2025 Mallow Course.
There will be two water stations on the 10 mile route – mile 3 and mile 7.5.
Mallow 10-Mile Road Race Preview & Video
🎥 Race video available at:
Race Start
The race begins in the scenic grounds of Mallow Castle, the same starting location as the past three years. Note race start time this year is 10:30am. The first two miles remain unchanged from previous editions.
Mile 1
The race kicks off with a gentle downhill section through the castle grounds before heading onto Bridge Street.
As you cross the bridge, the elevation starts to rise gradually along Ballydaheen, bringing you to the first mile marker.
Mile 2
Continuing along the Cork Road, the terrain starts with a slight downhill but soon changes as you pass under the main Cork-Limerick Bridge, where a gentle incline carries you up to the 2-mile mark.
At this point, there’s a change from previous years. Instead of continuing on the main road, you’ll take a right turn onto a quiet country road. This section is a welcome break, with no tough climbs and a smooth, steady run ahead.
Mile 3
At the 3-mile mark, you’ll turn right into Quartertown Industrial Estate, a rectangular loop covering half a mile.
There’s a short incline in the first quarter-mile, but you’ll regain the elevation in the second half of the loop.
Leaving the estate, you’ll take two right turns, running on a section of road last used in the 2010 Mallow 10.
Mile 4
Just before the 4-mile mark, you’ll rejoin part of the old Mallow 10 route—but in reverse direction.
The first half-mile includes some gentle uphill sections, especially as you pass Mount Alvernia Hospital. While not steep, this part can take its toll if you push too hard, so it’s best to pace yourself.
After passing the hospital, the route opens into beautiful countryside running with minimal elevation changes, allowing for a steady and comfortable rhythm.
Mile 6.5
At this point, you’ll join the Mallow-Killarney road, but this year, you’ll be running it in the opposite direction. The road here is flat and even, making for a great stretch to maintain a solid pace.
Mile 8.5
One of the key route changes this year! Instead of continuing on the main road into Mallow, you’ll turn right into Mallow Park.
This is a stunning section of the course, featuring the Mallow River Trail walkway.
The trail begins with a fast downhill section, followed by a flat, shaded pathway, making for a refreshing final push toward the finish.
As you approach the end of the first section of the path, you’ll run under the main Cork-Limerick road—the same road used earlier in past editions of the race.
Final Mile
The last mile follows the river pathway into Mallow Park, offering a scenic, traffic-free approach to the finish.
With just 0.2 miles to go, you’ll pass under the bridge from Mile 1. Once through, the castle comes into view on your left—a sign that the finish line is near!
The final stretch includes a short uphill climb back into Mallow Castle grounds, where it all began. If you’ve done the Mallow Castle Parkrun before, you’ll recognize this section!
Race Overview
The Mallow 10 offers a fair and balanced course. The toughest sections come in the first five miles, with steady climbs that reward smart pacing.
The second half provides flatter, smoother roads, and the final 1.5 miles are entirely traffic-free through the park and shaded river trail—making for a beautiful and enjoyable finish.
Get ready to race and enjoy the journey! 🎽🏃♂️🏃♀️
Home Page 