Sportsworlds Terenure 5 donates €6000 to ISCC!

From left: Sportsworld Chairperson Sandra Gowran, Lisney Divisional Director Louise Kenny, ISCC Chairperson Bruno Lucas, Sportsworlds ISCC Ambassadors Crona & Aoife Brady, Spar’s Orla Jordan and Terenure 5 Race Director Michael Cunningham

Sportsworld Running Club along with title sponsors Lisney Estate Agents & Spar are delighted to make a €6000 donation to charity partner of 2016 Terenure 5 Mile race, The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (ISCC)!

Sportsworld Chairperson Sandra Gowran writing the cheque!

The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (ISCC) is a patient support group for people who are living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD). They offer telephone support, information leaflets, and organise meetings and events around the country. The ISCC Youth Group is the youth arm of the ISCC and organises informal events and activities aimed at younger people who are living with IBD. They also lobby on behalf of people with IBD for improved services and greater awareness of the impact of living with IBD. For more info click here: ISCC

Well done to all Sportsworld members who helped make the sold out 2016 race such a success this year. It wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts and hard work of the 2016 Race Director Michael Cunningham and his 2016 committee of Crona Brady, Conor Kenny, Sandra Gowran, Mick Dowling, Lucia Prihodova, Jose Chapa, Claire Rowley, Maria Finnegan & Phil Kilgannon. Well done folks, take a bow!

A Special word of thanks to the Sportsworld Senior Ladies team of Noreen Brouder, Helen Brouder, Ruth Kelly and Kate Kelly who donated their team 1st prize to the ISCC!

Thanks again to our very supportive title Sponsors Lisney & Spar!

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And of course many thanks to all those who participated, see you again next year!

Dunshaughlin 10k 2016

Race report and photos by Joe Byrne

Full Sportsworld results below.

Having endured the double agony of our soccer team been put to the sword by Belgium and our rugby team snatching defeat from the jaws of certain victory against South Africa it was time to make the annual pilgrimage on the 3rd Saturday evening of June to Dunshaughlin for what the organisers call the oldest 10k in the country.

Paul O’Connell and Race Reporter Joe

Whatever about been the oldest it is certainly one of the most competitive, attracting as strong a field of athletes as any race on the circuit.

Eighteen Sportsworld vests lined up at the start with Brenda and Dave on the sidelines to shout words of encouragement. My abiding association with this race is the organisers always manage to insure a fine summer’s evening for the race. However this year like the football team it was not to be as rain drops began to fall as we went to the start line at 7.30. Albeit a warm balmy evening.

Thirty two minutes and 10secs later our own Karol Cronin crossed the line in a new PB to claim 5th place overall. Super run Karol. Our men’s team of Karol, Gareth, Paul & Karl were narrowly pipped by 4 points by Raheny for the leading team. Well done guys. Top marks also for the refreshments after.

One very happy out spot prize winner

This event continues to be one of the highlights of the running calendar for me. Take a bow organisers!!!

Sportsworld results

Results with sincere apologies to anyone I missed.

Karol Cronin. 32.10 – PB!
Gareth Murran. 34.42
Paul o Connell. 34.56
Karl Chatterton. 35.35
Kevin Curran. 35.46 – PB!
Diarmuid O’Suilleabhan 37.41
Joe Byrne. 38.38
Jim Browne. 39.41
Peter Knaggs. 40.52
Jose Chapa. 41.47
Sean Donegan. 41.52
Philip Kerr. 42.48
Stephen Willoughby. 43.39
Adrian Lanigan. 46.25
Emma Barry. 48.36
Catherine Gilmore. 49.29
Madeline Byrne. 49.55
Rosie Mulhern. 51.15

Trinity Track 2016

Race report by Jim ‘I shot Bambi’ Browne

Photos by Peter Knaggs and Eoin O’Brien.

Full Sportsworld results below.

