As I forgot my Sportsworld singlet I have been delegated to write this race report!

We have come to expect warm sunny conditions in Tallaght for the club’s annual 1500, 200 and 4x400m championships, and the 2024 edition did not disappoint. Beautiful late August sunshine greeted us on Saturday morning, as Sportsworlders began to arrive at the West Dublin venue from 8.20. There was excitement in the air as Aileen and Emily handed out numbers, and we set out on our warm ups.  

After a couple of strides, the women lined up for the 1500 and a very competitive race ensued.  In the end, I managed to edge out club newcomer Lorna in second and Aoife in third. It was fantastic to see a large number of club newcomers lining out and running awesome races. At the end of the race, Emily could not contain her excitement about teams for the upcoming cross-country season. 

The men followed quickly after the women crossed the line. In a speedy race, Karol prevailed with Paul taking silver and Donal bronze.  

The 200m races followed, and getting to the start line of this race was an achievement after the exertions of the 1500m. Gearoid Crowley surprised us all with his speed, edging out David Saunders in a very exciting race. While Stephanie Bergin and myself won the women’s races.  

The 4×400 had all the chaos and excitement as a day in the Colosseum, with the lead changing several times over the four laps. Stephen O’Donnell held on in the final lap to lead his team of Aoife Carroll. Declan Brady and Stephan DeVries to victory.  

A morning like Saturday reminds us all why we love sportsworld and running. The sense of camaraderie (with a competitive edge) and fun was infectious. As always, a morning like this would not be possible without volunteers, led by Emily and Aileen. On behalf of everyone who got the opportunity to run, thanks to each and every volunteer and supporter.  

Congratulations to all our medal winners today 1500m Women 1st Elaine Kennedy 2nd Lorna Sheehan 3rd Aoife Carroll Over 40 1st Caroline Conway 2nd Stephanie Bergin 3rd Linda Prendergast Over 45 1st Lisa Singleton 2nd Maria Finnegan Over 50 1st Anna Delaney Over 55 1st Noelle Brown

Results by Aileen Melody

1500m Men

1st Karol Cronin

2nd Paul O Beirne

3rd Donal Brennan

Over45

1st Adam Furlong

Over 50

1st Karl Shevlin

2nd Nevan King

3rd Jose Chapa

Over 55

1st Ed McEntee

Over 60

1st Declan Brady

Over 70

1st Brian Carthy

In the 200 m for the Women there were 2 races

Senior

1st Elaine Kennedy

2nd Caroline Conway

3rd Lorna Sheehan

Master

1st Stephanie Bergin

2nd Maria Finnegan

3rd Carmel Breen

Mens 200m only 1 race

1st Gearoid Crowley

2nd David Saunders

3rd Stephan DeVries

Relay

1st Stephen O Donnell

Aoife Carroll

Declan Brady

Rachel Calvey

2nd Lorna Sheehan

Roisin McMahon

Michelle Burke

Bronwyn Murphy White

3rd Kate Burke

Anna Delaney

Karl Shevlin

Elaine Kennedy

Approximately 35 Sportsworlders took over the city of Nice on the beautiful French Riveria for the city’s half marathon and 10KM race which took place on Sunday the 21st April. Determined to make the most of the trip I decided to travel over on the Friday and stay until Tuesday. Despite the dodgy weather forecast we were greeted on the Friday with sun and blue skies. After picking up our numbers at the expo we bar hopped around Nice – like the true athletes that we are! The following morning, feeling slightly worse for wear a group of us got the train to the stunning nearby Eze – a town on top of a hill! Not having the patience to wait on the local bus to the top of the hill we decided to do the hour long trek on foot, in the heat. It was worth it as we got the most beautiful views of the coastline. After lunch we made or way to Monaco – playground for the rich! Over coffee we contemplated our race prep – a night of drinking followed by an entire day walking in the heat. Not ideal so all notions of a PB disappeared! By the time we got back to Nice the Saturday cohort had arrived so we all met up for a nervous dinner where excuses were exchanged!

