Report and photos by Philip Kerr
As an introduction, BORN2RUN was set up by friends Carol McMenamin and Gerard and Jane Rowe in 2012. All members of the same running club, they enjoyed organising their club race so much that they decided that this was something they would like to do more often.
These races very from 10km to half marathons and Born 2 Run’s motto is Great Races in Great Places, located in very scenic areas such as National Trust grounds and are run on multi-terrain trail circuits which make a great change from road races.
The races are extremely well organised and very friendly, with an impressive race medal on finishing and complimentary post-race refreshments and massage. See website for more info: Click here
Race Commentary:
OK, I thought I had managed to avoid race report duty thus far but as there were only two Sportsworld runners, it landed on my plate somehow.
Peter and myself found us heading north on the M1 on a very warm and sunny summer Friday evening at 4:30pm for yet another Born 2 Run race in their adventure series, this time in picturesque Newcastle at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mourne mountains, and were joined by a number of the “Marlay Mná” runners.
The 5th Annual Sea 2 Sky 10K Race and Walk is a great route that started on the Promenade in Newcastle and included a coastal road, a mountain forest road that climbed gradually to the 3-mile mark, a single track across a bog rewarded by stunning views over Newcastle and beyond, recreational parkland and finally a fast descending route to finish on the Promenade.
A crowd of 809 runners supported by over 50 running clubs gathered on the seafront with the runners warming up under the instruction of Adam Mitten from Go Figure Newcastle.
The race was started by Olympic bound steeplechaser and European finalist Kerry O’Flaherty to the sound track ‘Born To Run’ by The Boss, the Born 2 Run signature tune at the start of all their races.
Race reporter Philip (463) with Peter Knaggs
Race 10km Circuit with mile markers and a large hill in the middle showing elevation gain of 557 feet.
Off we went, along the seafront, and up into the hills. Everywhere along the route out of town the locals had gathered to shout encouragement and bathers waved from the sea.
First sign of motivation “If it was easy everyone would be doin’ it” and “Running: cheaper than therapy”.
Nearly completed the forest trail climb beyond the 3-mile marker (yes it was hard work by the look of it)!
Brush and bog trail run along the top of the course, single file only at this stage of the race!
Through a park we ran, across well marshalled roads, manned by relaxed looking PSNI officers, past what looked like a circus tent.
Peter’s relaxed finish arriving back at the Promenade just as the sun disappeared and the rain started!
By the race end, because of the various terrains encountered it felt as if we’d run a 10 mile race and indeed our times reflected a tough and challenging course.
All that remained was to collect our medals which are one of the things that sets Born 2 Run races apart. Always an original creation for each race, the medal this time doubled as a bottle opener.
Complimentary post-race refreshments were served in O’Hares pub on the Promenade to provide suitable sustenance before the drive back to Dublin.
Sportsworld 10km Results
Men’s winning time – 36:16
Women’s winning time – 42.28
Phillip Kerr – 48:04
Peter Knaggs – 51:46 (following on from the Docklands 5km race the previous night in a 19:33 P.B.!)
Next Born 2 Run Races
The inaugural 10km Bohernabreena Tallaght (Water Works) on Thursday 4th August starting at 7:00pm in St Anne’s GAA grounds (race registration / collection of race packs 5:00pm – 6.45pm).
Complimentary post-race refreshments BBQ style will be served after the race outside St Anne’s GAA hall, with the bar open for a few post-race drinks.
Let’s see how many Sportsworld runners we can get to support this local race!
To enter: Click here
Plus the Malahide Castle Dublin 10km race on the following week Thursday 11th August at 7:00pm.
If anyone fancies the Born 2 Run Dam Busters half marathon in the Silent Valley Co. Down on Saturday 20th August at 11am (or 10km at 12:00 noon) to get a flavour of their unique brand of picturesque “Great Races in Great Places” running, I’m travelling up.
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