Snowden

25 July, 2019 - Leo Mahon

The weather was not great on Saturday morning, I was surprised jackets were advisory but not compulsory.

Over 650 athletes set off at 2pm, I remained in the finishing area listening to the commentary. It wasn't a surprise to hear Andy Douglas reached the summit first in 40 minutes as he is the number one mountain runner in the world but the excitement started when it was announced Zak Hanna reached the summit in 3rd place in the company of the Demattei's twins from Italy. Then it was the turn of Sarah McCormack turning on the summit in first place ahead of Elisa Sortini of Italy and Hatti Archer of England.

On the downhill, it was dangerous with so many tourists coming off the mountain train but it didn't bother Andy Douglas as he descended at the speed of 4.5 minute miles. The fast decending Demattei's over took Zak and he finished in a very credible 4th place.

The commentator announced Sarah was overtaken by Elisa Sortini at the gate, where the track becomes a very steep tarmac road,but only for a minute, Sarah dug in and won well opening up the lead in the World Cup standings.

Killian Mooney was next best for the Irish team finishing in 14th place, it bodes well for the world championships! Mark Stephens and Conor O'Mahony finishing in 19th and 24th, a very good for their debuts. In the women's race, the evergreen Becky Quinn finished in12th place and Sinead Murtagh finished in a very credible 18th place. Also, competing was Bernard Fortune, Rob Costello, Warren Swords, Tommy Galvin. Great to see Ian Conroy back on the podium, winning the club event with his club Matlock AC.