The annual Rathfarnham 5k is high on the priority list for many Club runners both Dublin and nationally I think because 1) it sort of officially brings the Summer/Autumn road race season to a close before Cross Country season kicks in; and 2) its got that reputation of being a fast course to achieve a PB (I got that myself there back in 2019 – remember that Knaggsie where we battled each other to the line in that last 250m !!). And yes they always have a nice shirt to boot which helps. 
Sportsworlders nearly always turn out in force for this local race and this year was no exception with a full 48 runners lining up on the startline at the 9.30 kick off on Sunday – and a sea of red/white vests unmissable along the route. They had over 1200 finishers this year. The race is always well run and organised and conditions were ok on the morning, it was cool and slightly breezy but not wet (the ´orange weather alert´ kicked in a few hours later). The gun fired and everyone was off – the first km is always fast as everyone barrels down Dodder View Road before turning left at the bridge and the slightly slower climb up to Terenure village. Then there’s the long drag up Templeogue Road before turning the corner down in to Springfield Avenue and the 1.2km trek for home along Dodder Park Road again. We Sportsworlders know every inch of this course as its part of our regular winter training session Tues or Thurs evenings so no surprises for us really.
As expected the race was fast – the Mens was won by Juan Ignacio Pena from Raheny Shamrocks in a speedy 14.34 followed a few seconds later by Colm Rooney from Clonliffe Harriers. In fact the first 6 were all under 15 mins. First lady home was Cheryl Nolan from St. Abbans in 16.02 with Ide Ni Domhnaill from West Limerick AC just one second behind in 16.03.
First sportsworlder back was Karol in a very impressive 15.52 with Paul Byrne second in 16.24 and coming back in to great form. First sportsworlder lady was Aoife Carroll in 18.16 and who just keeps getting better and better, she was followed by Roisin McMahon in 18.29. But there were some very impressive times across the whole Club – everyone just laid it out there on the day and gave their best and Myles had already set out all the times and categories by afternoon. A fantastic silver medal too for the Sportsworlder Mens 35+ Dublin team – Karol, Paul, Richard and Eoin. And the ladies 35+ Dublin team put in a very credible 6th place too – made up of Lorna, Caroline, Niamh and Jean. Likewise the ladies 50+ Dublin team in 5th – made up of Fiona, Noelle and Sandra.
Everyone thinks 5k is just a walk in the park as the distance is so short really, but the fact that youŕe pushing it so hard and can´t afford to let up at any point especially if youŕe chasing a decent time means its a pressure race with the burn factor evident at the end. There was a great atmosphere as always, fantastic support along the route at every point, and thanks to Myles, Emily, Tom, Val and others for all the shout-outs and encouragement along the way – it really helps and picks you up a when you’re flagging a bit.
For myself I hadn’t run the race last year as I was dealing with major health challenges then, but I was delighted to be able to do it this year, especially after Val offered me her bib last thursday after having to cry off with injury (thanks Val, a quick change by Lucy on the system and I was good to go). I got a dispensation from Myles in not having to wear my SW vest this time as I was running the race partly to fundraise and raise awareness for Multiple Myeloma (a rare form of blood cancer that impacts the bones). I have been doing the Ḿiles for Myeloma’ campaign through the month of September so the Rathfarnham 5K was the perfect chance to bookend my fund-raiser, as well as getting a little normality back into my life with running again with SW comrades and friends and experiencing that addictive atmosphere that I´d really missed. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who’s contributed to the campaign to date and if anyone else would like to do so I’m including the link with grateful appreciation www.multiplemyelomaireland.org If you scan down the page you’ll see my name Declan B (to distinguish from another Declan who’s also fundraising). And thanks Michael also for giving me this opportunity in writing the Report.
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