Facebook Twitter
15.6 C
Dublin
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 47

24 Hour World Championships and Open Race

Massive congratulations to Eoin Keith who finished 18th in the world and won the Irish Championship at the 24 Hour World Championships last week in Belfast!!!

Great running also by Claire Harrington in the open race to finish 64th and cover 119km!!!

A short note from Eoin on his great achievement:

Just to update you on a significant result for the club over the Weekend. I was taking part in the world 24 hour running championships in Belfast. These were also the World Masters 24 hours champions and the Irish 24 hours Championships.

I ran a total of 246.8 kilometers, which was a new 24 hour PB for me (I’d hazard a guess a club record too!)

It was enough to get me a position of 18th in the World championships. More significantly it was also enough (after a huge 3 way battle) to Win Gold in the Irish championships. And finally… I won a Bronze medal in the World Masters M45 category (a first medal win for any Irish person in an international 24 hour championship race).

Plenty of photos and links to results around on the event facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/belfast24/) and website etc.

National Masters Outdoors 2017

For the second time in a month, I drove down the M4 motorway destined for the bright lights of the Tullamore track. The national master’s championships took place this past Sunday in Tullamore Harries. I like running down in Tullamore. A tall hedge around the course reduces the wind, making it a fast course.

Due to injuries, there was only Anthony Gillen and I taking part. For those not too familiar, the Masters is run by age groups. Often they will combine two groups in the same race but there are still first and second in each category. Anthony was taking place in the over 50 and Gareth the over 35.

Anthony was taking advantage of the generous 3.5-hour break between the 800M and 1500M to line up for both events. Anthony toed the line in the 800M at 2.30PM and finished a respectable 7th place in a time of 2:24.54. Back on the track at 6PM he finished 8th this time in 5:03.74. A good day and congrats to Anthony for taking part in both races. His 800M time was a recent best as Anthony was a competitive runner in his teenage years.

In between Anthony running the 1500M I was up in the 1500M. At the start of the season, this was my A race but the season has not gone to plan. I won bronze in the indoors but the outdoors are more competitive. I expected to need to run sub 4.10 to medal. I had a bad summer last year with injury and although fit again now I didn’t factor in how much harder it would be to run a fast 1500M at 35 compared to 32 or 33. My PB of 4.04 in 2015 seemed like a distant memory over the Summer as I kept coming in around 4.15.

Going into the race on Sunday I felt great. I did a few reps at the track on Saturday and it felt easy. Warming up I felt like there was a bit in the tank. I was determined to get into 3rd or 4th place and track the leaders. I got a great start and quickly found myself in 2nd place. We went through 300M in 54 seconds and then 2.07 for 700M, effectively jogging in a 1500M and the pace was sure to pick up from there. Over the next 300M, there were some challenges to my inside line but a few elbows and injections of speed later I found myself chasing down the leader with 500M to go. The pace was now getting faster with the previous 400M going through in 66. I love these races were the pace just keeps getting faster and faster. It really puts your speed endurance to the test.

Every time I challenged the lead the guy in front matched it. I gave it one more go on the last bend but With 50M to go, I was more focused on keeping my silver medal than making that last push and potentially falling flat on my face when the legs give up. I leaned into the line just to make sure my celebrations weren’t premature. Happy with the effort. The last lap was by far the fastest in the race, running a 61.

Myself and Anthony had a nice cool down run in the old cross-country course across the road that brought back nightmares of muddy races from years gone by. Driving home there was a sense of satisfaction in the summer sun. I had my eyes on gold earlier in the year but will happily take silver at this stage of the season.I said to myself that if I ran well I would run the Seniors. I’ve also contemplated taking a break from the shorter stuff and throwing myself into marathon training. The next few weeks will tell what comes next. people do say that 35 is too young for masters. Whilst that may be true on the roads the track is a young persons event and it does get tougher as each years passes.

BHAA Phoenix Park Trail 5k

Report by Conor Kenny

Race photos by Roman Mraz. See his full Flickr Gallery here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/152088933@N05/shares/otGxbV

‘Flying Puppies & Fairy Cakes’‘Flying Puppies & Fairy Cakes’

When it’s dark, damp and cold in deepest winter we dream of sunny summer evenings and just hanging out.

