Race report Gareth Murran
Dublin Bay Running Club hosted their 5 miles around the Head of Howth this past Sunday morning. I have become accustomed to this part of the city, working in Sutton for the past year. The hills of Howth were a frequent site during the first 3 months of the year for early morning cross country training.
It was a last minute decision to take part in the race, only deciding late on Saturday night. having looked at the results last years race was won in a handy 34 minutes. I wasnt going to run too hard after a tough Saturday track session. But with the chance of a victory it was worth retracing the daily commute for the chance of a victory and a chance to run on the beautiful Howth Head cliff path.
More than 180 runners took part in the race. This was a fabulous trail run along the cliff tops of Howth Head. The course had many up and down hills giving excellent hill training for runners. This was a very well organized event by Dublin Bay Running Club. Runners had a great experience from start to finish. The Registration and Finish area was located at the Summit Inn pub.
Also on the start line were 2 Raheny lads I know well, home club chairman Ger Copeland and Ronan Rogan of Bohermeen AC. The first mile of the race was all downhill but quickly we found ourselves facing the 400-meter stairway to heaven with a 75-meter elevation. Not even the ridge run in Lanzarote could prepare you for this one.
I ended up in 4th place overall not wanting to split my head open on the rocks or fall over the side eek! The race was actually 100 meters short of 5 miles and it was wet in parts, these are my real excuses for not placing 3rd 🙂 The winner of the race was Ronan Wogan of Bohermeen AC with Damien Martin celebrating his 53rd birthday (Raheny Shamrock AC) 2nd and Ger Copeland (DBRC) 3rd. Credit to the organization and the club for putting on such a fantastic race. Word is sure to get around. I recommend doing a long run out here. I might take up hill running yet.
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