Ballincollig parkrun

The course is run in the scenic 130 acre Ballincollig Regional Park, once home to the historic Gunpowder Mills.
The park contains a mix of open fields & grassy areas, with mixed trail, tarmac paths, marked running routes and densely wooded areas.
Runners will traverse a network of bridges, canals and pathways within the park, running alongside the River Lee, with views of the farms and fields across to the north bank.

The course is a very flat two lap course run clockwise, starting and finishing at the Regional Park allotments at the end of Innishmore Lawn, behind Church of Christ Our Light.

Starting from the allotments, head west along the tarmac path towards the open playing fields.
Turn left immediately at the entrance to the playing fields and do a lap around the first set of soccer pitches, taking the middle path towards the Weirs.
At the river weirs take a right onto a gravel river path, now running with the River Lee on the left. Follow this path as it curves around alongside the river, until you come to a wooden bridge ahead of an intersection. Cross over the bridge and immediately take a sharp left to head in an easterly direction towards an open field.
Taking the track on the right of the field, follow for approx. 150m then veer to the right, taking a track that leads over another wooden bridge (single file here), continue along this track a short distance until you reach the tarmac path again, taking a right onto the tarmac and continue along back to the starting point.
Continue to do 1 more lap.

There are many junctions and intersections, with trails going in all directions within the Park. Marshalls and/or signs will be placed at strategic points to direct runners along the course.

The paths are a mixture of new tarmac paths and sections of rougher gravel trails that can sometimes have puddles and mud.
There are two wooden bridges to be crossed, one of which is quite narrow where runners will have to cross in single file.
There are open canal banks along the trails, so runners will need to use caution and not run too close to the edges, unless they want to have a dip and go home wet and muddy.

The course is 5k long. The course is at The Regional Park, Ballincollig. The course is run on a mixture of tarmac paths, rough gravel trails and wooden bridges. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. Dependent on availability, marshals will be at key sections of the course, or signs will be in place.

Please remember that the parkrun uses shared paths. For the continued success of the event, please give way to other park users. This won't hurt your time, it won't stop you from getting a PB and it will make sure everyone continues to enjoy the event.

Please, wherever possible walk, jog, cycle or use public transport when attending the event. If you do have to drive, please consider car-sharing to reduce our impact on both the environment and other park users. Please also watch out for other park users when arriving and leaving. Parking may be limited so try to arrive early.

Ballincollig parkrun is ‘all inclusive’ and suitable for walkers, runners, and parents with prams.

Car parking: Main Car parking is in the Lidl carpark at Innishmore, which is 1st or 2nd left off Innishmore Lawn. Approx. 450m walk from Lidl car park to the run start.
Overflow parking is at the Church of Christ our Light, or the car park in Our Lady of Good Counsel school, directly opposite the Church.
At end of Innishmore Lawn turn right then 1st left for the Church and school.
Thanks to all landlords for the use of their car parks.

Toilets: There is a public toilet situated at the Regional Park Allotments car park.

Misc: Soccer and rugby pitches, picnic areas, a childrens playground, a skate park and outdoor fitness equipment are also on site. There are many signed running routes and a permanent orienteering course within the park.
Also many ruins of the old gunpowder mills can be still seen throughout the park.