Jingle Bells 5k 2015

Report by Karol Cronin

After the now famous Teresa Mansion RTE news report, you’d be forgiven for believing this Jingle Bells 5k race would be too treacherous or ‘idiotic’ to compete in.

However, Dublin was spared the brunt of storm Desmond with all the deluge hitting the West. But it still terribly windy and no chance of anyone getting a pb.

One of the first runners I met was Valerie who was in fine form and her usual bubbly self. We did a warm up together wondering if anyone would show up. Slowly but surely many people kitted out as Santa’s and elves gathered towards the starting line.

This 5k race hosted by Donore Harriers always commands a strong field with their own John Travers leading the charge. Many other runners had defected from the cancelled Waterford half marathon to run in this. The race got off to a false start surprisingly and took a few minutes to get going again in the stormy conditions. The first km was going to be the fastest one as the wind was right behind our backs. As soon as we turned left onto Chesterfield Avenue we were hit by strong winds and for the rest of the race it was pretty much a battle against the wind.

I was in the second main group and settled into a good battle with three others which helped push us all on.

With all 5k’s, they’re always finishing by the time you get settled in. The last km is fast one with a downward hill but was hampered by the strong winds. I managed to hold off the other three lads dipping under 16 minutes by one second. I was happy enough with it as conditions like these always makes the fine days so much more nicer. Val ran a brilliant race finishing in 23.19 and took over a minute from her last 5k so she’s getting into good form again. Well done to Phil who finished in a great time of 21.10.

Also a special mention to Damian Kelly and his 11 year old daughter who completed the race in 24 minutes as well as Aodh O’Connor who was pipped by his two sons, 11 and 12 who completed it in under 24 minutes. The overall winner was John Travers in the unbelievable time of 14.41 and Ciara Mageenan in 16.16. A big thanks to Donore for holding a really fun race and a complimentary mug.

Sportsworld Results:
14th Karol Cronin 00:15:59
177th Aidan Curran 00:20:31
220th Phil 00:21:10
308th Valerie Power 00:23:19
337th Aodh O‘Connor00:23:59