On Saturday 26/09/09 about 6000 runners gathered in Phoenix Park to take part in this year’s Dublin half-marathon. Among the participants there were a lot runners in white and red Sportsworld singlets.

We ran on a new course which consisted of one lap and seemed flatter than last year’s. As it’s impossible to make one 13 miles lap in Phoenix Park that wouldn’t include any hills so some of us had difficult moments climbing the Kyber Road and the hill near the lake on the 12^th mile. Fortunately, at the top of Kyber Rd there was a big group of our club runners who had just finished their weekly cross country session and gave us a great support.

The last hill seemed much harder as when it finally leveled up you had 12 miles in you legs and it was very difficult to force them to the final effort.

The fastest man from Sportsworld was Paul O’Connell (3^rd overall) and our fastest woman was Stephanie Bergin.

Caroline Lynch was 1^st in category F60. Eanna Cunnane who is getting back to running after a serious injury was 4^th in M35 and Orla Jordan was 5^th in F35.

Well done to all runners and thank you to all supporters!

There were so many club members taking part in the race that it was hard to find everyone in the results (if you ran and you’d like to be added on email us with your name and start number:-)).

Place overall/ Name/ From/ Cat./ Place in cat./ Chip time/ Finish time

3 Paul O’Connell (No. 2193) Kildare MS 3 01:11:09 01:11:10

20 Eanna Cunnane (No. 4947) Dublin M35 4 01:15:34 01:15:36

66 Gareth Murran (No. 121) Dublin MS 30 01:20:49 01:20:53

148 Joe Byrne (No. 5682) Dublin M40 25 01:24:49 01:24:53

169 Colm Kennedy (No. 5174) Waterford MS 79 01:25:20 01:25:25

186 Jakub Splawski (No. 2222) Poland MS 90 01:25:51 01:25:57

220 James Benson (No. 7088) Wexford MS 106 01:27:00 01:27:06

269 Stephanie Bergin (No. 1645) Laois FS 15 01:28:16 01:28:22

274 Liam Mc Fadden (No. 7341) MS 130 01:28:23 01:28:29

419 William Greensmyth (No. 7365) MS 199 01:30:54 01:31:20

436 Orla Jordan (No. 694) Dublin F35 5 01:31:26 01:31:33

507 Hugh Kearney (No. 6243) Dublin MS 235 01:32:29 01:32:58

530 Eoin O’Brien (No. 5807) Dublin MS 247 01:33:05 01:33:32

863 Dave Clarke (No. 2297) Dublin MS 419 01:37:52 01:38:20

1326 Stephen Willoughby (No. 3284) Dublin M45 70 01:42:24 01:42:53

1336 Louise Bruton (No. 599) Dublin F35 36 01:42:55 01:43:03

1404 Tara Quirke (No. 5947) Dublin F35 38 01:42:51 01:43:42

1472 Anne Sweeney (No. 3235) Dublin F40 24 01:43:26 01:44:17

1502 Sandra Redmond (No. 1851) Dublin FS 110 01:43:46 01:44:32

1704 David Trimble (No. 5460) Dublin M50 46 01:46:02 01:46:17

2224 Caroline Lynch (No. 5872) Dublin F60 1 01:50:10 01:50:56

2295 Aileen Melody (No. 1036) Dublin F45 17 01:51:04 01:51:35

2779 Claire Harrington (No. 1386) Dublin F45 28 01:55:01 01:55:41

3065 Karen O’Connor (No. 1218) Dublin F35 126 01:57:54 01:58:01

3369 Catherine Gilmore (No. 1041) Dublin F40 90 02:00:11 02:00:50

3890 Michelle Heaton (No. 5349) Dublin FS 592 02:06:21 02:06:47

5335 Jennifer Maher (No. 1035) F35 355 02:44:39 02:45:37

Report by
Jakub

Great turnout from the club at last Saturday’s Pearl Izumi sponsored BHAA 10k Road Race which took place around the Firhouse Area of Dublin. Apologies if I forget anybody but following were spotted running : Paul O’Connell, Joe Byrne, Stephanie Bergin, Helen Dixon, Claire Rowley, Trevor Lloyd, Judith Lloyd, Valerie Power, Sandra Armstrong, Tommy Armstrong, Susan McDonnell, Sean O’Byrne, Ray Carpenter.