Kraftwerk: Race Reporter Jim and Denis McCaul (already giving Jim the cold shoulder)

It was with eager anticipation that I made my way to the Trinity College Grass Track on Wednesday night to compete in the BHAA organised 1000 yard and 2000m races. But to be frank from a Sportsworld perspective these two races and especially the 1000 yards were about one thing and that was Eoin (Modest) O’Brien coronation as a track god for another 12 months. However Mr Modest hadn’t planned on the vagaries on the BHAA grading system.

At the registration table BHAA couldn’t find my details and entered me as a grade 10 runner (I’m normally ranked a 9 or 10). Well this was not to the liking of Mr O Brien who had been categorised as a grade 11 or to the liking of Mr McCaul who was categorised as a grade 9. The grading meant that Eoin and I would be in the C race and Denis would be in the B Race. Let’s just say Eoin was not gracious about my ranking and effectively accused me of cheating in an attempt to block him retaining his track crown. What McCaul said to me remains unprintable.

I protested my innocence but it was to no avail and for the hour before the race I faced constant accusations of sharp practices by O Brien and McCaul. O’Brien even took to Facebook before the race started likening my entry into the C Race to somebody taking a gun to Bambi.

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An unimpressed Eoin O’Brien

Anyway enough about the prerace bullying I suffered at the hands of my club ‘team mates’’ and into the actual races.

1000 yards race.

Obviously 1000 yards is an unusual distance and was chosen by BHAA to mark the world record set in the park by Alfred Courtney in 1873 of 2 minutes 23.4 secs. First up from Sportsworld were the McMorrow brothers in the Grade E race and both ran very well.

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The McMorrow Bros

Soon Bambi and I were on the line and ready to go in the Grade C race and for some reason The Saw Doctors song ‘To Win Just Once’ was whirling around in my head. Maybe I really wanted to win this one???

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The jostling, pushing and speed of the first 100 yards came as a bit of a shock. (Yes I did elbow Bambi out of the way but hey this is a Grade C BHAA Track race and not Kindergarten). After about 150m the race settled and I found myself in 4^th about 10 yards adrift of the leading group. Now it was time to focus , work to catch the leading group, win the race , get the commerative T Shirts printed (Editor: I would like it on the record that I didn’t actually print those t-shirts myself…but they are great…and still available) and bask in the glory of my win for a full year (aka like a certain other Sportsworld person did last year).

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Jim Browne waits for no man. Particularly if that man is Eoin O’Brien. Emily commented she’d never seen Jim so focused in a race

Unfortunately the leading three had other ideas as did the other couple of runners that passed me as I completely imploded at about the 600 yard mark. Worse still I could sense Bambi on my back and it took every ounce of my energy in the home straight to hold him off. My only consolation was that the accusations of sharp practices by me in entering the C race were proved totally unfounded. (Finishing 7th suggest that I was correctly graded).

Straight up after us in the B race were Conor Keating, Martin Keenan, Diarmuid O’Sullivan and Denis ’they graded me wrongly’ McCaul . It was a cracking race and the standout performance of the night was Conor Keating who sprinted up the home straight and was just piped for first. Martin Keenan on the comeback trail after his hamstring injury also had a great run as did Diarmuid. I can also confirm that Denis was wrongly graded.

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2000m Race.

My first reaction after the 1000 yard race was I wasn’t doing the 2000m. 10 minutes later I was warming up for the 2000m and having a shot at redemption.

Killian McMorrow ran in the E race and gave it a good lash. Much to the consternation of Bambi, it was decided to run the B & C race together. So not only did he have to run against me but he also had to run against Conor, Martin, Diarmuid and Denis. ‘Welcome to the big leagues Bambi’.

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‘Bambi’ is so not impressed with those two Cheshire Cats in his 2k race

Heeding Martin’s advice to run my own race, I tucked in at the back of the field and allowed myself some time to settle into the race. Fortunately I got my timing right on this one and picked off several runners during the course of the race and just lost out on a sprint finish for I think 9^th place.

Diarmuid Sullivan had a great race and finished third and Martin consolidated his good run in the 1000 yards with a solid performance. Denis, Eoin and I were more than happy with our runs.