Deer hunter and race reporter Conor Kenny

When the summer sun comes, amazing how the devil in our head tries so hard to seduce us into … “Relax! Take it easy. No need to run tonight. You’re tired, you deserve a break. Chill out….Trust me”

The Angel fights back – hard. “Feeling guilty? ‘Chill Out’? Didn’t you chill out yesterday? And the day before? ‘Chill out? You serious? Get your ass out – now. Who are you kidding? If you don’t believe me, text Emily, text Myles. Tell them you’re going to ‘Chill out”

The Angel wins.

The annual BHAA 5K Trail Race in the Phoenix Park is about 5 years old. Historically, the sun doesn’t shine and it is already famous for ferocious torrential downpours.

This year, The Sun Gods smiled. A gorgeous evening touched 20 degrees. The Phoenix Park was a playground to every known outdoor contraption and ageless people mingled happily.

Our playground was a long 2.5K lap familiar to Sunday 10 mile runners. A loop that looks innocent enough until the second time around. Hills, bumps, pulls and more emerged but still, it was a fair ‘cross country’ lap.

Walking out of the sunshine came a little bunch of Sportsworld runners – Val Power, Ray Carpenter, Brian Conroy, Carmel Dolan, Maria Finnegan and yours truly. A relaxed chat quickly turned into a mad dash. We were off. Off into that brutal first half mile when your pace is wrong, your breathing is more like choking and elbows seem determined to floor you. A bend and single file trail brings some relief. You settle. Around half way, you even get a tiny bit “Hey, this is okay, I’m cruising” but you are doing it long enough to know the sting in the tail is imminent. It comes.

What seemed reasonably okay first time around is like the Great Wall of China second time out. Little rises grow into hills and short straights are mysteriously lengthened.

You’ve long since given up on a PB, the heat is biting. The person you just passed is now passing you. You don’t care, this is survival. The devil is back “Pull out – over there, easy. Pretend you got injured!” The Angel reminds you not to – “Where’s your pride?”

Somehow, you run through the pain and, in this case, the treacle like long fresh cut grass. Without the slightest hint of elegance (or concern) we made our way across the imaginary finish line and – inelegantly – into the nearest oxygen tent. The pain recedes and, strangely enough, the memory of torture – “Ah ‘twas grand, I found it easy enough” said a well-seasoned runner who looked like he was well seasoned!

It was such a nice evening nobody bothered to change. Cups of tea, fairy cakes and water were too attractive. In no time, we gathered on the pitch outside and staked our little camp. Everyone gave their tuppence worth on the race, the course and their view. It was a ‘Happy Days’ kind of night. We relaxed more and the upright bodies soon slumped along with the sinking sun. Our circle, chat and mood were simply perfect and then ….

For those of us who have had the pleasure of Val Powers’ company over the years, we know how much she loves dogs and especially Golden Retrievers.

Carmel was propping herself up with one hand and nursing a fairy cake with the other. Without warning, a high jumping flying Labrador pup landed perfectly in the middle of our tribal circle. In one move this little beauty landed, spun, smiled and grabbed the fairy cake. It was pure art. After that, she lay on her back inviting all of us to tickle her as if to say “Feck your race, how impressed are ye with that little move? Seriously impressive, eh?”

This show stealing Pup just about summed up a perfect night in the park. I’m not so sure we will remember the race. I am sure we will remember the flying pup and stolen fairy cake. Then again, isn’t that how it should be?

For the record the gun times were;

–        Brian Conway 21:23
–        Ray Carpenter 23:06
–        Conor Kenny 23:54
–        Val Power 24:24
–        Maria Finnegan 25:23
–        Carmel Dolan 27:02

Dunshaughlin 10k 2017

Report and photos by Joe Byrne

Mid Summer has truly arrived with the 38th running of this Saturday evening race. Always a key date in the sportsworld runners diary, this year was to be no different with 24 of our finest Females and Males making the start line for a bang on 7.30pm start.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Unlike previous years in Dunshaughlin, Saturday evening was on the cooler side which made conditions ideal for this race which started just off the M3 Motorway, before the athletes negotiatied 7-8k over quiet country roads and finished up in the Village centre. Our runners duly obliged with P.Bs in abundance.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Our 16 Men runners were led home by the ever improving Karl Chatterton in a superb time of 35.07. Keep the great work and all the races going Karl, whilst Maria Jones led the 8 Ladies in a time of 41.18 just about edging the battle with Adrian Lanigan.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Taking up my 2 camera positions, firstly outside Carberrys pub on the main street (about 1.2km mark) and subsequently at the 9.8k mark, the contrast in facial expressions and running styles was like a good TV make over program of before and after (See photos below).

