Clonakilty

13 February, 2016 - Paul Deane

Well the day could not have been more different to last year’s race day. Last year beautiful sunshine greeted all the runners in Clonakilty; this year however it was the first squalls of Atlantic storm ‘Imogen’ that awaited everyone. Well done to the 85 runners and supporters that turned up. The Clon race is probably the fastest and least hilly on the Munster circuit, but what it lacks in hills it makes up for in hardship with a 1km run across the soft energy-sapping sand of Long Strand. This year the race got off to a blistering start with Ben Mangan leading a strong charge from the front followed by the eager chasing pack lead by Tom Blackburn, Mike Cunningham and John Lynch. As runners filtered through the first 3km it was on to Long Strand to battle the sand, the wind and the waves. In the Ladies category, it was Bandon Runner Ronnie Barry who lead from the start and didn’t lose any pace or positions on the beach. Ronnie was first lady home while behind there was a thrilling battle for 2nd and 3rd. Second lady home was Marie O’Shea after a superb race, but it was the battle for 3rd that was closest overall. Mary Louise Ryan and Elaine Deasy came thundering down the trail neck and neck from the High Cross and it was ‘flat to the mat’ all the way to the line…in the end it was impossible to tell who was ahead but it looked like Mary Louise had the smallest of margins to claim 3rd. In the men’s race, it looked like Tom Blackburn had timed his move perfectly as Ben Mangan slowed slightly coming to the end of Long Strand with 1.5km to go. Tom took his chance to pass Ben and took the lead off the sand. Any betting man would have put money on Tom to take the race from here, but fair play to Ben, he put on the turbo chargers and stormed up the hill to take the lead and thundered across the line with a comfortable lead. Tom took second, while Mike took 3rd position.
Well done to all who ran and we hope to see you all back in Clon for next year’s race and some sunshine.