After a quick warm down, it was into the Pavilion Bar for a cold beer and some sandwiches and a bit of banter with my Sportworld team mates.

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I would recommend these races to any club runner. The races are well organised and graded and the atmosphere is relaxed with great camaraderie between the runners. And where else would you get the opportunity to run on a grass track at a famous university campus on a warm sunny June evening?

Many thanks to Emily, Phil Daly and Peter Knaggs for coming out and cheering on their clubmates while sinking a few beers in the sun!

Team Bambi Supporters

Sportsworld Results

1000 Yards A Race (Std 1-7)
2 Conor Keating 2:39.3
5 Paul O’Connell 2:47.5

1000 Yards B Race (Std 8-9)
2 Martin Keenan Lyreco 2:49.4
3 Diarmuid O’Suilleabhain 2:54.5
7 Denis McCaul 3:15.5

1000 Yards C Race (Std 10-11)
7 Jim Browne 3:05.5
10 Eoin O’Brien 3:07.2

1000 Yards E Race (Std 14-16)
17 Patrick Killian McMorrow 3:53.8

2000m A Race (Std 1-7)
4 Paul O’Connell 6:48.9

2000m B Race (Std 8-9)
3 Diarmuid O’Suilleabhain 6:59.5
5 Martin Keenan 7:14.6
6 Denis McCaul 7:48.5

2000m C Race (Std 10-11)
4 Jim Browne 7:33.2
5 Eoin O’Brien 7:35.3

2000m E Race (Std 14-16)
14 Patrick Killian McMorrow 9:02.9

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Thats all till next year folks!

Portumna 50K

Report by Ronan Murray

Photos by Anna Delaney.

This time last year myself and Stephen Willoughby travelled to Portumna forrest park to take on the half Marathon. It was one of those races that I really enjoyed and promised myself that I would return another year. 12 Months later at 4.00am and I was on the road back to Galway , this time I decided to try the 50K option ( just for the craic).

The race started at 7am and I was met on the start line by a couple of club mates Clare and Louise. We chatted for a few nervous minutes and then we were off.

Race reporter Ronan and Steph – before the race

The race is 10 x 5km laps which means that you don’t need to carry anything as you will be back at your bag drop in 30min or so to eat and drink your own supplies. I like to count 5k laps down in park runs – “ only 9 park runs left” etc. The first few went ok , I felt strong and comfortable but as time went on it got hotter and hotter.

There was no sun but it was really humid and about 20 degrees. Because it is laps and there are three distances going at the same time , you never know if you are in first or last ( more than likely last) so you have to just run as you feel. I went through half marathon distance in 1.47 and still felt good so I tried to maintain that pace for as long as I could.

About 2 hours into my race the half marathon started and all of a sudden there were plenty of runners around me . Sportsworld only had one representative in the half – Stephanie Bergin .

I caught the odd glimpse of Steph flying by me on the return leg and she eventually came home as 6^th female – Great running. We also had one spectator – Anna Delaney , Anna was our cheer leader/ photographer / motivator and supplier of energy shots.

Louise and Claire

A few hours later and I was coming up on Marathon distance , by this time I was suffering the heat quite badly ( even though Anna kept shouting that I was looking good – Liar) , Marathon distance time was 3.41 and I only had 5 miles to go. The minor climbs from the earlier laps were like mountains by now and every step was hurting. Finally I had gone up the last hill and had 1.5 miles left.

I looked at my watch and in a tired stupor I worked out that if I ran my legs off I might get in under 4.30 , so off I set. I had been running about 8.50 pace for the last few mile but I needed to run sub 8s to hit my time. The last mile is slightly downhill , so I could pick it up a bit and managed to get down to 7.30 pace to get me home in 4.29.31 which took over 22 minutes off my previous 50K. To say I was elated is an understatement and to top it off , the next day the results were posted and I found out that I placed 8^th overall. Best race finish position ever- Wohoo.

