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National Masters Track and Field 2016

Report by Aileen Melody

Photos by Sandra Gowran

Sportsworld results below.

Sunday 21st August started off a dull calm day weather wise and after the gales and rain from the day before the bunch of Sportsworld Masters set off to the National Masters Track & Field championships thankful they weren’t on the day before!

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Race Reporter Aileen picking up a gold medal!

First up on the track at 12 O clock were the girls taking part in the 3,000m race. They were Ruth Kelly, Anna Delaney, Lucy Darcy and Sandra Gowran. Everyone ran a great strong race and congratulations to Lucy who came away with Bronze in her age category.

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A special mention to Sandra who had come back from holidays the day previous and had had to endure a 5 hour longer trip on a car ferry than she should have in stormy seas and gales, despite not being fully recovered she lined up and stormed home (excuse the pun!)

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Next up were the lads in the 5,000 at 3pm. Damian , Michael and Justin ran hard and played a blinder though the competition was strong.

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Then we had a long wait until half past 5 for the Ladies 1500 in which I was the Sportsworld representative. Why didn’t I go in the race earlier in the morning!! My race started well but with my lack of recent training I struggled in the last lap but I managed a medal in my age category we will say no more about that!!

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Following straight after in the Men’s 1500 Martin, Wesley & Declan gave it their all.

Even though the races were hard and the competition strong everyone did the Red & White of Sportsworld proud and had a bit of fun during the day even if it was just to slag Nick about not knowing his wife’s age but all is forgiven!

A big thank you to Emily for all the coaching and encouragement and support on the day.

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Sportsworld results

1500m W55
1st MELODY Aileen 6:25.93 (Gold medal)

3000m W35
5th DELANEY Anna 12:49.44

3000m W40
4th KELLY Ruth 11:19.09

3000m W45
3rd D’ARCY Lucy 12:24.29 (Bronze medal)
4th GOWRAN Sandra 13:24.60

1500m M35
8th HARRISON Wesley 4:40.43

1500 M45
7th KEENAN Martin 4:42.49

1500m M50
8th BRADY Declan 5:15.54

5000m M35
10th CUNNINGHAM Michael 17:31.16

5000m M40
5th KELLY Damien 17:00.60
7th MCKEEVER Justin 17:35.95

Frank Duffy 10 Mile 2016

Report by Diarmuid Ó Súilleabháin

Photos by Denise Kilkenny and the Dublin Marathon Facebook album: Click here

Full club results below.

Dublin Athletic Board 10 mile Road Championships / Frank Duffy 10 Mile

Fridays are great, aren’t they. I love them. And the best thing about any Friday is of course the Phoenix Park facts section in Eoin O’Brien’s weekly email. Where does he find them, I chuckle to myself over my morning tea. This great object of fascination for everyone’s favourite middle distance grass track specialist provided the setting for the the Dublin Athletic Board 10 mile Road Championships which was ran in conjunction with the Frank Duffy 10 Mile race last weekend.

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The Frank Duffy takes place at a great time of the year usually with lovely summery warm conditions and blue skies but this year would be different. It has been said that Inuit people have 50 different words for snow and I could think of as many to describe the rain on the morning of the race. Although, none of these can be published here, I could only laugh as I togged out between the start line and the ha-ha* that runs around Ashtown Demesne (a.k.a. the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre), gingerly changing from one wet item of clothing into another.

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I enjoyed the sight of all the runners gathered like clusters of penguins under the large trees near the start line, their teeth chattering, half jogging on the spot, and constantly checking their watches. Yes, time really is moving that slow. With less than 5 minutes to the gun, they emerged, and keeping the warm-up to the bare minimum made their way to their corrals.

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The course for the race changes a lot and this makes it harder to judge where you are at in terms of your own fitness. It was changed again this year and combined with the unfavourable conditions certainly made for a slower race.

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The introduction of Acres Road at about mile 8 made for especially difficult conditions running into a 40km/h headwind but it will take more than that to deter Myles Nugent and Dave Clarke who stationed themselves at the bottom of this section so could shout us all up the Upper Glen Road. The finish line couldn’t come fast enough but generous cheers always make it easier.

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We had approximately 40 people in the race which was impressive considering how many were going to the National Track Masters in Tullamore. Fortunately the weather cleared at the end and we had the chance to share our post race synopses.