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Except in this case in reverse. Ah its so easy to stand on the touch line and look in. Even club champion smiler, Johnny Dwyer couldn’t muster a slight grin on the way in.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Winner in this category Saturday, was Peter Knaggs who was smiles all round at both points.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

As for the post race banquet, well as always, tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits were all in abundance not to mention the glass bottles of fizzy orange.Perhaps the latter were an attempt by the organisers to frustrate the competitors as not a bottle opener could be found in the gym. It certainly wouldn,t happen under Michael Cunningham’s charge.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Well done to all those who took part and flew the club colours. This continues to be one of the best 10k races in the running calendar. Well organised, great course, atomsphere and superb facilities too.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

As for those absent bottle openers, I can already sense the numerous ‘Whats app’ messages on the way for Terenure 5 2018.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Sportsworld Results

40th      Karl Chatterton                35.07
103rd   Diarmuid Suilleabhin         37.21
137th    Damien Gerathy              38.27
143rd   Martin Doyle                     38.41
204th    Noel Tobin                       40.54
213th    Dermot Sullivan               41.06
222nd   Maria Jones                      41.18
224th    Adrian Lanigan                 41.20
235th    Johnny Dwyer                  41.42
286th    Declan Brady                   43.06
299th    Peter Knaggs                   43.24
334th    Padraic Moran                  44.01
365th    Noel Lynam                     45.08
391st    Patricia Fitzmaurice          46.08
405th    Ann Higgins                      46.30
465th    Ray Carpenter                  48.08
470th    Nigel Hanby                     48.03
476th    Paul Cassidy                     48.22
485th    Rosie Mulhern                  48.37
492nd   Ellen Lavin                       48.51
585th    Anne Marie Scanlon         53.09
609th    Caroline Galligan             54.13
620th    Siobhan Clarke                54.31
638th    Sean O Byrne                  56.02

Dublin Graded 5 Tallght 2017

Report by Michael Cunningham

June 21st is the summer Solstice and for some people it’s a big deal marking the longest day of the year. Some people gather at the Hill of Tara or Stone Henge others headed to Tallaght track to take part in the Graded races.

This weeks graded involved 200m for those people who constantly feel like they have just had 10 cups of coffee, 800m for those that think 800m is not a long distance until the last 300m and the 3000m race for the marathon track runners.

We had 2 brand new track racers this week, John Flaherty and Aidan Curran. There is no incitation ritual for new track runners this year but it may change next year so you’re better off trying out a track race this year. No one ever regrets it, not publicly anyway, and you can check out all the previous race times on the Dublin Athletic website so you know where you will finish in the grade of race you enter.

Margaret Crowley was up first in the 200m (30.82) and John Flaherty in his first race block start (32.63). If anyone wants to practice using blocks on the track on Saturdays we can organise getting them set up.

Next was Catherine Mulleady Elliot in the 800m (2.40) Margaret Crowley (2.41). I don’t think Margaret and Catherine have missed a graded race this year, it’s their nightclub.

Then Sportsworld took over the 800m men’s D race with Anthony Gillen (2.25), Michael Lillis (2.26), Alan Hynes (2.28) and Aidan Curran in his first track race in (2.36). It is definitely easier if you are planning on doing a graded race to rope in other people from the club to race with. Sharing is caring.

At this point I want to point out Eoin O Brien the Bere Island no show, the Trinity track no show was also a Tallaght track no show. Anyone else notice when he does do a race he doesn’t wear the club singlet!!!!

Next up we had the 3000m, 7.5 laps. B and C grades where packed together to have 28 runners in one race which means you have to watch your heels don’t get clipped or run 3200m by running in lane 2 or 3 the whole race. Stephen O Donnell had another great race finishing in 3rd place (9.35), Karl Chatterton having a triple race week (9.56), Michael Cunningham (10.09), Conor Keating (10.40), Michael Lillis (11.12)

The next graded race is July 5th in Irishtown so start planting the seed in the head of the person you run with on Tuesday and Thursday.

