Ciaran O’Lionaird was named as the Athlete of the Meet at the GloHealth Senior Track and Field Championships after winning the 1500m. The penultimate event was a riveting affair with 4 A standard athletes competing for a guaranteed place at the European championships in August. Lionaird just edged past Paul Robinson with 50m to go to take the title in 3:43.8. This topped off two days of fantastic racing at the national track and field championships at Morton stadium. Other highlights included Kelly Proper, Ciara Mageean and Thomas Barr. 

The club had just two runners taking part this year. Gareth Murran in the 800M finished 7th in his heat having lead newly crowned national champion and 1:45 man Mark English at the half way point. Fading in the 2nd lap Gareth finished in 2:05. Paul Duffy ran most of the tough  25 lap 10K on his own and finished up in a very respectable 33:29.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support on Saturday. It’s always a pleasure to see top class Irish athletes battle it out. There are 3 mpre track races  this year with the next taking place in Morton stadium  next Wednesday. There are races for all levels.

The 6th graded meeting of 2014 took place this past Wednesday at Irishtown stadium. After all the early Saturday morning track sessions the graded series presents the perfect opportunity to test out some new events and get some new PBs.

There was 5 lads from the club running the 800M.  First up was Conor Keating. Running well in his first track race Conor finished strongly to claim 2nd place in a fantastic time of 2:14. Next up  up was Conor Tully, Will Greensmyth and Michael Cunningham. Will with a renewed focus on middle distance was first home, just narrowly edging out Conor in a time of 2:10. Conor finishing in 2:11. Michael after a few longs runs  tired on 2nd lap but ran a respectable 2.17 in his first 800M.

I was last up in the 800M.  Strides and warm-up done as the announcer says “toes behind the lines gentlemen” the nerves settle down. As the gun goes getting out fast enough for the first 200M is always tough. On Tuesday it was an 8/10.

In the 800M you must remain in your lane until you come around onto the back straight. On Wednesday with a good start I came around and was in 3rd. In the early part of the race it’s fine line between pushing hard and not blowing up. Happy with my position I kept pushing going through 200M in 28 and then 400M in 59  it felt much better than my previous 800M, 4 weeks earlier. It’s amazing that a pace that seems tough in training seems so much easier in a race.

Happy with my position I kept running the inside line. As the race came up on 550 M 3 guys flex past me, with 2 guys in front that were starting to slow I  had to slow down to go around rather than covering the move. The final 200M was spent trying to make up the lost ground. Going over the  line in 2:03 I was delighted with a new PB. The race felt  both harder and easier than any 800 I have ran before.  That mixture of having the stamina but also pushing to the edge. Weary of passing out at the finish line I  kept the spikes on and walked it off.

A fine job by all those involved in the organisation of these great meets.  Thanks to Kevin and Emily for their support. There is 3 more graded meetings this year that are open to everyone to try.

Shannon Airport Runway 5km Night Race (04/07/14)
By Will Greensmyth

After the omnishambles that was the Dublin M***thon 2013, my goal for this year was that there have been no “goal” races– just entering random races of various distances hither and thither. As I was near thither last week, I entered the Shannon Airport 5k Night Race. A unique experience for all involved, organised by Shannon Airport and Bank of Ireland in aid of the Samaritans.

The race was scheduled to start at 11pm so forsaking the second half of the Brazil v Colombia shinkicking and vertebrae-breaking contest, I headed out the N18 towards the airport. Registration was in the Departures Hall in the Airport where we checked in and collected our hi-vis running tops which were compulsory for the race. There was a lot of hanging around in the Departures Hall but a relaxed atmosphere. A group warmup was held in the hall and then out we went into the blackness of the night where we were chaperoned by the airport police onto the runway. Another bit of hanging around as we waited the green light from the control tower, no last minute emergency landings or unscheduled arrivals!

Finally we had clearance. Bang from the starter’s gun and we took off at stealth speed.

The race progressed down one of the taxiways. I had thought for some reason that it would still be fairly bright at 11 for the race. It wasn’t. it was pitch dark and despite the presence of plenty of lit up marshals every 100m or so, the benefits of a head torch were obvious. Alas, I had left mine at home. I ended up running most of the race on my own, adrift of the lead group and it was an eerie enough experience. You couldn’t see your feet and the only noise apart from my own belaboured breathing was the whirr of the radar beside the runway.

