Brian O Murchu

25 January, 2013

As a Northsider, Howth is the closest thing to a ‘home race’ that there is for me on the IMRA calendar. Despite the cold conditions in the days preceding the race and the white colouring of the Dublin mountains, Howth was snow free and the race was never in doubt. Although conditions this year were noticeably muckier than usual, and there was some fallen trees cleared in advance from part of the course.

There was around 220 participants of which around 70 were entered in an IMRA race for the first time. As a non-running volunteer I wasn’t part of those stats although I probably spoke to almost every entrant as I was on duty in the registration area. After race registration closed and the race start time was approaching, I was able to have a quick chat with a few familiar faces I hadn't seen since the end of the 2012 IMRA season. When asked if I was running and I expressed that I wasn’t, there was a sudden “thank god for that!” from a near-by runner whom I heard before I seen who it was. Turns out it was one of my 2012 rivals. What he doesn’t know is that the rivalry won’t be renewed until March (I guess he probably will know now if he’s reading this...).

Before the start of the race there was a minutes silence to commemorate the recent death of Mick Rice. When Race Director Richard Nunan started the race I was very tempted to just join in (I did manage to hold myself back). As the race started Des Kennedy took to the front around the GAA pitches. He was challenged early on in the race and when he was the first person back onto the GAA pitches he had a comfortable lead coming home as the winner. The womens race was won by Karen O’Hanlon with Suzanne Kenny coming in less than half a minute behind.

Eoin Keith and Jimmy Synott were quick to help out and assist with getting our injured party down off the mountain. The race presentations were held in the GAA club which has great views over the coast and the islands. After the prizes were handed out, it was also announced that like last year there would be an early season IMRA social coming up with details to follow. From the Sunday muck of Howth, IMRA now moves to the upcoming Saturday snow of Ticknock. It has been confirmed, snow or not, the race will be going ahead. Anyone got a loan of any snowshoes?