SPIKE Island's successful start to the summer season has continued following the first ever 'Fortress 5km' race on the former prison site. 

More than 140 runners signed up to compete in the first ever run on the island, a site that was formerly a prison, a military fortress, and a monastery. 

Two ferries carried runners from Cobh to the island for the inaugural event. 

The 5km route took runners inside the fort, around the outer walls, down to the village and onto the wider island before ending inside the fort.

It is hoped to be the first of many such events on the island, with cross country runs planned for the summer months. 

Island manager John Crotty said: ‘We are delighted with how the first run went and with the feedback we have been receiving. We had help from Cork Business House Athletics Association (BHAA) with setting up and running the event, and their input and expertise was invaluable. This is certainly the most alternative 5km in the country, as how many other runs start with a ferry journey across a beautiful harbour and then start and end in a 200-year-old Fortress?"

“We hope that we are equally successful with our cross country runs, which will be longer in length and will take in more of the outer island."

Spike was recently nominated for Europe’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards, the Oscars of the travel industry. 

Cork County Council are urging everyone to vote ahead of the awards ceremony in St Petersburg in September.

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