Sunday – race day – was bright and cool. Perfect running conditions which blew off that excuse. Mind you, by the time we reached the 5km point the sun had heated up so we all got pretty hot and dehydrated. One criticism of the race was the lack of water stations. With close to 9000 runners the start was pure chaos! For some this was an issue as it made for a slow, congested start. For me, the slow start stood to me and I actually enjoy running in a crowd. Gets my adrenaline pumping! We ran 5km down alongside the promenade, almost to the airport and 5KM back with lovely sea views. As the 10km racers crossed the finish line the half marathon continued up to the harbour where we were greeted by a hill – very unwelcome at this point. Just as we got up and down that hill came another. To be fair the course was otherwise flat. We looped around before arriving back on the road by the promenade. At this point we got some shout out’s from the 10km finishers. It was really hot at this stage and to be honest I found the final 5km a struggle. Finally, the finish line came into sight. First home for Sportsworld in the half was Eoin O’Brien who ran an absolute blinder. First female home was Deirdre McGing who also had a great race. The great thing abut the finish was it was beside the beach so we were able to go straight for a dip in the Med. Carmel, Bronwyn and Val, who had been for a swim the day before promised us it was glorious – like a warm bath. They lied!!! Mind you, as a winter sea swimmer myself I found it heaven. More sightseeing and then the big celebratory dinner and drinks!

Doing a race abroad is incredible. It’s less about times and PB’s and more about the experience, the trip and the company. Sportsworld do trips well!! It was a wonderful weekend with the most fun, inclusive and interesting bunch of people. Thanks to Emily, Jose, Mary and Tim for your support en route and for the great photos. It was great seeing you pop up at various stages. Big shout out to Ellen for researching the hotel which was perfect and for booking the Sunday night dinner. You are amazing!

Finally, for anyone considering a Sportsworld trip I would encourage you to come along on future ones.

The St Cocas 5k in Kilcock is well known as a PB course and Sportsworld took full advantage of the reputation on Friday night.

With surprisingly light traffic, we arrived at the Co Kildare venue 90 minutes before the race. It was clear straight away that this was going to be a well organised race, with plenty stewards directing traffic. Weather conditions were favourable and the wind that battered us on Thursday had thankfully died down

As the Sportsworld crew started to stream in, talk turned to expectations for the race. Some remained tight lipped, ‘yera I just want to get around in one piece’ ‘ah I’m a bit injured after the sports day, so I don’t think I’ll run great tonight’. Others made strong statements of intent, ‘it’s sub 18 or bust for me’, I’m aiming for a PB tonight- no excuses!’.

After a warmup around a nearby commercial park, we headed back to St Cocas club ground for strides on their 100m strip of track, before being called for the race briefing. The organisers ensured that we lined up according to expected finishing time, this ensured a fast start with minimal weaving required.

The first half of the race was downhill and fast. Fears of blowing up were real, when we hit a short drag at the half way point, before the course flattened out. With 30 Sportsworld runners in the race, it was comforting to always have teammates around, some managing grunts of encouragements- Eoin somehow managed shouts of encouragement on the home straight, can someone please bottle this man’s energy and enthusiasm?

I had been warned of a slight hill at around the 4k mark and I was glad for the heads up, as it would have been a nasty surprise. However the last 700 metres were downhill into the village, where there was plenty of support and noise. This allowed us to push hard and fast to close out the race.

At the finish line there were plenty of tired bodies, but also some very happy Sportworld faces. There were more PBs than I can recall and elusive sub 20, 19 and 18 minute barriers broken.

Lisa Madden continues to reach dizzying height, running 16.22 and finishing 3rd female. Paul Macgabhann was first in his age category and Aoife O’Leary third in hers. The Ladies Team picked up first place in the team competition.

All in all it was a great night for the club, not only because of the strong running performances, but also the comradery, craic and support between all of us. Well done everyone- it’s a pleasure suffering together!

