Meet and Train Finale – Abbotstown

race report by AnnMarie Clyne, photos by Deirdre O’Connell

Last Sunday saw the Sportsworld ladies travel over to Abbottstown in Blanchardstown for the final cross-country race of the Meet and Train league.  Abbottstown is the home of Athletics Ireland and was a great opportunity for us to run on the national cross-country track.  

There was plenty of excitement arriving at the course as this was the last cross-country of the season and more importantly Sportsworld Team A was leading the Diamond league.  Our first thoughts about the course was that it was well manicured and more reminiscent of a golf course – this is cross-country Dublin style!   In typical cross-country form though the weather gods came out in force for us with plenty of rain and wind. If you had to write the script for a cross-country this would be it!

At 11 a.m. we were off on 4 laps of the 3KM course which transpired to be nearly a 4KM race by the time we finished.  We did hear a story about a man measuring the course and rushing off to celebrate his mothers 80^th birthday but I think that story is better for another day!

The general consensus was that the course was not too bad but every one of us were very thankful for the group of supporters at the top of the hill particularly on the final lap.

This was my first time competing for Sportsworld, this event is very inclusive everyone plays an important part on the team, even if you are, like me. one of the slowest runners.    It is an event for all levels and abilities with the overall theme being that it is competition with the fun factor.  The camaraderie between team members is fantastic and a great way to get to know other members of our club.  Also despite it being a competition the camaraderie between other clubs is not something you normally see at other race events.

Results came in later in the evening and unfortunately Sportsworld Team A were beaten by Crusaders Team A in a closely fought battle on the day.  Hard luck guys but congratulations nonetheless.  Congratulations are also extended to Sportsworld Team B who came second in the Silver Division and Team C and D who were well placed in their respective divisions.  A shout out should also go to the runners who took part as individuals, well done to you too.  

Full results have been posted on the club noticeboard. 

Many thanks to all the supporters who came out to cheer us on, the encouragement coming to the finish line really does work!   Also thanks to Deirdre, Naoise & Trish and all those that helped with stewarding and with the after race teas and coffees, your support was very much appreciated.