anna Collins, Dunmanway, Geraldine O’Sullivan, Bantry. Senior Men, John Collins, Skibbereen, Kevin Wilmot, Bandon, Alan O’Shea, Bantry. Junior Men, John Harrington, Bantry, Daragh O’Donovan, Bandon and Thomas McCarthy. A number of additional athletes are also closely in contention ahead of this remaining race. The West Cork Athletic Board will present prizes to the top three athletes from West Cork Clubs in the above categories following the completion of the series.

The West Cork Schools Cross Country Championships will be held in Dunmanway Showgrounds on Wednesday 21st September starting at 11am. This event is open to all Secondary Schools in the West Cork area and all schools have been notified by the West Cork Athletic Board. For further information contact Declan Coakley on 083 407 8424.