Running the 800 meters is like being chased by a lion. You sprint for your life but must pace yourself just enough to avoid collapsing before the finish line. The world’s best 800-meter runners, like David Rudisha and Jarmila Kratochvílová (some women), have turned this gruelling two-lap race into a showcase of superhuman speed and endurance. Rudisha’s record-setting 1:40.91 from the 2012 Olympics was so fast that even cheetahs were left wondering if they should take notes. On the women’s side, Kratochvílová’s 1:53.28 has stood unbeaten since 1983, if only the IAAF could catch up with her.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just someone trying out the distances, the 800 meters is a race that tests your limits and leaves you breathless—literally and figuratively. The fourth graded meet of the year took place on June 5th in Tallaght Stadium. The gradeds are a series of summer races held between May and July on Wednesday or Saturday evenings. Each night features a different distance, allowing those who train on the track over the summer to test their skills. The atmosphere is relaxed with a separate race for every fitness level

This week, we had the 100M dash and the middle distance 800M. First up from the club was Emma Meade. Typically a shorter distance fan, Emma had just completed a gruelling half marathon in the Mourne Mountains on Sunday, she didn’t think the mini marathon was a long enough warm-up! Starting from lane 5, Emma ran an impressive 14.81 to place second, a mark she was determined to beat later in the evening.

Next were the 800M races. Competing in the C grade was Elaine Kennedy. In just her second-ever 800M race, she ran a fantastic race and finished first with a new personal best of 2:24.04. Elaine ran a fast first lap and then took off with 200M to go, she had aimed to run under 2:30 but smashed that goal out of the park. This performance is a testament to her recent fitness gains, and she’s going from strength to strength over the distances. Watch this space—it’s her year.

The next race was another highlight, with Emma running again, this time accompanied by Michelle Burk, Shauna O’Callaghan, and Kate Burke. Determined to improve on her earlier performance, Emma took the lead alongside club friend Siobhan Nugent, with Michelle close behind. As the first lap progressed, Emma and Siobhan pulled away, battling closely to the finish. Emma clinched the win with a time of 2:37.15. Michelle was narrowly edged out for third, finishing in 2:42.53, just ahead of her sister Kate, who ran 2:53.30. Shauna showed a strong final 200M to finish in 3:10.29. The intensity of the race was evident, with all the runners lying flat on the track at the end. The Burke sisters had Veronica cheering them on from the sidelines with motivational slogans, such as”Don’t bring shame to the family!” It was a great race. All of the above had raced at the weekend so Kudos to all.

As for my race, it was my first 800M since 2018. Years of injuries and marathons have slowed my pace significantly. I didn’t give the distance the respect it deserved and went in a bit tired. The first 200M felt like an all-out sprint, and after that, I was toast but never drop out. I managed to avoid melting into the ground and finished in 2:15.46. I had expected a 2:10 to come relatively easily, so it was a wake-up call to incorporate more shorter intervals into my sessions. Onwards to a 5k this Saturday.

Timothy wrapped up the evening with a solid performance, finishing third in 2:18.99, evidence that he is on the comeback trail. Timothy is a great track runner.

Thanks to Emily, Myles, and Veronica for their support. The event had a great atmosphere and was very accessible for runners of all levels. It wasn’t the picturesque golden sunshine I imagined, but you can’t have everything. As always it was amazing to see some relativley new runners toeing the line. Hope to see more out for the next one on June 15th.

Full results and upcoming fixtures on http://live.dublinathletics.com/menu.html

Sun-cream, shades, shorts and sun
Queues, porta-loos, the crowds, the fun
It’s June Bank Holiday
It can mean only one thing
The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon
It’s in full swing!

The red and white Sportsworld ladies were out in force on Sunday June 2nd to take part in the 41st Women’s Mini Marathon. It’s an event that is coloured purple with enthusiasm, significant meaning, inspiration and all round good feelings. The runners, joggers and walkers, ranging in age from 15 to 93, took to the city streets to spread the joy on Sunday afternoon.

Our own Lisa Madden set off in thunderous speed and broke Sportsworld club records to finish 5th in the race with a time of 35.27. Incredible Lisa! Caoimhe Daniels, even with carrying an injury, managed to finish in the top twenty with a time of 39:05. Congratulations Caoimhe! It is wonderful to witness the sheer strength, fitness and speed of the elite runners at events like the mini marathon. It does not come easy. Hours of training, discipline and perseverance leads to phenomenal performances on race day. It is also wonderful to see a lot of our new members going from strength to strength in both training and races. Megan Walls, Veronica, Michelle, Kate and Claire Burke, Shauna O’Callaghan, Regina and Maeve Coppinger, Monica Redondo, Emily Rossler, Caroline O’Brien and Amy O’Neill all represented the club so well at this race and achieved many’s a PB too! Lucy Darcy, athlete extraordinaire, ran her 30+ mini marathon on Sunday last! And enjoyed every minute of it!

