The cross country season kicks off annually in September, with official championship races spanning from October to February.
The more St. Finbarr’s A.C. members who participate, the better! Cross country events offer team, individual, and age group competitions. These championship races are a fantastic way to experience the camaraderie and competition of the athletics scene.
Training Update
St. Finbarr’s A.C. will continue to hold track sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings at MTU. In addition, a cross country specific training session on grass will be held on Wednesday evenings.
It’s not advisable to take part in all 3 intensive club sessions per week so be mindful of your schedule and race plans over the next coming months and remember the 80/20 training rule.
Cross Country Specific Training
- Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM
- The Farm, Curraheen, Cork
These sessions will focus on running on grass, and if you have spikes, we recommend bringing them. Training on grass with spikes is highly beneficial, as it improves traction and agility on uneven terrain, while strengthening stabilizing muscles.
If you’re unable to make the Wednesday cross country training, don’t worry—you are still encouraged to participate in cross country races. Just remember to pace yourself during your first few races and allow your legs to adapt to the terrain. You’ll develop strength and skill with every race you enter throughout the season.
Cross Country Dates
While the club encourages participation in any championship race of interest, we’ll be focusing on assembling teams for several key events highlighted here in orange.
29 September: North Cork AC, Open Race, 4km , Donerail Park, Cork 12pm (key club race)
6th October: County Senior, 7.5km , St. Catherine’s AC., Cork (key club race)
13th October: County Novice 4km Women, 6km men, West Muskerry A.C., Cork (key club race)
20th October: Munster Novice, Cork
3rd November: Munster Senior, Waterford
10th November: County Novice B, 4km Men, 6km men, Riverstick, Cork (key club race)
17th November: National Senior, Sligo
24th November: Munster Intermediate, Clare
1st December: National Novice, Waterford
8th December: Munster Masters, Limerick
12th January 2025: Cork County Masters & Intermediate Cross Country Championships Bweeng, Cork
9th February 2025: National Masters and Intermediate, Westport House Grounds, Mayo (key club race)
Source: Cork Athletics Events Calendar
Feel free to ask St. Finbarr’s A.C. coaches Eamonn, Marion, Donie and cross country specific coach Dan Kennedy (087 2136827) any questions you may have about this season’s training and what races might suit you best.