Paul continued his excellent run of form by finishing second and winning his category in the summer league which included 3 individual wins and 3 second places, very consistent running by Paul, well done.

Next home was Joe Byrne who jogged around in 39 minutes according to him as he was due to do a long run the next day !!

Stephanie kept up her good recent form by finishing third female behind Annette Kealy and Donna Mahon and also was part of the AIB team which were 2nd in their category.

Sandra was 1st in her age category. Helen Dixon was 2nd in her age category. Judith was 1st in her age category and Trevor not to be outdone was also 1st in his age category.

Susan ran a pb by 3 minutes and Ray looked as fresh at the end as he had at the start of the race.

I would highly recommend that you try one of the upcoming races www.bhaa.ie for remaining races in 2009 as all standard of runner is catered for and if you ask any of your colleagues that run in the BHAA races I have no doubt they will agree that their running has improved since taking part in the races.

Race Report by
Stephen Willoughby

At the weekend 8 Sportsworld members made the trek to Ballybofey, Co Donegal for the National Half Marathon and returned with one medal. Leaving on Saturday lunch time, we opted to use Letterkenny as a holding base and arrived there before 17.00. We rented 2 newly built celtic tiger style houses in the town centre in what proved to be much better, cheaper and comfortable than B&B’s or hotels as we had our own space. After receiving the keys from the landlady (to whom we assured that we weren’t a stag party, much the opposite in fact), one of the first things to be done was to get some shopping for food and supplies so we strolled down town. In the local mall we came across a Super Valu that was there 2 years ago but had somehow been replaced, and a rival sports chain store called Sports World; showing that there are alternatives to Ireland’s best sports shop. Then when we found a Dunnes Stores, there was much debate and disagreement as to what we should buy for the houses and what would be a sinful waste of money from the kitty we’d all chipped into. After unpacking we went downtown for dinner and to see the boys in green score a very lucky world cup qualifier win over Cyprus.

On Sunday morning we drove to a drizzly & dreary Ballybofey (the home of one of Ireland’s all time greatest distance running clubs Finn Valley AC), and after a warm up jog on their cinder track we jogged to the start line and away we went. The race consisted of predominantly northern club runners and people from the north west, however a fair share of people came from Dublin and from much further afield. Although the course contained a few hills here & there, it was a fair one with fresh tarmac and was well stewarded and organised.

Leading us home was a magnificent Paul O Connell who despite the difficult conditions came home in 70:58 mins and a place tenth. Our performance of the day was given by a magnificent Paul Duffy who finished in the top 25 and far beyond what anyone would have expected of him. The scoring trio for our senior mens team was completed by Ed who put in a fine display and ended up only 15 seconds shy of an M40 bronze.

Next down the list were Sligo’s finest export since Mary Cullen – Trevor; and Mikey, meaning that we’d 3 lads within 30 seconds of each other. The latter ran a marvellous pb, while the former was hoping for a little better but was stiff and tired from having spent the previous day gardening in the north west when not used to manual labour. Packie started reasonably well going through 5m in 29:52 and 10m in 61:27 but struggled with hip trouble and was happy to finish it. Lucy put in a stunning performance to win the F40 category and finished 4th female overall. The red & white turnout was completed by Liam McFadden just outside the hour and a half. From one of Ireland’s most northerly peninsulas, the former gaelic footballer reached 10m in a decent 64 mins but like Packie struggled after that. Liam used his local knowledge and contacts to make the weekend much easier on all of us so we are very grateful for this in the club.

Our only team entered (senior mens) finished a decent 5th out of 8 in 222 mins. Interestingly our senior men in 2007 (Eanna, Phil & Packie) ran the same time on the same course which was good enough for team silver, indicating a more competitive race this year and a rise in the standards of road running, despite being told the opposite by so called experts from the past.