After about one km, we turned onto the main runway. I am reliably informed that the runway is 3,199 metres in length and is an asphalt surface. Because of its length, it is a designated landing site for space shuttles. I’m not sure any space shuttles have ever had to land in Shannon. This race was clearly an “alien” experience however. Boom-boom.

Ahead in the distance I could see the flickering light of the lead bikes making a turn to direct the lead runners towards the finish on the other taxiway. For some deluded reason, and because I was not wearing a stopwatch and because it was pitch black, I deduced that this was the last couple of 100metres and decided to kick for the turn and finish. It wasn’t the last couple of 100metres. As I quickly found out, there was still another km or so to go. On I trudged – cursing myself, this runway, the history of manned flight, duty free shopping, the Wright brothers and Boeing as a few more lads passed me. This was going to be a turbulent landing.

Finally, I saw the actual finish line approach in the distance. I crossed the line with a time that was faster than the previous week’s efforts in Kilcock. I guess it’s true. Time flies.

A novel experience with a good cause benefitting. As fast a course as you will find, flat as a pancake and plenty of space to run. Definitely more exciting that the Brazilian game. Next week: Eoin O’Brien and myself tackle the Liberties Run 6k…join us for a guided running tour of the sights and sounds of inner city Dublin, Kilmainham Royal Hospital and the Coombe Hospital.

A small contingent from the club competed in the unique Clontarf Half Marathon and 5 Mile Race last weekend.

For those unfamiliar with the race, it is an out and back course taking in the Clontarf promenade, Bull Island and the Causeway. You then continue along the promenade past the Kilbarrack road where you then turn around and retrace your footsteps back to the start/finish line. The scenic nature of the route makes it a nice change from your typical road race.

We had been pre-warned not to go chasing a PB on this course though due to the conditions (exposed coastal wind) and terrain (3 or so miles on the beach) associated with this race. Us runners though are nothing but single-minded, so a chase a PB I did, lining up optimistically with the 1.30 pacers, however they duly dropped me within 3 miles as soon as we hit first sand section…..oh dear…

For those of you thinking of doing this race in the future, you really need to dig in hard to stay on pace once you hit the sand. On the way out you notice you are going a few seconds slower at the same effort, (I was down about 20-30 seconds per mile) but you can get back on track after you come off the sand and leave Bull Island. You then approach the turnaround point, and depending on your outlook, you should get a good lift seeing the top end of the field already on their way back churning out ridiculously impressive fast miles. For me though, seeing the 1.30 pacers saunter by me nonchalantly, well away from my grasp, was a cruel mocking sight to witness. Our own Alan and Orna were pacing 1.40 though and they picked up my spirits as I passed them with a good old “Go on Sportsworld” encouraging shout.

On the return back to Bull Island, the energy sap is more intense, (the heat and humidity on the day was also a challenge) and it takes increased effort just to hit the lower pace on the outward section. When you come off the sand at this point you have about 3 miles remaining, but any thoughts I had of reclaiming time was hampered, when the previously roasting hot weather turned full on crazy; now we had to deal with a gale force head wind and a driving rain shower! (cheers for that weather gods).

Congratulations to anyone who managed to meet their goal on such a challenging course. It’s an excellent race to test yourself outside your comfort zone. I believe there’ll be another one organised later in the year, in November, which I’m sure will throw up more unique weather related challenges. Maybe Emily could arrange a beach wind resistance training session in advance?!

Results from redtagtiming.com below,(I searched for everyone who entered “sportsworld” in the club field), apologies if I’ve missed anyone.

Seán

Half Results

63 Noel Tobin M 1:30:38
114 Sean Donegan M 1:33:49
256 Stephen Willoughby M 1:41:28
335 Ronan Murray M 1:44:40
553 Grainne Dileen F 1:49:10
583 Henry Brady M 1:52:06
673 Joseph Haugh M 1:52:14
777 Jim Manning M 1:53:54

5 mile results
61 Alison Warde F 37:38

Graded number 5 took place this past Wednesday. Only 3 runners from the club took part, all toughing it out over the 1500M distance. Well done to everyone. The next meet is in Irishtown in 2 weeks.

Michael Cunningham – 4.39.39
Paul Duffy – 4.23.41
Gareth Murran – 4.18.04

Well done to everyone who took part in the Michael Manning 10k, Dunshaughlin 2014 on Saturday evening. There was a great turn out from the club with some great runs on this fast course. The ladies took 1st team, whilst the men took 3rd. Martin Fagan continued his comeback with another win. Women’s mini marathon winner Barbara Cleary of Donore was out on her own in the women’s race.