Sportsworld Results

200m Grade B & C
8th 30.82 Crowley Margaret

200m Grade C
7th 32.63 Flaherty John

800m Grade C
4th 2.40.0 Mulleady Catherine
6th 2.41.1 Crowley Margaret

800m Grade D
5th 2.25.25 Gillen Anthony
7th 2.26.40 Lillis Michael
9th 2.28.79 Hynes Alan
12th 2.36.70 Curran Aidan

3000m Grade B
3rd 9.35.79 O’Donnell Stephen
9th 9.56.89 Chatterton Karl

3000m Grade C
4th 10.09.37 Cunningham Michael
10th 10.40.97 Keating Conor
15th 11.12.11 Lillis Michael

Irish Runner 5 Mile 2017

Report by Sibeal Waldron

Photos by Will Greensmyth. Full album on Facebook: Click here

On a blistering hot (270C) Saturday morning in the Phoenix Park the 15th running of the Irish Runner 5 mile was set to start.  I had been up early for breakfast and picked up my sister Naoise (the very fast one in the family) on the way. I had signed up a few months beforehand when I was going through a good patch of consistent training …..unfortunately this hadn’t continued so I knew I wasn’t in great shape going in but it was a nice day and thought sure I’ll give it a go.

Race reporter Sibeal with sister Naoise during their warming up routine

Myself and Naoise warmed up together and got a few strides in and met a few familiar faces along the way. This is where I made my big mistake…..getting into the waves, I was going to stay back I didn’t want to be dragged along at Naoise’s pace but as I was standing there with Patricia we decided sure why not move up and be with all the Sportsworld gang. Sure what’s the harm we can still run at our own pace? So we moved up to the first wave. This is also where I bumped into Eoin (who was not wearing his Sportsworld colours)….and somehow got roped into writing this report.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Eventually the race got going, there was about a 10 minute delay, which didn’t help in the heat. We headed down Chesterfield Avenue turning left at the Áras and left again at Ratra House onto the North Road. Luckily this part was somewhat in the shade, however I realised I was running way too fast & I knew I couldn’t keep it up. On towards Chesterfield Avenue where we went down the road and did a turnabout.

It was good to see a lot of the other Sportsworld contingent around plus I had my supporters there to cheer me on. From there we turned onto Ordinance Survey Road and towards the Knockmaroon Gate, down into the Furry Glen. Up until this point the course was mainly flat and I was feeling fairly ok. My legs had started to feel heavy at around 3 miles but I was thinking sure I’m over half way it’ll be grand….how wrong was I.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

Coming out of the Furry Glen and on up to the Upper Glen Road was a steady uphill for the last 1.5 miles to the Furze Road. At this stage the heat was almost unbearable and the water station felt like it was 10 miles back rather than 0.5 miles. For me I just walk/jogged the end of the race…..and ended up with a time that I think could be a personal worst…if there’s such a thing.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

I think a few others had bad days with the heat being a big factor, however there were also some great performances as you can see by the times listed below, with a 3rd in her age category for Eileen Rowland and a PB for Naoise.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

After the 5 mile race came the serious business of the Family Race. I had entered along with my husband (and ex-Sportsworld member) Rory, our 2 boys Eamon (5) and Odhrán (3) and dog Rua. This was a 2.7km loop starting on Chesterfield Avenue up towards the Castleknock Gate, down Ordinance Survey Road and finishing on the Furze Road. The boys did a great job Eamon running the entire loop and Odhrán with a little help from Daddy’s shoulders. They were delighted with their medals and goodie bags.

 

The day as a whole turned out to be great fun and although my race didn’t go to plan I’m happy that I got out there, had a bit of banter with fellow club mates and seem to have passed my love of running onto my kids. Here’s hoping there will be a 3rd generation of the Waldron family to keep Sportsworld going into the future!

P.S Thanks to Eoin for doctoring my time and letting me beat Naoise for the first time in about 5 years.