At the sharp ends of the field, it ended up an all Belfast contest and the pair was together for much of the race. The senior men’s race was won by former national 10,000m champion Joe McAllister in a marvellous 65:51, beating the many times national inter club and inter counties XC champion Gary Murray. The latter (Donegal man) used to compete for the host club but in his debut half marathon found the distance a little too long and lost by 45 seconds. Clonliffe’s senior men were unfortunate to be denied a team silver because their 3rd scorer forgot his club singlet (now let that be a lesson to any of us!), and so were disqualified from the team competition. Strangely however the offending athlete was given his earned individual M35 bronze medal when surely the same rules should have applied again.

The magnificent Catriona Jennings made a worthwhile journey from our neighbouring club Rathfarnham WSAF to take the ladies title in 79:12. Catherine Conway (a beginner from Mayo AC) was second in 80:31 but is definitely going to be a name for the future.

On a negative note it was disappointing that we couldn’t field a senior girls team given that we are traditionally known as a girls club and that so many train with us. National senior medals could have been won here (for girls who are already out of novice & intermediate) much easier than at the senior cross country events. Also it must have been hard on Lucy being the only girl on the trip away.

Having a few drinks in the clubhouse during the medal presentation we witnessed the Kilkenny hurlers win 4 in a row, and we stopped in Monaghan for dinner that evening. We would like to say many thanks to Liam, Mikey & Trevor for supplying the motor power and our club coach Emily for fuelling it. It was a moderately successful but thoroughly enjoyable team bonding weekend away.

Full Results

Race report by
Packie

Kilmore 10km 2009

“I’ll Just Jog It”

The world is creaking and groaning with tales of dread. A quick shuffle through the Sunday Papers will bring rapid personal rain clouds and a deep fog will follow a deep depression.

In a turbulent world, there is no better antidote to misery, worry and fear than running and the company of running friends. Theirs is a positive, happy and encouraging outlook. Runners are not gratified by the material. They have long since understood the effort and the reward comes from better feats. They understand achievement, goals and fun better than any company or business. Theirs is an inherently positive outlook and the glass is always half full. A running club is way more important than running; it’s your tribe, your support and your community.

It’s a haven for heady headaches and it’s a reminder of what really matters.

Then again, at Sportsworld, we are very lucky. Lucky because we have a passionate Coach who is inspiration personified. In a previous note I said “Emily Dowling didn’t just teach us to run, she taught us how to live” How true that is today.

The start of the Kilmore 10k is a well disguised hill. It seduces then pulls and bites your heels. Dermot Bates is a wily fox. Local knowledge (witness the amount of Bates at rest in the ‘Grandstand Graveyard’!) knows better. Dermot’s family come from Kilmore and this gentle start is known locally as … you guessed it … ‘the hill’

Yours truly was on an escape weekend in Kilkenny. The lure of a race and the company of friends were too much to miss. Dermot, the inspiration, creator, producer and director of Project Kilmore was persistent. His early morning text and we were off winding our way from Kilkenny to Wexford.

The huge windmills were singing and dancing. I knew we were near, I remembered their silent presence from last year. Registration and fluorescent signs added to the rural relaxed charm. The sun came up and the wind died down. Sportsworld were out in force.

A little local knowledge and we headed off to the 2.5 mile mark. It’s a sleepy winding lane that destroys your rhythm after 2 very fast miles. Its beauty compensates. Quickly Pat Byrne came over the brow. He was working hard and oh so fast. He was out on his own but relentless in his work.

Soon, our World Class Master Ed was striding through, Michael on his tail. It makes you very proud to see your club mates doing so well and the red and white still cuts a dash.

Lucy came next as fast as fast could be. Still smiling, still striding, and still winning. Lucy is both the art and the science.

Jean, the most understated Doctor, was just behind. She glided and set a scintillating pace (Jean later told me she is ‘not fit’)

One by one our runners strode past. There Was Breda with Husband Jim and both setting super times. Dermot ran with Brian and they ran out of their skin to set fast times for guys who had not raced for some time.

