THE countdown is on to the annual Skibbereen AC road races – the five- and ten-mile races, plus a walk – on Sunday, February 8th.

All races and the walk start and finish at the entrance to the O’Donovan Rossa GAA grounds.

The five-mile run and walk follow the same route, heading up Marsh Road to Thornhill Cross, turning left before joining the Abbey Road. Another left turn brings participants back towards the finish line.

The ten-mile race also heads up Marsh Road, turning left after 2.5 miles. Another left at Clancy’s Cross sends runners towards Skeagh Wood, where a further left brings them onto a gradual climb through the wood at the six-mile mark. The race then heads back towards the Abbey and joins the five-mile course with 1.5 miles remaining. The final mile is all downhill to the finish at Rossa Park.

Online entry is available at eventmaster.com, and entries will also be taken on the day. Entry fees are: 10-mile run €25 (start 1pm); five-mile run €20 (start 1.15pm); walk €10 (start 1.30pm).

Registration on race morning opens at 10.30am in the O’Donovan Rossa GAA pavilion, with the kind permission of the club. Post-race refreshments and the prize-giving will also take place there.

This year, as in 2025, proceeds will go to two very worthy local causes: the palliative care service at Skibbereen Community Hospital and the autism special classes at St Patrick’s National School, as well as supporting the club.