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From looking at the results from this and last year, the times seemed to be 1-2 minutes slower comparing 1st, 10th, 50th, & 100th positions from both years (That’s my excuse anyway). That said, there were a number of PBs had by Sportsworlders on the day.

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Congratulations to our Ladies over 50 team of Eileen Rowland, Carol Lynch and Audrai O’Driscoll who won silver medals! Eileen Rowland who also won gold in her age category along with Ray Carpenter & Sean O’Byrne who got bronze in theirs! Listed below are peoples times. Well done to everyone for getting out there running and supporting, and apologies for anyone who I haven’t included.

Sportsworld results: 

Kevin Curran 01:00:43
James Brady 01:03:55
Diarmuid O’Suilleabhain 01:03:59
Sean Duffy 01:06:42
Noel Tobin 01:08:32

Damien Geraghty 01:09:31
Sean Donegan 01:10:17
Jose Chapa 01:11:06
Andrea McNamara 01:12:21
Naoise Waldron 01:12:25

Paul Brady 01:14:36
Johnny Dwyer 01:14:36
Stephen Willoughby 01:15:31
Eoin O’Brien 01:16:39
Denise Kilkenny 01:18:34

Neil Purdy 01:20:21
Paul Cassidy 01:21:16
Denis McCaul 01:20:23
Grainne Dilleen 01:21:52
Eileen Rowland 01:21:17 (Gold medal age category & Team O50 silver medal)

Patricia Fitzmaurice 01:21:48
Katie Nugent 01:22:33
Niamh Flaherty 01:22:55
Gemma White 01:23:01
Sibeal Waldron 01:23:58

Claire Rowley 01:23:14
Ray Carpenter 01:27:18 (Bronze medal age category)
Caroline Lynch 01:28:21 (Team O50 silver medal)
Stephanie Bergin 01:27:45
Catherine Gilmore 01:33:53

Sean O’Byrne 01:33:58 (Bronze medal age category)
Yvonne Ryder 01:33:08
Tara Murphy 01:32:47
Audrai O’Driscoll 01:34:19 (Team O50 silver medal)
Madeleine Byrne 01:34:47
Emma Barry 01:34:48
Phillip Kerr 01:36:26

* These are sunken fences, or walls, which are used to prevent cattle and other animals gaining entry to the garden about a house, or other building, but allow for uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape (In the above photo you can see the ha-ha in action – the cows desperately want to go onto the nice lawn, but can’t). You’ll see these all over the park. James Brady is a big, big fan of this landscape feature. Did you know the ha-has gather water in the winter and provide important spawning sites for frogs. Watch out for the frogs here next spring. How’s that for a fact Eoin!?

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Senior Dietitian Talk – Tuesday 30th August

Sportsworlds Mary Finn, a senior dietitian at Tallaght Hospital, will be giving a talk next week, Tuesday August 30th in the clubhouse.

It will be straight after the training session and all members are welcome, especially those new to the club.

If you can’t make training come along after 8pm for the talk – tea/coffee available.

If you have any particular questions or queries you would like Mary to address, email it to us in advance at info@sportsworldrunningclub.com

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Streets of Galway 2016

Report by Will Greensmyth

Photos from Streets of Galway Facebook page: Click Here

Sportsworld results below along with Sportsworlds all time top 5 Streets of Galway times.

The following is a report on the 30th running of the Streets of Galway. In writing this report, I have I put aside my intense bitterness, spite and disgust at Galway being awarded the European City of Culture 2020 over the eternal city of Limerick.

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Munster race reporter Will enjoying the sights of the winning 2020 City of Culture (it wasn’t Limerick)

For the uninitiated, the Streets of Galway (SoG) is a midsummers race with which Sportsworld have had a long history (see end of race report for the history). This was my first year taking part but definitely not my last. The race has lots going for it – organised by a running club, fast course, evening time, decent price. And culture. Lots of culture.

The Road Less Travelled

This year, a small selection group of SW’s “finest” toed the line – namely Bambi O’Brien, Phil Kilgannon, Packie Enright and myself. The Real Paul O’Connell was also in attendance although he was staying with his running in-laws of Crusaders AC. We were accompanied in our expedition by now two time winner Siobhan O’Doherty.