All in all it has to be one of the beat race experiences I have had so far although today ( Monday) I still cant really walk but it was worth it.

Sportsworld Results

50k

Murray Ronan 4:29:31 – PB & 8th place!
Kearney Louise 6:26:09
Harrington Claire 6:26:09

Half marathon

Bergin Stephanie 1:41:01

Ronan, Louise and Claire have all been added to the Sportsworld Records for their performances: Click here

Irish Runner 5 Mile 2016

Report by Claire Rowley

Photos by John Dwyer

Paddy Lynch and Race Reporter Claire

I managed to get a number last minute (thanks Naoise!) However I was wondering if I had made a right decision as I was already warming up with the heat walking up to the start or it might be down to the fact that I left the house last minute and was there just in time (considering I am always late for training that’s no surprise for some of you!)

Rushing to leave in my bag and joining wave 1, I spotted a few familiar faces – the Sportsworld singlet was out in force for the 5 mile race this year

The race started nicely up the avenue and took a turn to the right where the crowd could be seen running along the North road and then Old Lamp road.

Timing on the first mile was great – of course it’s the first mile and it’s flat! Mile 2 was the same trucking along at a nice steady pace. Mile 3 at the kyber was a chance to make up some time as you but there is always the lingering thought in your head that you have to hit those hills yet! However, one of the best things about being in a running club is meeting your clubs mates along the way, having a chat and getting the encouragement to keep going.

The dreaded turn up towards Military road was the start of the second half of the race and the start of the upward climb. The plan was to pace the hill and keep the head up as they say in training, as once the first hill is over there was an opportunity to catch up a little on the S bends. Feeling better than I thought I would be at that stage and on track for time, I hit the 2^nd hill on the Upper Glen road but by the time I got to the top of this hill, I was glad to be nearly finished.

As I turned towards the final 400 meters I was delighted that the end was near and I was within my target time. As I crossed the finish line and got time to catch my breath (well really leaning against the nearest railing to stand), I saw the sea of Sportsworld colours all gathered together after the race. There is lots of chatter about results, where best to go for coffee and some breakkie – the most important part of the morning of course!

Well done to all, great morning and great results!

Sportsworld Results

Sean Duffy 0:29:25 – 36th out of 2500 finishers!
Joseph Gallagher 0:31:45
Emmet Wardell 0:32:40
Peter Knaggs 0:33:30
Denis Mccaul 0:33:31
Sean Donegan 0:33:36
Eoin O’Brien 0:33:59
Andrea Mcnamara 0:34:42
Aidan Curran 0:34:49
Stephen Willoughby 0:35:12
Naoise Waldron 0:35:23 – PB!
Phillip Kerr 0:36:11
Eileen Butler 0:36:16
Johnny Dwyer 0:36:34
Eileen Rowland 0:36:54
Paul Cassidy 0:37:47
Aileen Melody 0:38:03
Claire Rowley 0:38:21
Emma Barry 0:38:59
Lucia Prihodova 0:40:53
Catherine Gilmore 0:41:10
Caroline Lynch 0:41:50
Audrai O’Driscoll 0:41:44
Sean O’Byrne 0:42:18
Padraig Moorehouse 0:42:53
Katie Nugent 0:42:05
Jim Manning 0:45:11

Graded Meet 4 – Santry

Race Report by Wesley Harrison

Photos by Karl Chatterton and Eoin O’Brien

Track stars Justin McKeever and Race Reporter Wes

Did you win? That was the question a friend asked me on Wednesday night. She is clearly not a runner or else has no clue of my running ability. Ok I train hard but you don’t just sail up the pecking order with hard training. It takes time. And lots of it. So this year I decided to forget about times and splits and mileage and just enjoy running. Take one session at a time and of course try and stay injury free. A philosophy that appears to be working. It is also the first summer where the track was an option.

Wednesday’s graded event was my third. These meets can be intimidating with some of Ireland’s finest short/middle distance athletes on show. I rocked up a little late and with the usual pre race anxiety stirring away in the stomach. I was delighted to set eyes on Derek and Justin, Justin still buzzing after his fantastic 63 on the 400.

