On Sunday last I togged out for the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 Mile. This classic race sells out in jig time every Autumn. A sign of my advancing years, that I had forgotten I had entered this race until an envelope containing a race number surfaced at the home place in Limerick. As I’m currently in the midst of marathon training, this race fitted into the schedule perfectly for a good race pace run and my first opportunity of 2017 to wear the red and white jersey (Eoin O’Brien, take note).

Race reporter Will

The Dungarvan 10 is a well-regarded race but one I’ve never had the pleasure of running before. And it was a pleasure.  The race is excellently organised by local club, West Waterford AC. As an official starter goes, hard to beat having John Treacy fire the starting gun. It’s quite a fast course with not too many tricky hills or drags.

There was a stiff enough headwind during the early part of the race but that aside, weather conditions were spot on. There was plenty of athletes around the whole time and pacers at 5 minute intervals from 60 minutes up to tuck in behind. There was loads of support en route including three water stations and people calling out mile splits throughout. Post-race, there was a spread of food and goodies that would feed an army awaiting us in the sports centre (as well as warm showers).

At the business end of the race, Associate Sportsworld member and Gareth Murran’s nemesis, Siobhan O’Doherty was a comfortable winner of the women’s race in 57.30. On the same day when Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to his fifth Superbowl from seven visits, Siobhan matched that achievement with her fifth win from seven visits to Dungarvan.

Gareth Murran’s nemesis, Siobhan O’Doherty

The mens race was won by Alan O’Shea of Bantry AC in 50.54.  With five weeks or so until I flog myself around Barcelona for the marathon craic, my own plan was to run at slightly faster than marathon pace throughout and to focus on form. This went well, first five miles 32.08, second five miles 32.07 to finish in 64.15. I didn’t see any other of Bushy Park’s finest pre or post race but the race results show that Mark Hogan had a great run – finishing in 62.54.

I’d recommend this race and will hopefully be back to race next year. Sure, someone has to hold Siobhan’s flowers.