Sportsworld Results

35th Karl CHATTERTON 00:28:35
43rd Kevin CURRAN 00:29:07
83rd Diarmuid ÓSÚILLEABHÁIN 00:30:46
124Denis MCCAUL00:32:18
157 Noel TOBIN 00:33:33
166 Declan BRADY 00:33:46
612 Sibeal WALDRON 00:33:48
169 Naoise WALDRON 00:33:49
259 Catherine MULLEADY ELLIOTT 00:35:51
306 Neil PURDY 00:36:55
309 Patricia FITZMAURICE 00:36:59
443 Francis MAHON 00:37:33
346 Andrea MCNAMARA 00:37:43
429 Paul CASSIDY 00:38:02
371 Eoin O’BRIEN 00:38:21
467 Katie NUGENT 00:38:41
402 Emma BARRY 00:39:08
575 Eileen ROWLAND 00:40:05 (3rd in age category!)
602 Ellen LAVIN 00:40:29
649 Rosie MULHERN 00:41:27
825 Audrai O’DRISCOLL 00:44:07

BHAA Trinity Track 2017

Race report and photos by Jim Browne

Photos by Jim Browne and Siobhan Clarke

Bambi fails to show.

The much awaited rematch between Eoin (Bambi) O Brien and I was set for the BHAA Trinity Track Races on the 13th of June (well much awaited by Eoin and I and pretty much nobody else).   After  12 months of ‘thrash talking’ by Bambi and the calm and  dignified  response that  is  expected of  all  great BHAA Grade 10 -14 runner ( us Munster boys do our talking on the field)  the scene was set for the much anticipated re-match .

 

Disaster struck for me on Sunday morning as I pulled up an hour into my long run with severe knee pain and had to walk/limp home.  With it being a mere 3 days to the showdown, drastic action had to be taken and an urgent appointment was sought and got with a  Physio on Monday morning.  After an extensive examination, the Physio’s face told me that he did not have good news. ‘I’m sorry Mr Browne but no running for at least three months’. ‘THREE MONTHS’ I screamed ‘but I have to race Bambi in 3 days’. ‘Do whatever it takes to get me on the start line ‘was my order to the physio and he reluctantly agreed to give me a couple of cortisone injections into the knee and he also strapped it heavily.

As a footnote he also suggested that I should seek psychiatric help regarding my  comment about racing a fictional character from a Disney movie.

The injury was not ideal preparation for the race but at least I was going to make it to the start line and so what if I limped around the track and was humiliated by Bambi, at least I had honoured my commitment to face him down in a rematch.  Hence imagine my horror when my phone beeps on Tuesday night. ‘Sorry Jim I can’t make it tomorrow night as I am just after getting free tickets to a Daniel O Donnell concert’, and some rubbish about see you next year.

After dealing with the injury and the Bambi no show I was determined to enjoy the evening and in fairness it is difficult not to enjoy these two races which this year were an 800m and a 2000m. It was a lovely June evening and the grass track was looking resplendent against the backdrop of the Trinity buildings. The camaraderie amongst the runners was great and you get to run two track races against runners of your own ability.  Please ignore any suggestions from Bambi O’Brien and Denis (they graded me wrongly) McCaul that the gradings of runners is questionable (see race report from last year: Click here).

Race reporter Jim Browne waiting for Bambi

There was a good turn out from Sportsworld  with Eileen Rowland, Audrey O Driscoll, Peter Knaggs, Liam Lenihan, Noel Lynam ( more about this fast finisher later)  Adrian Langan and myself all going to the line in our respective races.

Eileen and Audrey were first up in the 800m and both ran very well. Next up were the Kilkenny boys Adrian and Liam and I think both were still trying to come to terms to Kilkenny’s loss to Wexford on Sunday.  Don’t worry lads being a back door county isn’t too bad as us Limerick people know only too well.

Adrian blasted off and was quickly in the lead with Liam being more cautious and settling into a more conservative pace. Adrian made the running for about 500m but then did a Jim Browne special and imploded and began to struggle. Meanwhile Liam was working himself through the field and was catching Adrian. However Adrian held off Liam and both had given a good account of themselves in what was their first ever 800m race.

Next up was Peter, Noel and myself. The pace at the start of the 800m is always a shock to the system and after a 100m I found myself last of the 14  runners . However I was feeling comfortable and began to work through the field and by 500m I had gotten myself into 3rd. I felt I was closing in on 2nd but  unfortunately by 650m I had no further acceleration and two young lads (well relatively young) went flying by me on the home straight.

Noel finished was just behind me with Peter just a few seconds behind him.  Seemingly Noel finished Usain Bolt like and stormed up the home straight and little did I know I was to learn all about Noel’s finishing speed in the 2000m.

 

I think all of us really enjoyed the 800m and were looking forwarded to the 2000m. There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere as we watched the higher graded 800m races  and soon it was time to warm up for the 2000m.