Justins 400m start – Video by Karl Chatterton

We proceeded to warm up and discuss race tactics. The conversation was inspirational. The man is of a similar vintage to myself but has every intention of running his fastest times this year. We caught a glimpse of Catherine in the 800 who was still feeling the pain after her fantastic pb at the weekend.

Catherine back leading at track training after a number of back to back races with PBs

A final few strides and we gather at the 100m mark. I couldn’t help but notice we were the best represented club, with myself, Karl, Stephen, Conor and Justin proudly displaying the white and red. Quick clipboard name check, set, boom! We are off. Not as frantic a start as the previous 800s but still a bit of panic trying to edge your way to the inside lane. Crossed the 300 in mid 50s, faster than I thought but thankfully we settled down. On the second lap a gap started to open. I had a choice to stay in the familar surroundings of my fellow strugglers or push on and catch up before the gap grew. Worried about my inexperience, I chose the safe option. Next time, maybe.

The rematch between Wes and Justin last Saturday!

At the start of the final lap I made a tentative move on my leader but he was having none of it and accelerated with me. I was not passing him, certainly not at this point. But as we turned for the final straight, I flashed back to last saturdays 4 x 100s and gave it everything. Of course the other lads dont take this lieing down so we enjoyed a 3 way sprint finish. Myles was on hand to clock the time and offer congratulations. You can’t beat the buzz of finishing a track race. It’s a rush I will keep coming back for and it makes the pre race anxiety worthwhile. The cool down was made more enjoyable following both Gareth and Carole in their 1500s. A spectacle of quality running and a jaw dropping pace. Well done lads. Roll on Trinity next week!

Sportsworld Results:

100m Grade C
Saunders David 12.3 PB

400m Grade C
Saunders David 57.86 PB
Mckeever Justin 64.1

1500m Grade A – Dublin Championship
Cronin Karol 4.08.05 PB by 6 sec!

1500m Grade B
Murran Gareth 4.22.98
Mulleady Catherine 5.26.34

1500m Grade C
Keating Conor 4.31.76 PB by 3 sec!
O’Donnell Stephen 4.35.24 PB
Chatterton Karl 4.38.51 PB by 9 sec!
Harrison Wesley 4.46.60 PB by 14 sec!
Mckeever Justin 4.51.48

IMRA Sorrell Hill 2016

Race report by club legend Maura Ginty

The leinster league is a series of 13 summer races run by IMRA in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains every Wednesday until mid July. You can compete in as few or as many races as you like but it takes 7 races to score in the league and get some form of t-shirt; all levels of runners compete and there is even an early start time for those who need extra time to complete a route. About 200 runners do each race.

Race Reporter Maura and Eileen

On Wednesday night the race was up and down Sorrell Hill out near Blessington for a 9.45km round trip up and back, with nearly 400meters of ascent. This was #8 in the League.

I have been doing these since mid April – I wasn’t able to commit to club sessions this season and had always wanted to try mountain running…initially thought I would be a natural as my summer and winter holidays are in the hills – with lots of running every week. Race 1 dispelled all thoughts in that regard and I realised I may as well have been off at the ballet. It turns out that hiking/skiing on mountains and running on roads are no assistance whatsoever to the act of physically running up a mountain. But the whole imra race experience, including the social side, had me hooked from the beginning and I have vowed to do as many of these summer races as I can.

For this race, Eoin had put out call to arms on facebook and myself, James DB and Liam The New Guy met at club house and set out, with Eoin driving. On the way there, we got the low down on Liam (he’s M50 if anyone’s wondering) after threats to look him up online later that evening. Though, true to form, we had barely reached Templeogue when the lads started convincing him that he should do a marathon. The journey was also broken by James giving us a full rundown on his health insurance plan.

The joys of carpooling

We met Eileen at registration in field and as usual at imra races, great atmosphere and camaraderie about – these are the friendliest most welcoming races I’ve participated in (terenure 5mile excepted).