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Pre-race lunch on Saturday

Siobhan and myself had quite the journey, somehow navigating ourselves from a niece’s christening in Toomevara to Galway via the less travelled backroads of North Tipperary and South Galway to arrive in time. Bambi and Phillymanjaro on the other hand set out from Dublin and had the relative luxury of the M6 to experience, enjoying a pitstop in Mullingar to pay their respects to Joe Dolan, arriving in Galway to enjoy lunch, a stroll along the prom and each other’s company.

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When in Rome/Mullingar

The atmosphere was to change however when the gents realised that they had managed to book a B&B that only included the first ‘B’ and was probably the most expensive guesthouse in the country. At least they had the glamour of a roundabout to look at from their windows.

Race

The Race HQ was on Nimmo’s Pier, named after the 19th century architect who designed some of Galway’s more distinctive landmarks including Roundstone village.

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Nimmo’s Pier

At 7pm, the race started a little away from Nemo. There was a wonderful atmosphere at the start as people warmed up for the race. Surprisingly for Galway city, there was no one playing a didgeridoo or bongos at the start line. Culture.

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One thing which was clear to all was how strong the wind was. If I thought it had been tough for the Gradeds in Tallaght on Wednesday night, it was gale force strength in Salthill, to the extent that the organisers were looking for able bodied volunteers to assist in keeping their finish line tent fixed to the ground.

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It wasn’t 27 degrees in Galway

The race started with a rifle shot and off we went. After 1km, we ran past the Spanish Arch. In 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada, two hundred Spaniards who came ashore after a shipwreck in Galway Bay were butchered by the locals. Coincidentally, 1588 was also the last time Galway was awarded the European City of Culture.

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Spanish Arch

We then hurtled towards Eyre Square before sweeping over towards the Cathedral. It’s not the prettiest building in Ireland. So lacking in aesthetic qualities, it was recently described in an Irish Times article concerning “ugly” Irish buildings as a “squatting Frankenstein’s monster” and “a monument to the hubris of its soft-handed sponsors”. Culture indeed.

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Frankenstein

A sharp left past UCG which has over the years educated some of the finest minds in Sportsworld and we were running towards Salthill.

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After 4k, we approached Pearse Stadium. Probably the worst located stadium of any GAA ground in the country and as anyone who has played there will attest, also home to what might most favourably be described as “erratic” localised wind patterns. Flags were still at half-mast following the Galway footballers capitulation at the hands of Tipperary. This section of the course was full of poxy drags and climbs that really tested us especially with the wind battering us and ruining everyone’s hair.

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Pearse Stadium Location

Thankfully we were shortly onto the Prom, made famous by Steve Earle’s “Galway Girl”, and the wind was now at our backs as we kicked for home. The legs felt strong, and the stride length opened up, as Bambi said…He felt like the BFG running in to the finish.

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We entered the Claddagh. Up to the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Claddagh was a distinct Irish speaking community across the Corrib river from Galway City, with its own king, who led the fishing fleet and made the big decisions. The King of the Claddagh sailed a galway hooker with a special white sail, and settled disputes between the locals. #dreamjob

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Past the Claddagh, and the final turn back on Nimmo’s Pier where glory, garlands and eh…’gratulations awaited us.

Results

Siobhan had a cracking run finishing as first lady, and adding the Streets to her list of 2016 victories. Phil and Paul O’C weren’t far behind. I was delighted with my own 30 minute effort with the King of cratloe hot on my heels. Bambi also had a great run, despite the niggles of a dodgy calf, he was well under 35 minutes. Despite being easily distracted by the amusements and fairground in Salthill.

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Race Winners! (yes its August)

Post race

After Siobhan collected her prizes and we all had a chance to freshen up, there was a bite to eat before we joined up with the Crusaders and MSB gang in the Front Door where race performances were analysed over a few refreshments and some epic dancing. The much loved Kilgannon Shuffle was on show. The obligatory 2am Supermacs visit rounded off a great night. The Chief Logistics Officer, Bambi is already planning the next Sportsworld expedition. Stay Tuned.

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History of Sportsworld and the Streets of Galway

For those that are interested, the SOG website shows the race results as far back as 1999. A quick analysis identified that Terenure’s finest (and Terenure’s finest blowins) have togged out for this race in big numbers on many occasions. I’m sure if the pre-1999 results could be searched, they would reveal sizeable marauding parties from Bushy Park from the first iteration in 1986 onwards. The numbers of Sportsworld have dropped considerably in recent years but might see a rebirth from 2016 on.