First up for Sportsworld was Audrey and she gave a very good account of herself in what is a challenging distance on a track.

Next up were the ‘Back Door Boys’ Liam and Adrian. Adrian ran brilliantly and was involved in one of the best finishes of the evening. Adrian got into an early lead and this time there was no implosion as he held off all comers until about 150m to go. A fast finishing competitor went by him with 120m to go and Adrian look dead in the water. However Adrian responded with typical Kilkenny grit and came back at his competitor on the home straight. For a moment it looked like Adrian had him but the other runner (probably a Davie Fitz inspired, Wexford Man) responded again and just edged Adrian out on the finish line.

Next up were Peter, Noel and myself. Again I went out fairly conservatively and worked myself through the field. At 1000m I had gotten myself into third and was feeling relatively comfortable. It felt like I was making headway on second but then one of the guys that went past me in the 800m went flying by me at about 1400m. I tried to hang on for dear life but there was no catching him. At a 150m to go I glanced over my shoulder and I was well clear of 5th place.

I put the head down and pushed as hard as I could up the home straight and was happy enough with my 4th place. Unfortunately Noel (fast finish) Lynam had other ideas and just as I was about to go over the line, he nipped in front of me. Where he came from I don’t know as he was at least 40m behind me with 150m to go.  Mr Fast Finish is a possible new adversary and I look forward to a rematch. Unlike others, I am sure he won’t let a Daniel O Donnell concert get in his way of his commitments.

Overall it was a great evening racing and next year I think as a club we should try to get as many runners out as possible. Joking aside the grading of the runners is excellent and you really get to run against runners of your own ability on a lovely grass track at a famous Univirsity.The BHAA has food organised in the Pavilion Bar directly after the race and you can also enjoy a beer. What more could you ask for?

Corrections

In the interest of fairness, I may have taken some liberties with the truth in the first couple of paragraphs of this report. The following is what actually happened.

  • I got some discomfort in my knee during my long run on Sunday. Definitely no severe pain or limping home.
  • There was no visit to the Physio or cortisone injections. I did a bit of stretching of my quad and I was grand the following day.
  • Eoin didn’t go to a Daniel O Donnell concert but an Aerosmith concert.
  • Unfortunately the bit about Usain Bolt (I mean Noel Lynam) is true.

Ah well never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Results from the night: https://bhaa.ie/trinity-track-results-2017/

 

2017 Wicklow Way Solo 127km Race

The J. B. Malone memorial above Lough Tay in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

By Damien Kelly – Race Winner!

 

I had two races planned for the first half of the year, the first being the Donadea 50km and then I decided to give the Wicklow Way Solo a try this year.

The first race was the Donadea 50km on the 11th February.  It was a disaster for me as I went out too fast and bonked after 35km.  My main fuel during the race that day were Cliff Shot Blocks. I got to the finish with a mix of walking and running in a time of 3.57.36 which I was disappointed with.

This was a wakeup call for me and if I was to have any chance of finishing the WWS I had to get my nutrition right.  I booked an appointed with Barry Murray of the optimumnutrition4sport.com.  I had a 1 and ½ hr meeting with him and got brilliant advice on my diet and tips for my long weekend runs,   it was the best €159 euro I ever spent.  Thanks Barry.

Friday the 9TH June.

My two mates John and Ken arrive at my house to collect me at 9.30.  I said my goodbyes to my wife Carol and daughters Abbie, Isabel and Alex. A few tears were shed as they didn’t like the idea of their Dad going out running in the mountains in the middle of the night.

We arrived at Marley at 9.50pm and I get my gear ready for the Kit Check.  I then head over to the Tent to get it checked and disaster. My Inov 8 AT/C Storm Shell Waterproof Jacket was refused and I was told it didn’t comply with the required Kit, I was thinking to myself the race was over before it had begun.  I went back the lads and tell them that we might be heading to the pub instead of Clonegal.

I said to myself Damian calm down and think. Ken give me your phone for a minute and I clicked onto the INVO 8 Website and it confirmed that the Jacket was indeed waterproof, back over to the Tent phone in hand and the Jacket was accepted.  Ok I thought to myself forget about the Jacket and prepare to race Damian.