Joe Byrne had run 8 miles around the waterworks in 55 minutes that morning. Joe ran Kilmore and promised his bride-to-be that a PB was hers. He did not disappoint and Mary came in 2 minutes better than her previous PB.

Perhaps the ‘best’ performance came from Rachel Morgan just 10 seconds behind a very fast Mary Finn. You see, Rachel is already a Mum of One and as part of her training to be a Mum of 2 she just had to run 42 minutes – that’s 6:48 pace whilst taking it easy!

Ronan, Jaceb, Clare added to our fabulous spectator fun.

The finish was furious with a teasing little hill. Sprints ignited and smiles widened. A tough course but they were all home. The setting summer sun was becoming a little autumnal but there was an evening of banter, stories and fun ahead.

The next day, two thoughts stayed with me. The first was from Joe Byrne. It was a text and like the rest of us, Joe needs his running to keep his business sane. His message said ….”There is something very natural about tea and biscuits after a rural race” There is. It’s a reminder of what’s important and how ‘pace of life’ will be better served by having a regular dose of a good running ‘pace’

In the end, it’s all about making the most of life and of these special days. Trips away and the trip to Kilmore does that to you and for you. The golden years are not ahead, they are now.

At registration I bumped into Ray Carpenter. Ray is an enigma. A man so content, relaxed and balanced. He makes everyone smile. He oozes calm and he inspires fun. Ray does not get anxious.

Just before the start Ray and I chatted. I was beginning to feel I should have attempted the race. I had chickened out. Not Ray. Though not at peak fitness he would “give it a go”

At the 2.5 mile mark Ray was right at the back. I wasn’t fooled. By the time I had set up camp at 5.5 miles Ray was right up front. At the finish, his race done and many scalps later, he was still smiling. I smiled back, shook his hand and reminded him of what he said…. “I’ll just jog it”

My reply? …. Sadly, it’s not fit for fit people!

Next year, get fit, get ready and get down to Kilmore. These Bates people know a thing or two about running fun.

Full results and photos from racepix365

Report By
Conor Kenny

From Track Racing 2009

Good turnout from the club at last Wednesday’s Zurich sponsored BHAA series of 2 mile races which took place in Irishtown Stadium. All races were run on a handicap basis. Unfortunately Paul O’Connell’s unbeaten run came to an end and no Paul I still had nothing to do with your handicap being reduced after you winning your respective race at the previous Irish Life & Permanent race night.

Stephanie Bergin kept up her good recent form by winning her standard and Valerie Power making a welcome return to BHAA races won the open race.

Ray Carpenter, Tommy and Sandra Armstrong also ran very well although Sandra was spotted being dragged off at great speed by Valerie’s dog which she was trying to look after whilst Valerie ran.

For those of you who are not aware of what goes into organising an event, brief summary of what was involved in organising this event (which would also apply to the Irish Life & Permanent race night which Kathleen Horgan was responsible for organising with her colleagues).

Responsibility of race Promoter to book stadium, organise race flyers/promoting event. Making sure adequate stewards in attendance to look after registration and track side and to tidy up afterwards. Timing Clock for evening and accurate recording of finishing times. Providing Tea/Coffee/Water and Refreshments, Prizes, St. Johns Ambulance to attend. Posting of results after event.

Although first race started at 7.30pm myself and my colleagues were at venue from 5.15pm to set up and got to leave at 10.15pm even though last race was at 8.35pm.

So do please give some appreciation to race organisers when you are attending races.

Photos from Racepix365

Report by
Stephen Willoughby

Frank Duffy 10 mile 2009

Well, looking out the window at 8 o’clock saturday morning I was not envious of my red army brothers and sisters setting out on their 10 mile challenge. As they lined up however on the start line to do battle the clouds parted biblically (work with me) and the sun came out to warm the backs of the 6000 hearty souls taking to task on the day. A strong sportsworld mens team had clear intentions to take a medal in the Dublin Championship. Some of the girl’s finest were also present.