By way of snapshot, in 1999, we had 14 runners in the top 200, with Dave Morley (24th) and Ciara McCarthy (62nd) our top finishers.

The 1999 results also show Emily finishing in 31’45” while husband Mick (202nd in 34’36”) looks to have been pipped on the line by both Conor Kenny (200th in 34’34”) and Ruth McGann (201st in 34’35”). I hope Conor enjoys reminding Mick of that sprint finish!

A wider look at the available results shows that Sportsworld runners over the years have blitzed the 8k SoG course.

Top Five Sportsworld Women’s Times:
Sandra Gowran 29’06” (2004)
Eimear Martin 29’10” (2005)
Aoife O’Leary 29’11” (2009)
Ciara McCarthy 29’29” (1999)
Lucy Darcy 29’30” (2005)

Top Five Sportsworld Men’s Times:
Eanna Cunnane 25’16” (2007)
Dave Byrne 25’49” (2002)
Phil Kilgannon 25’50” (2007)
Paul O’Connell 26’34” (2002)
Packie Enright 26’45” (2006)

We’ve also had Aoife O’Leary finish second, Eimear Martin finish third and Crona Brady finish fourth over the years, while Eanna finished 9th.

2016 Sportsworld Results

18th O’Connell Paul 00:27:57
29th Kilgannon Phil 00:28:28
63rd Greensmyth William 00:30:19
272nd Enright Packie 00:34:28
297th O’Brien Eoin 00:34:54

 

Rock n Roll Half Marathon & 10k

Race report by Neil Purdy

Photos from Rock n Roll Facebook page: Click here

So second race this week following the DLR Bay 10 K on Monday I lined up for the Dublin leg of the Rock ‘n’ Roll (half) marathon series. Was early enough down to the start line but still didn’t see any familiar faces in the crowd.

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Race reporter Neil hydrating before the race

The route looked ok on paper with a long stretch up the quay’s and through Kilmainham, Chapelizod and into the park for the long stretch up Chesterfield Avenue and the well-known Military road and upper Glen road hills to finish.

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Atmosphere was good at the start line as the corals were let loose on Dublin. I set off just ahead of the 1.45 pacer and settled in quickly enough. Was nice to have the city roads free to run on and took in the sights of the quays and the music from the first of the bands along the route.

Our course took a little diversion up Winetavern St just to add another hill and show off Christ church cathedral for the visiting runners.

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Back to the quays and up towards Guinness, Avoid eye contact with the black gates until after the race!!

As we reached Kilmainham the sun began to split the clouds and the 1.45 pacer charged past me. I eyed the Garmin but everything seemed fine, either I had got the pacing wrong or he was banking time for the hilly finish.  Anyway I continued on at my pace and we left Kilmainham with another band playing away for the passing runners.

We were now on the reverse of the Dublin marathon route heading to Chapelizod with some welcome downhill sections to catch a breath.

The first sight of the park was the split for the 10K finish, Very tempting to take that turn and be done but onwards we went with a nice breeze on our back which was welcome but knew it wouldn’t be when we turned into the park.

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‘Oh hello wind’ – Yep I was right the wind was right in the face for the long section up Chesterfield Avenue. A welcome left turn onto Acres Road took us out of the wind and some encouragement from the Sports world Marshalls was welcome. At this point I passed the 1.45 pacer and the much smaller group.

Last two hills were tough enough with wind in the face but again some great encouragement for Myles and Dave pushed me up the last climb and onto the last flat section before turning and putting in a kick for the finish line.

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Was happy with a finish time of 1.44.43 which gave me a 10s PB over my last half!

Huge congratulations to the womens team of Noreen, Ruth and Naoise who where the runners up in the National Half Marathon Championship and picked up silver medals! Noreen also came 2nd in her age category so she gets another medal for her efforts! Full club results below.