11.58 Jeff gives us a Race Briefing and off we go.  My plan was to breathe easy and stay as comfortable for as long as possible. If anyone wanted to Race ahead I was not going to push myself too hard as 127km is a long way to go.  It was raining hard enough from the start but I knew when we got onto the Hills it was going to get a lot worse.

My mate John and Ken were going to drive from Marley to Clonegal and give me some support on the course, which was brilliant.  Got through Prince Williams and over to Crone in around 2.20.  Now I was dreading the run up to Djouce and down the Boardwalk as I knew the wind and the rain would be bad but nothing had prepared me for what I was about to face head-on.

Going over the Dargle I got passed by Rory and Baterdene, then onto the side of Doujce we had rivers flowing down the trail, visibility ranging from 4ft to 8ft and gusts of wind well I can only imagine but it seemed like 100km plus.  I lost sight of Rory and Baterdene, then on to the other side of Djouce and onto the famous Board Walk that ended up in the High Court!  This part was brutal as you couldn’t really see where you were putting your feet and the planks drop a step every now and again, this is where your mental battles really start to kick in.  Carol (my wife) your mad doing that race Damian you will kill yourself, well Carol you are right and please transport me back to my cosy bed!!  Damian cop on and get off this section and down to Lough Tay and you are out of the worst of it and I did mission accomplished!!

 

Through the farmers field and over to the road to Oldbridge and the birds start singing, a smile came to my face.  I felt good but I had no idea what place I was in the race.  I met three runners heading down the hill to Oldbridge and they told me I am looking fresh and a lad is just ahead of me.

I passed Baterdene on the section of Paddock Hill on the way down to Glendalough.  I arrived in Glendalough around 5.20 and John and Ken are there with words of encouragement, I see Adrian and this surprises me as I thought he was well ahead of me.

Jeff and the lads are brilliant Bacon Sambo and bottle change and last out of the Station out of the three of us in 4TH Place. I am only aiming for a finish and a top 10 so happy days after 49km.

Up the long climb to Derrybawn, at one point I can see the three Leaders in view I’d say around 1 ½ km ahead.  Got to the top then myself, Baterdene descended down the grassy section and like Trapeze Artists both of us go up in the air and luckily we only landed on grass and not rocks!!

Now Fire Road for around 4km, going well now I said I will push myself a small bit on the downhills.  I passed Baterdene and then Adrian soon after which surprised me as Adrian is a top Mountain Runner.  I then meet two lads from base camp just at the end of Fire Road and they gave me lots of encouragement and let me know the leader Rory is not that far ahead (thanks lads).

I arrive into Ironbridge feeling good and see Rory just heading up the hill out of the checkpoint.  Again John and Ken are there giving me encouragement and off I go.

At this stage I am telling myself that you have a small chance of winning this, no not you Damian!!  Onto Ballycumber Hill and Rory comes into view.  I had a quick chat with Rory then I decided to push on but it’s a long way from the finish.

I arrived into the Dying Cow and the lads are there again, they tell me to get in and out of the Station so no time to take off my Rain Jacket as my number is pinned to it.  Quick bottle change 3 pieces of orange 2 jellies and a small banana and off again.

I arrive at the bottom of Coronary Hill and I had to walk around 95%  as I tried to run up a small bit but the legs refused.  Arrive at the last Aid Station and Ken and John tell me no time to stop in and out, so bottle change and two more Jellies and off.

Into Raheenakit Wood and I kept expecting Rory to come into view but no sign of him.  My plan for the rest was to walk and run up the hills and try and go fast on the downhills.

I went fast going town to Grassy Lane of Raheenakit Wood and when I looked at my watch I was doing 5 min km. Finally out of Urelands Hill and 5km to go on Tarmac to Clonegal.

John and Ken appear again in the jeep and shout more abuse at me sorry I meant encouragement.

I was still expecting Rory to appear but I was finally starting to believe that I could win this me No!

Around the last bend and touch and kiss the Wicklow Way sign in a time of 14.24.30.

Right sorry this has to be done now time for my Oscar thank you and don’t worry I will leave God and Jesus out of it as I thanked both of them enough while running around Doujce!! Thank you.

Jeff and Robbie and the Volunteers.

Amazing job done by all and to brace the elements at the checkpoints during the bad weather, it is nearly harder than running the race!

Ken, John,

Thank you for the support at the Checkpoints you were amazing lads.  It really meant a lot to me, even though you gave me a bit too much abuse at the business end of the Race, that’s what best friends are for.