Kildare’s finest export since Jack L, Paul O’ Connell lead the way for Sportsworld continuing his rich vein of form. With only 2 Irishmen ahead of him, Paul powered his way to fifth in a superb 53.38, leaving guys he peviously was packing with in his wake. He is closing in on the elite men week by week. Next in was westmeath’s finest export since Joe Dolan. Paul ‘Duff Man Duffy’, another man in a rich vein of from continued his successful summer with a brilliant 57.05, finishing in 21st. Paul again is going shoulder to shoulder with guys, previously minutes ahead of him.

Next in was the ever green Trevor ‘silver tongue’ Sweeney. The veteran was well up in the over 35’s coming in just a shade behind Paul in 57.28, 24th place. He may have even pipped Paul had he not stopped to chat to a blond bysander in the last mile. Gareth Murran was fouth man in, breaking the hour comfortably in 59.33. Having displayed huge potential on the track during the summer, this will have served as a good base for him to build up his stamina for the remaining distance races and cross country season. Gareth has a big year ahead ahead of him and will undoubtedly continue his steady improvements. Michael ‘Con Houlihan’ Cunningham was next man in, finishing in 1.01.06. This didn’t really do him justice as his training and recent races have shown a return to form. Michael is building up nicely for the national half and should really kick into gear for the cross country season, where he has probably displayed his best performances.

Lucy looked close to her best, running hard all the way to a fantastic fourth overall and first in her age group (O 21’s). Colm Kennedy followed her in with an impressive 1.04.35. Martin Keenan ran a fine 1.06.14 building up nicely for the marathon, just ahead of Joe Byrne. Joe shook of a recent knock to storm home in 1.06.28. Life in the old dog yet……..

Stephanie was second girl home in 1.07, followed by Ciara in 1.12.47, representing the girls team with distinction. Dave ‘El Nugget’ Clarke continued his marathon preparations cruising home in 1.10.17, reaping the benefits of a good training bloc. Just ahead was the bowld Will Greensmyth, flown in for the weekend. Limerick’s finest finished in 1.10.11. Eoiny ‘Felony’ got back on track for his assault on the 26.2 miles in October with a solid 1.14.10 and will be fighting fit for the half next month.

A great team performance all in all and we look forward to the rest of the autumn and pending winter with high hopes.

Here’s a link to the photo album with a larger selection available at racepix365 and full results.

Is mise le meas,
Phil Kilgannon.

From Track Racing 2009

Just to show that track running isn’t just a young kids game, this is tommy armstrong finishing strongly at the BHAA Irish Life 3km track race on wednesday last. The race organiser and club member kathleen horgan, can be seen in the background. Other club runners on the night were paul duffy, stephanie bergin, colin mahon, jean wilson and POC. The Zurich 2 Mile track race organised by Stephen Willoughby is on wednesday 26th August.

From Track Racing 2009

Wednesday 5th August 2009

The final evening of the graded series for 2009 took place at a warm and sunny but breezy Irishtown stadium. First up was the 200m, and there were 2 grade C races. In the 1st Sportsworld’s fastest man Conor Murphy was an impressive gun to tape winner 27.08 and would have bettered this if there was somebody to chase. In the 2nd Packie Enright made his debut at sprint events and finished third in 27.52. It wasn’t a bad result for someone with no track or speed work of any sort done, but it wasn’t a sensible decision to race either with no preparation; one based on impulse.

Next up was the 1500m girls, and Crona was a decent 4th in Grade A behind fellow national senior finalists Lorraine Manning and Azmera Gebrezgi. In a mere 18 months running Crona has climbed to a level that no one would have expected of her, and the national championship of three days beforehand was her peak of the season. As a result she looked a little tired, and maybe should be on a break from running for a few weeks. She wanted to come back this evening to try for a pb but on such a breezy evening no athlete recorded one. Hopefully she’ll be very pleased with what she’s achieved this year, it’s rare that someone of such little experience progresses so quickly, and the Brady’s enthusiasm is something we can all learn from.