The club mark this annual running event with a special award ceremony for club members who participated in the race. Medals were awarded to athletes who placed 1st (Lisa Madden), 2nd (Caoimhe Daniels) and 3rd (Lorna Quinn) for the club in the mini-marathon and medals were also awarded to athletes who placed in their age category. Winners included Darina Hynes, Kimberley Kennedy, Anna Carrigan, Anne Sweeney, Sibeal Waldron and Regina Coppinger. Well done!

Thank you to Emily for the encouragement to take part and for making club runners feel the support and recognition from the club. Ever since the race began in 1983, the mini marathon will always have a special place on the Sportsworld calendar. (Read more about its significance to the club here: https://sportsworldrunningclub.com/about-us/

Thank you for all the support along the route! Those cheers (and bottles of water!) make ALL the difference!

Medals, jellies, relief and smiles

Hugs and photos, all after the six miles!

Toners for some, home for others

The post-race feeling, it joyfully smothers!

Another year over, the mini complete

Nothing to do now, but rest our dear feet!

Everything is nearly wrapped up from this years Sportsworld Terenure 5 mile. We still have the accounts to finish and the charity cheque donation to make but the main work is done. The race organisation, as people on the race committee know, starts around 6 months ago. The race charity selection is normally one of the first jobs, this year there was an easy choice with Anne Sweeney putting forward the Irish Kidney Association with her Grand Daughter getting a kidney transplant and back up support from the IKA recently.

Last year was the first race back since covid and a lot had changed in terms of getting permission for race, traffic management and race costs. Mark Heffernan (South Dublin Vets) very generously came forward this year as the race main sponsor which gave us the security of knowing we could put the race on and cover the costs.

Things flew by pretty quick and all of a sudden we were at race weekend with people coming to the clubhouse to collect their numbers and t shirts. We had a huge amount of help at the weekend giving out the numbers, talking to potential new club members and unfortunately breaking some kids hearts as the junior races sold out this year and we had to close entries.

We knew at the Saturday morning training session it was going to be hot, very hot on race day. Even at 9.30am it was over 20 degrees. First up was the 3 junior races with Sandra Armstrong, Paul Duffy, Lisa Madden and Caoimhe Daniels doing a brilliant job entertaining, controlling, encouraging a large exited group of kids before the start. The junior race seems to get bigger every year and there is nothing like getting your first medal.

On to the main race and Eoin O Brien did a brilliant job getting the finish area and start area set up for 1500 runners and a small crowd. Despite some one deciding to park and leave their car exactly on the finish line things went smoothly and Bronwyn and Maria sorted the car out after the race.

Anthony Gillen working with the traffic management company, the Gardai and the 10 head stewards ensured all the junctions and course was safe.

1350 finshers crossed the line and nearly 200 juniors and each one got an amazing goodie bag supplied, packed and boxed by a very generous Carmel Breen.

We had some amazing companies sponsoring the race giving face painting, rubbish pickup and lead car thanks to Jim Browne and Liam Lenehan.

AnnMarie Clyne did a brilliant job as MC at the start line and awards ceremony.

Michael O Grady kindly gave his time to help any injured or sore runners through out the race morning.

We had Nessa fill in for Laurence Cunningham in the school hall for all the teas and coffee and now wants to do it every year.

Cormac Garvey provided and set up the PA’s systems for free for the race and awards

Bronwyn did all the graphic designs for the race.

Elaine Kennedy, Eoin and Gareth did all the social media work for the race and chasing elite runners.

Delourdes Seymour and Ruth Kelly again came forward to go on the race committee to help with all the planning.

I am sure there are loads of people I am forgetting but the point is there is a huge amount of people needed to put the race on each year. The benefits of the race are we can help local charities, get new club members and put on a high standard club race. So if you enjoyed the race and you would like to get involved with it there is always room on the Sportsworld Terenure 5 mile race committee.