The Joe Hourigan Memorial Midleton 5 Mile begins on O’Dwyers Road and concludes on a nearby private road, with the Market Green Shopping Centre serving as the central race headquarters. This scenic loop guides participants south-west of the town, passing underneath the N25 and winding through quiet country lanes that offer stunning views of the Owenacurra River entering Cork Harbour. Runners traverse a picturesque causeway near the coastline. The terrain is primarily composed of well-maintained tarmac and is characterized by rolling hills, with the middle miles providing a testing ascent followed by a notably fast, downhill final stretch. This professional and long-standing event is celebrated for its community spirit and its reputation as one of the premier road races in East Cork.