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Sportsworld Results

National Half Marathon Championship

Justin MCKEEVER 01:23:47
James BRADY 01:24:23
Diarmuid O’SUILLEABHAIN 01:25:37
Noreen BROUDER 01:25:39 (Team Silver Medal + Individual Age Category Silver Medal!)
Ruth KELLY 01:33:38 (Team Silver Medal!)
Damien GERAGHTY 01:35:42
Naoise WALDRON 01:37:35 (Team Silver Medal!)
Caoimhe COSTIGAN 01:38:06
Francis MAHON 01:44:04
Neil PURDY 01:45:03
Adrian LANIGAN 01:53:18
Emma BARRY 01:56:55
Mairead DAUNT 01:57:15
Grainne LYNCH 1:58:41
Ed COLLINS 02:02:31
Paula DOOLEY 02:03:42

10k

Peter KNAGGS 0:42:08
Noel LYNAM 0:47:20
Stephen WILLOUGHBY 0:47:24
Katie NUGENT 0:48:33
Nuala O’CONNOR 0:49:44
Denis MCCAUL 0:49:47
Sandra KELLY 0:50:07
Aggie BUCKLEY 0:50:20
Madeleine BYRNE 0:51:50
Rosie MULHERN 0:52:45
Phil DALY 0:54:58

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Bohernabreena Tallaght 10k (Waterworks)

Report by Mary Finn (Race Winner!)

Photos from Born to Run Facebook Album: Click Here

The inaugural Water Works 10k took place on Thursday 4th August starting at St Anne’s GAA grounds at 7pm. There was great representation from Sportsworld including Peter Knaggs and Philip Kerr who are well known to the Born 2 Run races and only recently competed in Newcastle at the base of Slieve Donard.

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Race reporter and race winner Mary Finn!

If you are looking for a race with a difference the Born 2 Run races might meet your needs. Their motto is ‘Great Races in Great Places’.  These races are unique as they are off road and take place in beautiful scenic settings.

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It was quite some time since I had ran in the Water Works. From memory I knew it was going to be a hilly course. Conor Kenny gave us a race debrief beforehand, outlining where the toughest parts were and when to push on.

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The rain stayed away and it was a warm muggy evening. The race started with a tough climb for about 1 mile up to the waterworks. I completely underestimated how steep this was going to be and set off way too fast. After 1 km my legs didn’t feel like my legs! The race took in the two reservoirs along the lovely tree lined trails. The scenery was spectacular (if you took the time to look around and take it all in).  Each km was marked and there was a well needed water station along the way.

Overall it was up and downhill for the next 6km. The last 2km was a lovely welcome downhill. Conor had said to us that if we have any breath left at this stage to pick up the pace here through to the finish. I attempted this but had nothing left.

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For me this was the toughest 10k I have ever done. In saying that I would definitely do it as the scenery, lovely trails and off road experience made up for the pain. At the end we were all awarded with a medal and yummy sausage rolls from the BBQ (perhaps not the best post-race recovery fuel but tasty all the same!).

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Sportsword results

6 Mary Finn 00:41:41 (Race winner!)
9 Peter Knaggs 00:43:25
11 Nigal Burke 00:43:39
15 Phillip Kerr 00:44:02
18 Shay Brady 00:44:25
26 Nigel Elliott 00:45:42
29 Noel Lynam 00:46:21
47 Eileen Rowland 00:49:31
58 Conor Kenny 00:50:50

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Graded 8 – Tallaght

Race report and photos by Eoin O’Brien

Photo album: Click here

Full Sportsworld results below. To see the club records: Click here

The last Graded Meet was in Windy City last night at a bright but increasingly blustery Tallaght track. The Graded Track Series is organised annually by Dublin Athletics and held across eight Wednesday evenings during the summer, usually a fortnight apart utilising the tracks in Tallaght, Santry and Irishtown.

Each meet consists of 3 different track events and 3 field events. On the final night this year the chosen track distances where the 100m, 400m and 3000m. Each distance is then usually run 4 times from Grade A (the highest) to Grade D although they can combine races to save time i.e. run the Grade’s C & D together.

We had the usually posse role up to race with the notable exception of a post-honeymoon Catherine Mulleady who was spectating rather than racing. She might not yet be ready to race again but I found her strength & conditioning boxing class powers haven’t faded with the dead arm she give me.

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Anyway there was only one story tonight, and that was Will Greensmyth going for and epic trilogy of racing in ALL THREE races on the night. Just like Goldilocks he wanted to dip his finger in all 3 bowls of porridge to see which he like best. And why not. Nom Nom.