The evening was gorgeous, though slightly too warm for running.

Sorrell Hill (the one in the background)

Race kicked off and I would like to say that Eoin and Liam went tearing off ahead, but in this race and given the uphill start I think it would be fairer to say that Eoin and Liam started a slow jog at slightly faster pace than me.

As I see it, the main difference with Imra racing and the roads is that it is ok to walk bits and most people do. However, it seems to be only socially acceptable to walk when the gradient is steep. The worst part of imra race is any long gentle gradient where peer pressure dictates you have to run. There are also obstacles like styles and wire fences – which again you are delighted to see and you can ease right down as take time crossing them (technically frowned upon, but I reckon everyone does it).

Still smiling post race – until we realised James had no idea where the car key was

I found the race tough psychologically as could see the hill and the sneaking line of runners going all the way up. But because the terrain is so varied and given that you can make it as competitive as you like (e.g. racing against other girls for places), the time goes really quickly. Half the time I’m trying to determine if the heavy breathing creeping up behind me is a girl (bad) or man (good – no threat). Coming downhill is where the fun really starts, you are rewarded for being completely irresponsible… it is here the weekday shackles come off and you can really just go for it. Oh and the scenery also and sense of adventure is nice too.

My race was not great – came 18^th girl and would usually be 12/13^th – though still better than the shambles that was trooperstown hill last week.

The lads had more of an adventurous time than me – James jumped over two dead sheep and Liam saw the guy ahead of him lift the leg of a dead sheep with one hand and throw him in the ditch. Eoin and Eileen had no sheep stories but seemed content regardless.

Its cool, he was only playing dead #messer

We were all happy out at the end though and agreed it was great workout, whatever else. After hinting to the lads several times, I finally decided to casually ask Eoin if he was off to the pub – the post imra race pint is a mountain running ideology I have wholeheartedly embraced.

Eoin had his negative reply ready, and with that I had a glimpse into the mindset of a 1,200meter track champion; deviating from the plan was never in the equation for him… as he glanced off into the middle distance trinity track never far from his thoughts.

The BHAA Trinity Grass Track Races – Next Wednesday 7pm

Some would say the tactic of a 9k hill run one week out from the biggest track championship meet in the country (fact not verified) is kamikaze stuff but maybe the Champion needed that evening away from the BHAA buildup and hysteria, out in the Dublin mountains at sunset, to become reacquainted with the true nature of running – as the saying goes “the gazelle needed to embrace the goat before he became a gazelle for the second time”

And so the formalities:

James was just in after the 2^nd female – 51:10

Liam was 4^th M50 – 56:50 (He’ll be pleased with that. His joint best imra finish to date)

Eoin was 103^rd – 1:03:16 (poor eoin as a M30 doesn’t get any category to make him feel better about the placing. Still he’s got next week)

Maura was 18^th female – 1:05:02

Eileen was 22^nd female – 1:06:48

For results and future races visit the IMRA website: Click Here

Cork City Marathon (Relay) 6th June 2016

It was supposed to be a 60% Sportsworld team (plus my husband Cathal and my youngest brother Paul) … but in the end I was the only Sportsworld member as Anna Delaney had to bow out due to injury and Aileen Melody had to attend a funeral in Dublin on Monday.

Race Reporter Ann, far right, at the National Intermediate & Masters Cross Country in January

So on Sunday night we were busy exchanging photos and descriptions of what we would be wearing , as 3 of our 4 changeovers were between team members who didn’t know each other and who had never even met! Anna’s brother Brian stepped in for her and my brother’s friend Liam substituted last minute for Aileen. It all worked out on the day thankfully!

