Brockagh Solstice

22 June, 2023 - Barry Murray

There’s nothing like a mid week mountain running festival in the middle of summer . The Leinster League provides that and it’s something i’ve missed living in Kerry now the last few years . So thanks to Michael O Leary , I was able to fly up from Kerry to Dublin in 40mins for less than the price of a full tank of diesel . The semi retired Peter Bell picked me up and it was good to drive out into the Wicklow hills again . Arriving in the farmers field and the festival buzz returned on a warm balmy evening . Old timer Mikey was kitted out early and ready to go although no one told him about all the fire road . Jason Kehoe was sipping on a flask of coffee looking for every edge to beat me . With the 200 limit sold out , it was almost like an IMRA reunion of long term Imra members so it was good to see all the familiar faces . With the temperature and humidity so high , it’s hard to do or feel like doing a warm up

. I trotted off with a few of the lads , and got some strides in , but it was a sweat box and the flies were out in force . A big crowd lined up at the start and RD Roisin kept it simple and on point .

Off we went , and it was like a 100m sprint at the front .. Ian and Karol leading the charge . I was going a bit too fast myself so eased back and ended up running alongside with my main competition Jason .. with Barry Minnock beside us too . After about a mile , Barry pulled away and Jason started to drift a bit ahead too . I was feeling cooked already and knew it was going to be a hard slog for a few more km. Fire roads are pretty boring as much as I like how runnable they are but it feels monotonous when you are just trudging up and up for over 5k .

Eventually got to the turn off for the open mountain section and I clocked Jason had 25secs on me . Up on the single track and it was lord of the flies . I thought this part would be short enough but it felt long . I saw Jason running up and passing 1-2 guys so he was pulling further away from me . Eventually got to the main summit and it was nice to lose the flies . I knew the descent was fast and runnable so tried to let go but only so fast the legs can turn .

A good few early starters to pass and say hello too so that was the main focus . Jason was out of sight at this stage and I could only see 1-2 other guys in front . The last bit of fire road is a grueller as the legs are empty after the big descent and you just want to see the finish line . Managed to maintain the pace and sneak in the top 10 so was happy enough . Had the wait about an hour to see Peter Bell coming in , amazing what 12 months and a new baby does to your pace . Big brother John wasn’t too far behind me and poor old Mikey was kicking the fire road .
The fatigue , heat and flies meant only one thing after and that was to get into the water , so it was so nice to get in for a plunge at the back of Lynhams . Into the pub then and the Wicklow wolf elevation went down a treat and thanks to designated driver Peter I was able to have a couple . Great to catch up with so many of the old Imra crew . It’s one thing that amazes me , no matter how many years have passed since you last met , the same connection and bond is there . The chef probably didn’t realize how many hungry runners there would be so many hungry runners so the platters disappeared quickly .

A great evening , worth flying up for . Another well organized race and very well marked and marshaled . Well done RD Roisin and crew . Might have to fly up again before the end of the mid week mountain running festivals .

More fires mmmm??

21 June, 2023 - Mikey Fry

No real words but brutal tonight with a 5k start of fire roads on and on it never really ended and when we finally turned to nice up hill I was wrecked but kept on doing something not sure what but something left onto to summit nearly fell on top of Ben at summit marshal off to downhill was so tired couldn’t get legs moving Alan passes me out but have nothing to go after him and then to put nail in the hat last fire road was so much fun with a no it wasn’t hit the finish line boom I’ll take that seat on the ground well done to all Roisin and crew very well organised race not sure I will want to race ot again this race used to be a good mountain run but now not sure what you’d call it…great to see Barry up from dingle and great chats in pub well done:)