The Trilogy Part 1: The 100m

First up was the 100m sprint. Sportsworld only had men’s representation in this event. Usual sprinting suspect Margaret Crowley decided to focus on the 400m (Margaret was late). So first up our resident sprinter David Saunders was in action. The blustery conditions meant our boy was running into a head wind from a standing start but undeterred he still blasted home in  a convincing 12.73 seconds.

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Next up was Goldilocks Greensmyth with race 1 out of 3. He was caught Googling ‘proper warm up routine for sprinting’ earlier, as in 10 minutes before the race,  so all eyes (and cameras) where trained on him to see if he’d fall out of the starting blocks.

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Up until last night there were only 2 out of 3 recorded times for the 100m in the official Sportsworld records; so even if Goldilocks walked this he would actually still be guaranteed a spot in the club records. But in fairness to him:

A. He didn’t fall out of the blocks and
B. He gave it a right lash running 13.75 and getting himself on to the all time club records page in 3rd spot (Click here)

Goldilocks Verdict: This porridge was a little too hot.

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The Trilogy Part 2: The 400m

Margaret showed up by this stage and jumped straight into 400m action. Margaret’s been one of the most consist club performers at these meetings over the past couple of years. Starting out tonight she had a difficult lane 8, right on the outside, but got a good start and ran a great 70.07 into an ever increasing head wind on the home straight.

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Next up in 400m action was David Saunders again for his second race of the night. That would be a big story in itself but sure we know who’s racing next. Dave ran a very tactical race biding his time before making his move in the last 150m, driving out of the last corner and keeping that momentum up as he ate up the last 40m,30m20m and across the line in first place knocking 3 secs off his PB and running the fastest EVER 400m recorded by a Sportsworld athlete of 54.81!. An excellent evenings work! 

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Also in this race was new club member Brian Martin who had an excellent 57.57 on his club debut! A good enough time to enter the Sportsworld records in 3rd place for the 400m! (Club records: Click here)

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Brian Martin (555)

Goldilocks Greensmyth was up next and back in the starting blocks (camera set to video, check). David Saunders had given Will the lowdown on how to run a 400m race and he executed it perfectly coming out of the last corner with the momentum gained to pick off a couple of runners in to cruise home in 59.42!

Goldilocks Verdict: With a strong headwind to finish with, this porridge was a little too cold.

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The Trilogy Part 3: The 3000m

It was coming up to 9pm and you’d really notice the evenings getting darker. Well I did anyway with all my poxey photos starting to blur without the flash. I digress, again it was left to the men to represent the club in this distance. John Durcan up from Cork for the summer to train with us hopped into the Grade A race and had an excellent turn out in coming 4th in 9.19.81.

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The Grade C race with Michael Cunningham and Justin McKeever turned into a thriller. The lads opening laps where very tactical sticking to the back of the main bunch and letting them do the hard yards. As the laps unwound a couple broke away so Michael assumed control at the front of the chasing pack with Justin just behind.

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This continued until the final 300m when Michael had a blistering acceleration to pick off the couple of front runners and absolutely leave them for dust on the final 100m. He tore up that home straight as if he saw a new Pokemon Go. A fine first victory for Michael Cunningham in a big competitive field with tough racing conditions. Perfect timing with the national Masters on in 3 weeks.

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Finally we had Goldilocks and Declan Brady in the second of the Grade C races. To complete the trilogy, Will just had 7.5 laps ahead of him. The race started well for our boys as they held on to the leading lights and sat back in the group. Goldilocks was looking particularly comfortable. It was only after 3 or 4 laps when the main pack dropped him did we fear that the 100m and 400m may have taken a bit too much out of him.

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But fear not, like any good fan that travels regularly with the Irish soccer team he got a second wind. From about 50m back he dug in and caught the group. Not resting on his laurels with 900m to go he pushed on crossing the start/finish line in the lead with 800m to go. Will was stilling looking good out front on his own with 600m to go before the group reeled him back in for the final dash over the last lap. Still a great race with a solid finish after his earlier exploits.

Goldilocks Verdict: An exceptional run that nearly resulted in a win, this porridge was just right.

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So to sum up:

  • Michael Cunningham had his first win in the 3000m.
  • David Saunders won his 400m race.
  • David Saunders now holds the club 400m record.
  • Will Greensmyth completed all 3 races and entered the club 100m records.
  • Brian Martin made it on to the 400m records on his race debut.