Oliver

Thank for the Long Training runs we did together.

Richie Byrne

Sadly Richie passed away last year, many of you in the Mountain Community will know Richie.  I worked with Richie for around 5 years and It was Richie that introduced me to IMRA a big thank you to Richie up there!!

Richard  Healy Sculputre.

When I finally leave this world and I don’t plan on it being soon, I now have the 1st place Trophy for my Head Stone!!  An amazing piece of craftsmanship Thank you Richard.

Family

My wife Carol and daughters Abbie, Isabel and Alex.  Thank you for putting up with me and my training for the race and the support you gave me love you all loads.

Runners

Well done to all for participating and finishing, the training alone deserves a Trophy.

Thank you

DAMIAN

Sportsworld donate €6000 after the 2017 Terenure 5

????????????????????????????????????

Sportsworld Running Club in Bushy Park, Terenure are delighted to donate €6000 to the PWSAI following another highly successful Terenure 5 Mile!

Sponsors Michael Sheehan from Bill Sheehan Motors, Anna Kelly and Tracey Gilbourne, both from Lisney Terenure are joined by Caitriona Jones from the PWSAI and Sportsworld Running Club Chair and vice-chair Sandra Gowran and Michael Cunningham from Sportsworld Running Club

The Prader Willi Syndrome Association of Ireland are a 100% volunteer organisation that receives no Government funding and we hope that the awareness raised and our donation will go some way to helping this organisation and the great work they do. Take some time to visit their website: www.pwsai.ie

Special thanks to our top class sponsors whose generosity and support enabled us to make such a big donation. So thanks again to Lisney Terenure, who have been behind the race for the past 3 years, South Dublin Vets and Mitsubishi Ireland Bill Sheehan & Sons! It really was great to see these local businesses getting behind this big community event!

Thanks also to all of you who ran this year! The Terenure 5 has sold out the past 2 years now thanks to your support. Sportsworld Running Club have been hosting this race every year since 1985 and have donated tens of thousands of euros charity!

If you’d like to continue your running adventure, why not join Sportsworld Running Club! We train from our clubhouse in Bushy Park every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. Come along and train for 2 weeks for free to see if you like it. Any questions just email info@sportsworldrunningclub.com or visit our information page on this website: www.sportsworldrunningclub.com/join/

See you all in May 2018!

Dublin Bay 5 Miler

Race report Gareth Murran

Dublin Bay Running Club hosted their 5 miles around the Head of Howth this past Sunday morning. I have become accustomed to this part of the city, working in Sutton for the past year. The hills of Howth were a frequent site during the first 3 months of the year for early morning cross country training.

It was a last minute decision to take part in the race, only deciding late on Saturday night. having looked at the results last years race was won in a handy 34 minutes. I wasnt going to run too hard after a tough Saturday track session.  But with the chance of a victory it was worth retracing the daily commute for the chance of a victory and a chance to run on the beautiful Howth Head cliff path.

More than 180 runners took part in the race. This was a fabulous trail run along the cliff tops of Howth Head. The course had many up and down hills giving excellent hill training for runners. This was a very well organized event by Dublin Bay Running Club. Runners had a great experience from start to finish. The Registration and Finish area was located at the Summit Inn pub.

Also on the start line were 2  Raheny lads I know well, home club chairman Ger Copeland and Ronan Rogan of Bohermeen AC.  The first mile of the race was all downhill but quickly we found ourselves facing the 400-meter stairway to heaven with a 75-meter elevation. Not even the ridge run in Lanzarote could prepare you for this one.

I ended up in 4th place overall not wanting to split my head open on the rocks or fall over the side eek! The race was actually 100 meters short of 5 miles and it was wet in parts, these are my real excuses for not placing 3rd 🙂 The winner of the race was Ronan Wogan of Bohermeen AC with Damien Martin celebrating his 53rd birthday (Raheny Shamrock AC) 2nd and Ger Copeland (DBRC) 3rd. Credit to the organization and the club for putting on such a fantastic race. Word is sure to get around. I recommend doing a long run out here. I might take up hill running yet.

1...464748...115Page 47 of 115
Sportsworld Running Club
Sportsworld Running Club Bushy Park Dublin 6
Contact us: info@sportsworldrunningclub.com
Facebook Twitter

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Sportsworld 2019