650 runners complete 5km race on the Blackrock Greenway

A 5km road race was back again for a 12th year.

The Gas Networks Ireland Cork BHAA (Business Houses Athletic Association) 5km road race returned recently on the Blackrock to Mahon Greenway.

It saw more than 650 participants complete the 5km race, including 49 Gas Networks Ireland employees who had taken part in the company’s internal Couch to 5K training programme over the past few months.

“I never imagined myself running a 5km race, but the support from colleagues and the structured programme made it achievable, and actually enjoyable,” said Gas Networks Ireland’s Finance Manager Trish Deasy who took part in the Couch to 5K programme.

In the men’s race, Gavin O’Rourke crossed the line first in a time of 15 minutes 2 seconds, followed one second later by Eoghan O’Connor, and ahead of Nathan O’Leary in third place in 15 minutes 5 seconds.

In the women’s category, Hannah Steeds took the top spot in a time of 16 minutes 33 seconds, with Emma Fitzpatrick finishing in 17 minutes 32 seconds and Sharon Rynne rounding out the podium one second later.

Ross Gallagher won the visually impaired division, completing in 23 minutes and 36 seconds.

The Business Houses Athletic Association (BHAA) is a voluntary organisation that promotes physical activity and team spirit by encouraging work colleagues to train and compete together in a series of road races.

“This event reflects the power of community and the value of investing in employee wellbeing,” said Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Business Services, Ian O’Flynn.

!It’s about more than running—it’s about connection, confidence, and care,” he added.