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28 November, 2009

2003 Arup Leinster League Race 10
Paddock Maulin (that was)
- Report by Eamonn Horgan
The "Ride" Run: (formally known as the Paddock Hill Maulin Run)
On one side of Djouce the deep purple clouds lingered low and threatened a tremendous thunder storm while on the other side, the evening sun was easing down towards the horizon. In the middle of this crazy balmy weather 149 athletes gathered along with 1.4 billion hungry "midgies" to attempt the altered Paddock Lake/Maulin run!
The altered course, estimated to be just under 10km, began with a sprint form the lake, going to opposite way to the usual Maulin Run, across the little stream and up along the trail through the trees and then along the muddy forest trail. The field was packed tightly together at this stage with a number of late comers joining in just after the start. Gerry Brady lead the field up the first break, but David Simpson quickly sped ahead followed by the Rogaine-weary Eoin Keith with Aonghus O?Cleirigh hot on his heels. Behind this lead pack, Horgan struggled to match the pace of the lead group and stay ahead of Mahon, Clifford, Lawlor, Stenson, Shorton, Farrell and the rest of the attacking runners. The lead pack stayed shoulder to shoulder all the way up the forest trail, jostling for the best route up the muddy trail. The rest of the pack, not far behind, enjoying the plod up through the muddy "custard" before finally exiting the forest at top of the trail. The course then turned left out of the forest and headed for the gate which some people had a little difficulty getting over! ....you know you are!!
It was then out onto the Wicklow way at the foot of Djouce and a welcome downhill sprint to the footbridge heading for Maulin. After the footbridge the steep climb spread the field out a little more. Those familiar with the regular Maulin run would have expected to be going a little further up the hill but the friendly red and white tape guided the runners back into the forest and on towards Powerscourt Waterfall. It would seem most people were so focused (on either running or getting sick) they didn?t even notice the spectacular views of the valley and the waterfall to the right of the trail. The field then picked up the pace as they flew down the long hill to the bottom of the dreaded steep "Ride". At this stage it was O?Cleirigh and Keith, one - two, with Brady looking to catch Simpson at the beginning of the hill. And then there it was, looming long and arduous, "The Ride". For most it was too steep to even contemplate running and even the stronger runners were forced to walk the last third or so of the hill. At the top of the hill it was O?Cleirigh ahead of Keith, with Brady and Simpson three and four. Horgan was in fourth with Mahon and Farrell on his heels hurling abuse to get him up the hill. Meanwhile the ladies were battling out with Joan Flanagan, Nicky Cinnamond and Roisin McDonnell all in contention and very close together.
At the top of the "Ride" it was over the style and up to the right for a little more climbing and then back down to the foot bridge and up the climb on the far side again heading once again back into the forest. The run down the muddy tracks seemed to have been the highlight of the night with everybody enjoying themselves immensely, splashing around in the puddles as they hurtled down in the trail. It was then back into the final straight, down through the trees and down across the stream once again. Once across the stream it was a sprint finish for many, especially the one or two who missed the turn and ended back in the car park by accident and had to come back down!
A special congratulations to Turlough Conway who managed to clinch the first IMRA Bog Snorkeling challenge! This was the first 50 meter Bog snorkel sprint hosted by IMRA, but Turlough?s form this year will be very hard to beat!
First home in the run was Aonghus O?Cleirigh with Eoin Keith second in front of Gerry Brady, who managed to stay in front of Simpson after the "Rise". First of the ladies was Joan Flanagan with a convincing win with Nicky Cinnamond second and Roisin McDonnell in third. First in the Mens Juniors was Ted McCormack with Thomas McElhinney in second. First female junior home was Siobhan Murphy. Brendan O?Reilly was first home on the Short course. Graham Porter and Jane Watt managed to create a rare M50 and F50 double to the delight of the crowd. This was a great race by the pair just days after their valiant effort in the Rogaine. Let?s hope for another "Bickies and Wine" celebration next week!
The altered race was generally heralded as a great race and thoroughly enjoyable and many are hoping that it will be maintained for next season. And finally a special thanks to all the course setters and time keepers who stayed out for over two hours till all the athletes completed this very long and difficult course .....well done folks!