Ann busy putting the team together on Sunday night

Race day was warm but cloudy and the first leg was mine. 5.2 miles from Patrick Street to the Silversprings (Lower Glanmire Rd.). The 3:15 pacers kept me going and crowds cheered us along the course. I was glad to hand over to my husband Cathal for the second leg – 5.5 miles to Ringmahon Rd. passing through the Jack Lynch tunnel on the way. He successfully handed over to Liam who ran the third leg ( the longest and most scenic?), 5.8 miles to Victoria Rd. where Anna’s brother Brian took over for the 5.2 miles to Model Farm Rd. My brother Paul had the last and shortest leg 4.5 miles along the Carrigrohane Straight and on to the finish line on Patrick Street.

When plotting our strategies the night before the race we had all estimated our “best case scenario” times to try to co-ordinate the changeovers and our final time of 3:31:36 was exactly (to the minute!) what we had hoped for… So we were all delighted with our race and really enjoyed the experience ! Unfortunately we didn’t manage to get a team photo as we didn’t all meet at any point.

My family and I have done most of the relays over the last 10 years and this was a new record for us … We finished 55th team (of 689 teams taking part!!).

Maybe next year we might have some 100% Sportsworld teams ?? Keep the June Bank Holiday Monday free !!

Running of the Bulls 8k

Race report by Gavin Finlay

Running of the Bulls 8k (USATF North Carolina 8k State Championship)
Durham, NC – 4 June 2016

Our USA Corespondent Gavin (far right) in action

Rebellion against the facts never helps. And the fact was: this race was going to be muggy and the potential to be mugged by the steamy conditions were high. So, rebelling against this was futile. Best embrace it, turbo hydrate and hope not to disintegrate and court disaster with an ambulance ride to the ER for an IV drip. Such were my anxieties facing into this race. Not something we have to worry about in temperate Ireland, here in North Carolina races always start very early to avoid the brutal heat. But on Saturday, for the Running of the Bulls 8k, temperatures were already hitting mid 70s (25C ) by the 7:15am start and, worst of all, the humidity was high.

I was drenched in sweat after my 2.5 mile cycle to the start. Even after doing the unconscionable, and cycling in my racing short shorts! Not a good look, to be honest. No real need to warm up so. A few hip and glute stretches, several strides and away we go.

As this was doubling up as the state 8k championship there were a few local gazelles up front and I was looking forward to mixing it with them at the business end of the race. Well, at least try. One of the contenders, an African living in Raleigh, had just arrived straight from his graveyard shift at a gas station. There’s grit for you. Something particular to US road races is the singing of the national anthem before EVERY race. While I respectfully noted this nonsense, I concentrated on my pre-race ritual. Good tune though.

As the gun fires, I look around vigilantly for any bulls chasing us. Pamplona this is not. Durham, the Bull City so called. After the Colman’s Mustard bull and its connection to Durham, England. The bull then became the symbol of the world famous tobacco brand born here. Excellent name for a race.

The lead group of four cantered into a gentle first mile (5:30), nobody eager to push it. I tuck in, happy with the sensible pace in this heat. We make our way towards Duke East campus and head down Buchanan past beautiful early twentieth century homes, an area I regularly train in. I enjoy the sight of those police motorbikes leading the way – a familiar image from American movies of course. We clock a slicker second mile in 5:20 and I’m feeling confident I can hold on with the leaders. For now.

The pace quickens as we race down leafy Watts and Trinity Avenue back towards downtown. I’m still in this. For now. I avail of some water here, unheard of back home in an 8k race, but vital here. There was an almighty, dragging hill up Washington Street past the old Ball Park where we would finish in two miles time. Despite the encouraging cheers for friends and the crowds, I began to loose touch with the top three. I remained calm and remembered, don’t rebel against the facts. Crossing Main Street the route brought us by the railroad before looping back to Main and the push for home. I kept the leaders within sight but at this point had accepted fourth place as long as there was silence behind me. The last mile was mostly downhill and blistering (5:12 / mile). I careened down Washington Street again, flowing against the masses who were climbing up. The race had a terrific finish in the “Ball Park” with a lap of the field. A real novelty for this Irishman. (This is the stadium featured in the 1989 film “Bull Durham”) If it wasn’t for my heat-induced delirium I might have attempted a classic baseball slide to make base.

