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28 November, 2009

Maulin Race
Report by Douglas Barry
Maulin is a race of two halves. Its 8 kilometre course features the infamous Maulin ride - a near vertical climb which relentlessly tests your stamina. Your calves scream, as the seemingly interminable ride drags you onwards to the summit of the mountain. When you reach the top of Maulin, overlooking the glades of the sylvan Glencree valley, you face a relatively easy descent. It's nearly twice as long as the climb up, but the easy gradient, with the exception of one brief swooping drop into Glensoulan, favours the faster runner.
With strong climber Bob Lawlor in the field, Hugh McLindon would not have expected to reach the top first. However, the 3ROC runner did just that, albeit tracked closely up the ride by Lawlor who had shown good form in the European trial. McLindon, who seems to be edging towards the sort of form that made him a international team contender in 1999, turned with Bob on his shoulder and then used his formidable descending skills to pull out a convincing lead.
Behind him, Lawlor was gradually pegged back by the improving Peter O'Farrell over the rougher parts of the descent. He passed him as the pair reached Ride Rock with its splendid vista of the Powerscourt Waterfall valley. As Peter edged into second place, Bob in turn was closed down by the flying Eoin Keith who also overtook him. Eoin then caught Peter for second. Bob countered on the fast forest road, re-catching Peter, but was unable to do a similar trick on the Irish Trail Running Champion.
Hugh added the Maulin win to his four others in the Leinster League which, with his two second places on Brockagh and the Scalp, makes him uncatchable for the 2000 League title. The second spot will go to the line with the likes of Mark Doyle, Peter O'Farrell, Mike Walters, and Eoin Keith keen to succeed over the remaining three races. In the women's race, Emma Sokell retired at the top of the ride, leaving Eva Mulleady to profit from an excellent run and enjoy a good win over Roisin McDonnell with Deirdre O'Neill in third.
Caitlin Bent won the veteran women's race while Simon Walters and Ercus Stewart took the over 40s and over 50s men's sections. Mike Gomm took the over 60s race from Seamus Kilcullen. Jonathan Corrie continues to improve and took the junior men's race in an excellent time for a 16 year old. The rain over the previous few days ensured that the going was softer than the previous year and that no records in any category were troubled.