Name Time
Paul Duffy 32:45:00
Gavin Finlay 33:21:00
Paul O’connell 34:04:00
Gareth Murran 34:27:00
Damian Kelly 35:04:00
Michael Cunningham 36:17:00
William Greensmyth 37:09:00
Joe Byrne 37:50:00
Kevin Curran 37:53:00
Rachael Morgan 38:02:00
Denis Mccall 38:46:00
Ciara Foster 39:37:00
Orna Dilworth 39:39:00
Ruth Kelly 39:59:00
Robert Mcmahon 40:27:00
Patricia Fitzmaurice 43:03:00
Anna Delaney 44:13:00
Stephen Willoughby 44:13:00
Agnes Buckley 44:39:00
Ann Higgins 45:15:00
Aileen Melody 46:01:00
Paul Cassidy 46:18:00
Joe Haugh 46:54:00
Patrick Killian Mcmorrow 47:18:00

Meet and Train Race 4 Report
By Patricia Fitzmaurice

Last Wednesday was the final of the “Meet and Train” races. It was a scorcher of a day, 29 degree’s c when we got out of the car. Perfect beach weather, so needless to say we were all a little worried before the race. The course was fairly flat and set between the Cherrywood pitches and walkways.

Paula Prendegast set the pace and Anna Delaney led the rest of the pack around the first lap of the pitches. The front of the group would change many times after as everyone struggled with the pace and heat. Paula however was well clear of everyone. All the supporters around the course really cheered everyone on. As we ran round the second lap everyone tried their best. The Donore girls created a gap, unfortunately we didn’t have the pace to close it. We finished strong with six in the top twenty. We missed Catherine Bambrick who usually flies the Sportsworld flag at the front of these races.

Everyone was happy with their performance considering the heat. A lot of the girls had improved their times and placing in this race. Ali saw her hard work pay off as she placed 20 people higher than the last race. We all headed happily for tea and homemade scones and carrot cake in the clubhouse. The Meet and Train is great place for new members to get some race experience and to meet new friends.

Sportsworld Results:
6th Patricia Fitzmaurice
9th Anna Delaney
10th Orla O’Flynn
13th Louise Bruton
16th Ann Higgins
18th Alison Warde
21st Grace Kenny
29th Valerie Lacey
62nd Maria Varley
74th Jennifer Shorten
83rd Laurence Delair

Graded number four incorporating the Dublin championships took place this past Wednesday evening in a humid Santry stadium. With only the shorter events taking place there wasn’t much representation from the club. Only two runners took part with Gareth Murran and Paul Duffy taking part in the 800M B grade race. Gareth was first up and ran 2:05 whilst Paul ran 2:08 in his first over the distance in heat B. Whilst many in the club would rather add an extra zero to that 800 the graded events are open to everyone, good fun and represent a chance to get a PB over a new distance. For anyone who does run an 800M here are a few tips. The next race 1500M in Tallaght on June 25th.

Start to 200 – Get out fast and relaxed. Don’t cut in right away.
200 to 400 – Work your way into good position for the last lap.
400 to 600 – Push it! Don’t relax.
600 to 800 – Make a move early. Don’t wait to kick

A small representation of Sportsworldians made their way to the windswept plains of the Irishtown track on Wednesday evening for the third round of the Dublin Graded Track Events. All our combatants took part in the various one mile races.

First up was our sole girl – Shóna Keane – displaying the patented Keane Kick in the last 200m to finish in an impressive sixth place. In the “D” grade race, Denis “Energiser” McCaul showed that a 5mile p.b. race the day before is no impediment to running a track race and cantered around with unerring ease. In the “C” grade, myself, Michael Cunningham and Conor Butler and a load of young lads from Clonliffe, who couldn’t possibly remember World Cup 1994 toed the line. Youth trumped “experience” but the three of us got around and didn’t embarass the red and white singlet. In the “B” grade races, Paul Duffy, Gavin Finlay, and Gareth Murran all thundered around.

Thanks to Myles, Emily, Ruth, Stephanie, Anna, Kevin, Paul O’C and Karole for the support – much appreciated especially in the last lap!

(photos courtesy of liffey valley ac)