Achill Half Marathon 2011

Sunny, but windy, weather greeted the few Sportsworld runners who made the trek across to Achill Island on Saturday 2^nd July for the annual Achill half marathon. This race has in the past been won by Catriona Jennings, so the Sportsworld reputation was on the line! Started by presidential hopeful Mary Davis, the first three miles of the race are up a long incline and tee up a gratifying flat middle section of the race. The scenic Atlantic coastline in view, these flat and fast miles are needed to make up for the steep and lengthy (!) hills that greeted the 1500 runners in the second half of the race. An Ríocht’s (Castle Island, Co. Kerry) James Doran claimed the spoils in a time of 1:14:16, while Clonliffe’s Fionnuala Doherty claimed the title of first lady home in 1:28:42. Terenure’s very own Fine Gael TD Eoghan Murphy completed it in a time of 1:36:51, while there were some excellent times from the four Sportsworld runners Brian Conway, Kieran Foley, Tony Ryan and Stephen Willoughby. An ice-bath (aka dip in the sea) at the finish line, as well as Achill’s finest hospitality that evening made it a fantastic weekend.