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Well done to all who ran and thanks to all those who supported, Catherine, Aileen, Dave and Martin along with Myles who was timekeeping on the night. The drama didn’t end there as it turned out Goldilocks went home and tried all his housemates beds.

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Till next year…
…unless you are over 35. Then you can race in the National Masters in Tullamore in August 21st.
Whoever said life begins at 40? To enter: Click here

Sportsworld Results

100m Grade C
Saunders david 12.73
Greensmyth William 13.75

400m Grade B
Crowley Margaret 70.07

400 Grade C
Saunders david 54.81 – Race Winner!
Martin Brian 57.57
Greensmyth William 59.42

3000m Grade C
Cunningham Michael 10.15.28 – Race Winner! Greensmyth William 10.26.34
mckeever justin 10.30.05 Brady Declan 11.28.88

3000m Grade A
Durcan John Togher AC 9.19.81

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Dun Laoghaire Bay 10k 2016

Report by Damien Geraghty

Photos by MyRunResults: Click here

As I was doing my warm up around Dun Laoghaire bay this morning I realised that I didn’t see too many familiar Sportworld’s faces….so my first thought was who is Eoin going to get to do a race report…..After meeting Peter Knaggs at the start line he said as much to me and we laughed about it…..Peter did you tell Eoin I done the race??? (Yep he sure did Damian. He emailed me, texted me and called me to be sure – Eoin)

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Race reporter Damian

For anyone that didn’t know the dlr bay 10k Road Race has distinguished itself as one of the premier 10km races in Ireland taking part each Aug bank holiday. The course follows a scenic route starting along Dun Laoghaire seafront and going through picturesque Seapoint, Monkstown, Glenageary, Killiney and Sandycove and finishing up at Dun Laoghaire town hall.

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While doing a 3km warm up on the Harbour I ran past Karol doing a slow warm up by his standards….I remember thinking to myself I had never seen him run so slow before….the results of the race proves he was saving his energy and I was wasting mine.

I decided to enter a 10km race as part of my training plan for the Dublin Marathon in Oct….it had been 3 months from my last 10km race were I had gained my PB 39.52 so it would be a good test to see how the training was going…..all be it at a much shorter and faster distance.

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Myself and Peter Knaggs took to the starting line together both pretty nervous of what was ahead of us as neither of us knew the route but had heard it was very hilly. The first 2km was relatively flat which allowed me to get a good split start however that quickly turned as hills on the 3rd, 5th and 6thkm put that good start to bad. As Peter past me at the 6km mark I remember thinking to myself, there can’t be any more hills…..and thankfully there wasn’t. The last 4 km of race was flat to down hill which meant for a fast finish and that helped me get my split times back down to 4.11 per km.

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Results in and I managed to get a top 100 finish coming in 77th placed just behind Peter in 74th ….(fantastic by Peter who had ran the parkrun on Sat as well as 10mile club run on Sunday)….overall happy with finish time in what was a challenging course…….was nice to be back in race action after concentrating on getting the miles up the last few months as oppose to speed work. Next up is Rock n Roll half marathon on Sunday followed by Frank Duffy 10 mile on 2oth Aug (will be studying the hills on these).

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Massive congratulations to Karol Cronin who finished in 2nd place with a time off 32.56.

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Sportsworld Results:

2nd – Karol Cronin – 32.56
11th – Phil Kilgannon – 36.32
32nd – Ian Cairns – 39.11
74th – Peter Knaggs – 41.40
77th – Damien Geraghty 42.07
204th – Neil Purdy 00:47:11
543 – Peter Brennan 54.39

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Sea to Sky 10k

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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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Nearly completed the forest trail climb beyond the 3-mile marker (yes it was hard work by the look of it)!

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Brush and bog trail run along the top of the course, single file only at this stage of the race!

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Through a park we ran, across well marshalled roads, manned by relaxed looking PSNI officers, past what looked like a circus tent.

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Peter’s relaxed finish arriving back at the Promenade just as the sun disappeared and the rain started!

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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.

Irish Olympic T&F Timetable

Irish T&F Olympic Timetable

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Timetable and athlete profiles can be found at Athletics Ireland: Click here

 

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