Conor was back in action at the 1500m grade D and did very respectably considering that distance running is not his event. With laps of 84, two 89s and a 56 second last 300m, he was driven on by Paul Duffy’s “come on Conor, you’re dropping off” along the way! Our next club member in action was another novice who punches above his weight, Gareth Murran. Going in grade C, he’d a super race with 3 steady 73s and a last 300m in 48 seconds. He was always to the forefront of the closely knit and cautious pack, looking like a contender and was leading with 120m left. Coming round the final bend the strong wind hit him hard and he was beaten into 4th place. However he did look the part and this maybe his event to concentrate on for next year.

The race of the night was undoubtedly the star studded mens 1500m grade A, bringing together the recently crowned national 10,000m champion from Kenya (who was skulling pints three days previously may I add!), the 800m bronze medallist,steeple bronze medallist, 1500m silver medallist, 5000m 4th placer and the 800m 5th placer. In a fast race it came down to a photo finish with the 5000m US based runner getting the nod over Alan O Brien (by only one hundredth of a second), Josphat Boit also running 3:48; with the wind ruining the athletes faster times they’d hoped for.

And so it was onto long distance which is what our club members are best at in most cases, and by now both the wind and sun had died down considerably. Having raced only 15 mins earlier, Gareth was next up in the 3000m grade C which he won at ease, displaying superior fitness for this grade. Grades A & B were combined in the final race of the night. Packie struggled with poor fitness to break 10 mins with kilometres of 3:08, 3:21 and 3:30. Conor, a glutton for punishment decided for yet another race this evening, and didn’t do badly at all. However Paul was the success story of the night with a pb of around 20 seconds. At the front he was in a group of 3 or 4 Liffey Valley lads and finished in 3rd place. Well done Paul. Also well done to the organisers for putting on a great series for everyone all summer. Another year has passed, and with the exception of a few BHAA races, that’s the end of the Irish track season for 2009.

Men’s 200m, Grade C (I)
1 Conor Murphy Sportsworld A.C. 27.08

Men’s 200m, Grade C (II)
1 Eoin Bradshaw Raheny Shamrock A.C. 24.97
3 Packie Enright Sportsworld A.C. 27.52

Men’s 1500m, Grade D
1 John Healy Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 4.44.83
10 Conor Murphy Sportsworld A.C. 5.18.76

Men’s 1500m, Grade C
1 Paul Gleeson Clones A.C. 4.26.28
4 Gareth Murran Sportsworld A.C. 4.28.93

Women’s 1500m, Grade A
1 Martina Mc Carthy Athenry A.C.4.38.33
4 Crona Brady Sportsworld A.C. 4.56.93

Men’s 3000m, Grade C
1 Gareth Murran Sportsworld A.C. 9.39.67

Men’s 3000m, Grades A & B
1 Ian O’Leary Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 9.06.39
3 Paul Duffy Sportsworld A.C. 9.10.57
8 Packie Enright Sportsworld A.C. 9.59.42
9 Conor Murphy Sportsworld A.C. 11.53.12

Race Report By
Packie Enright

A big congratulations to Ed McEntee who came home in 6th place in the Marathon at the World Masters Athletics Championships in a stunning time of 2.43.41! For the past two weeks in Lahti, Finland the World Masters has been taking place with the event concluding with the marathon last Saturday. Continuing an excellent season for Sportsworld competitors, with Helen White representing Ireland in the World Mountain Championships and Aoife Brady taking home a Bronze medal from the National T&F in recent weeks, Ed ran a strong race on a warm morning in the surroundings of Lake Vesijärvi to come in behind Russia’s Sergey Perminov who took the marathon win in 2.30.27.

Full results.

Also this weekend is the Adidas Frank Duffy 10 mile in the Phoenix Park. Online entry is still possible but from newspaper reports last week the event is a near sell out……6000 expected to line up! If you are not running come out and support the club as we’ll be fielding strong men’s and women’s teams and the club usually has a high turn out of runners at this event. If you are entered wear your club singlet or if you need a singlet see Emily or Mick at training this week. Also if there is some interest we may look at organising going out for a bit of food & drink on Saturday night to replenish your bodies supplies after a hard mornings racing!