Record attendance at 2024 Gas Networks Ireland’s Cork BHAA 5km road race

The Gas Networks Ireland’s Cork Business Houses Athletic Association (BHAA) 5km road race returned on Wednesday 17 July for the eleventh year. A record 707 participants completed the popular course resulting in the biggest turnout this race has seen to date. This year’s 5km race took place on the Blackrock to Mahon Greenway, continuing over the Rochestown flyover and finishing at Blackrock Castle.

The first man over the line was Paul Moloney in a time of 15 minutes 10 seconds before second placed Mark Walsh, who came in 12 seconds ahead of Kristaps Liepins in third.  

Jennifer Martin took top honours in the women’s division with a time of 18 minutes 12 seconds, with Tamzin Muldowney and Sharon Rynne rounding out the top three places in 18 minutes 28 seconds, and 18 minutes 32 seconds respectively.

Ross Gallagher won the visually impaired division while Jerry Forde took the wheelchair division.

"This year's race marked a significant move towards inclusivity with the wheelchair division and newly introduced visually impaired category. It was fantastic to see para-athletes crossing the finish line," Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Business Services, Ian O’Flynn, said.

“We'd like to thank all the participants and volunteers for their energy and commitment that made this event such a success. Seeing athletes of all levels participate was truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing you all again next year."

Part of the Business Houses Athletic Association (BHAA) race series, Gas Networks Ireland has sponsored the annual event since 2012, returning for its eleventh year. The BHAA is a workplace athletic organisation whose aim is to facilitate work colleagues to run together in a series of races. It was formed in 1979 and has branches in Dublin and Cork.

Headquartered in Cork, Gas Networks Ireland was recently appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, to become one of twenty new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions in Ireland. Organising this run is an example of the company's commitment to sustainable development, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 10 (Reduce inequality within and among countries).