Crossed the line in 27:10. I really can’t complain considering the adverse conditions out there. I’m still getting used to finishing races before 8am here. Not to mention the free beer that is often on offer post-race. Brilliant race and not a bull in sight.

Overall: 4th

USATF NC 8k State Championship: 3rd

Womens Mini Marathon 2016

Report by Lucy D’Arcy

Photos by Eoin O’Brien. Facebook album: Click here

Sportsworld Results below

Well what can I say – it’s Mini-Marathon day – it feels like the years are getting shorter and shorter, it certainly did not feel like my 28th in a row.

Race reporter Lucy still smiling at 5km

After spending the last 4 days in the blistering heat of Balbriggan , Sandymount, Tullaroan and Derry in temperatures of 27-28 degrees timing races, I thought today had to be a bit cooler and was right until about 11am when the heat was turned on again full blast.

I set off – heading into town soon after 12pm to hook up with Noreen and Caoimhe and passed many other ladies heading in too I was sweating after the 1st km – what was I going to be like by the time I got in to town!!!! Dripping is the answer. 🙂

I met up with the lovely ladies, got our race numbers sorted and pinned to our singlets (thank you Noreen for kindly collecting for us), and decided it was time to hand in the bags. At that point – someone( the man upstairs decided we needed a shower before we run so the heavens opened and we got soaked, the only problem was – we we not prepared – we had no shower gel ????

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The good thing was – it cooled us right down and made the temperature way more bearable and we thought – happy days – this won’t be so tough after-all, Ha Ha how wrong we were, on the start line the sun and heat were turned up full blast again drying us all off. As the sun beat down and minutes were counting down, we baked slowly whilst having a bit of banter with other ladies all feeling the same, friendly competitions took place as to who was training the best, actually – just who was training in some cases.

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Suddenly the anthem started to ring out “Molly Malone” and the singing started, at this point the race usually starts just before the end of the song but not today, the “Molly Malone” was on an extended version as we were all waiting for the OFF, then we heard word from the track there was a technical hitch, the system had to “re-boot” it couldn’t take the heat from 40,000 females and the sun ????

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Finally we were away and I thought my aim today was to stay in the top 250 and under 45 mins , no pressure as I watched the other Sportsworld ladies Noreen, Caoimhe and Kate drift on ahead, I caught up with and got passed out by many familiar ladies on route.

2016 Mini Marathon Winner Siobhan O’Doherty (4) – coached by Will Greensmyth so he claims 😉

The support along the way way brilliant and very welcome on more than 1 occasion. We had music as we ran, we had supporters from many of the Dublin clubs and other clubs nationwide, we had photographers that were almost jumping out to take pics and we had the one you wouldn’t know were there to capture those really unexpected glamorous moments – Yes Eoin – I mean you.

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The first 4km passed by before I had realised we’d gone that far already, 5km I thought this is going pretty well , turn-a-round point just ahead, As we approached that point we were watching the leading ladies descent the slope into the 2nd half of the race. As we made the descent we were looking as the masses heading up to the turn-a-round, wow: what a sight as far as the eye could see was a mass of colorful women in all types of costumes, and a few women that looked like men all nice and colorful ????

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Carol Lynch who has raced all 33 mini marathons!

The last 1.5km i have to admit were a bit of a struggle as the heat and lack of fitness kicked in but got there. Didn’t stay under the 45mins but stayed well inside the top 250,Oh well, 1 out of 2 ain’t bad!!! and there’s always next year. This is 1 event I will participate in as long as I can put 1 foot in front of the other. Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations to Carol Lynch who has done every single Mini-Marathon to date which I think is now 33years.

Sportsworld Results

11th Noreen Brouder 00:37:59
38th Kate Kelly 00:41:33
82nd Caoimhe Costigan 00:44:25
108th Lucy Darcy 00:45:17
519th Caroline Lynch 00:52:50

Full results: Click here

At the 5k turn around on the N11

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