I think one of the highlights of the race this year was Claudia starting the race and Emma’s speech to an attentive Terenure gym. Runners from all over Ireland were delighted to have their photos taken and share in their achievement with Claudia and Emma. A lot of the Sportworld club missed this as they were still collecting the race cones, clearing the finish area, making the tea and coffee, working on the results or doing their cool down after pacing the race.
The response from the 1500 people who did the race and the great atmosphere around the finish line was testament to the new ideas,and the work behind them, that all the race committee has brought over the last 6 months.
Without the over 100 volunteers from the club on Saturday and Sunday the race would not of been possible. A few people do deserve extra mention Paddy Lynch/Mick and Emily Dowling for getting the race to its 30th year. Connor Kenny for all the media and marketing and getting the club involved with Debra. Denis McCaul for doing the website and pacing with hay fever. Will Greensymth for comparing the results and prize giving to a tough audience, Ashling Byrne who’s job as race accountant is still not over. Aileen Melody for the registration and finding lost runners. Ronan Murray an absolute work horse from everything from water to mile markers to 100s of euro in prizes. Stephen Willoughby course director and steward herder. Sean o Byrne for all the Heath and safety and council work while getting his own health and safety work done. Laurence Delaire and Anne Sweeney for watering and feeding over 1500 people.
Liz and Claudia, cannot be put into words but made the race special.
Michael Cunningham (Photograph: Tomás Greally_
