Bandit Country

08 May, 2023 - Barry Murray

A one of kind race where you literally step into 3 different counties over 11.5km. A nice idea by Mairead and crew and for me it was still essentially in Kerry, so thought I would have a nice easy journey to it !

After 17yrs of doing IMRA races and using the same tactic for each race that is a bit off the beaten track, I stopped in the village nearest the race start - Rockchapel, and popped into the only newsagents open to enquire. The response I got instantly was "ah there is a run on today, just back down the road and turn up the hill, its on your right." So off I went, with about 40mins still to go before the race start. After driving up the hill for 10mins, I saw no signs of life, although I was surround by Wind Turbines and the race start was at a Wind Turbine car park. I call into a house to ask for directions, they weren't sure and probably shocked to see a stranger call to their door on a Sunday morning. I try to ring a few of the Munster IMRA crew but coverage was poor. I end up driving back to the shop, and the shopkeeper pointed me towards a local elderly gentleman who then gives me a set of different directions. At this stage, its a few mins to 11am... I was about to just drive home but gave it one last chance. Arrived at the race start at 11.05, threw my gear and number on and Mairead RD said the course was well marked and to just catch up with the course sweeper !

So first ever IMRA race and I'm started 7 or so mins behind everyone. After 2km I caught up with the course sweeper and then I knew that I was properly in the race and all signage was still up. It was a really well marked and marshalled race, one of the best I've seen, with marshals at the important junctions and plenty of arrows/tape to guide you along the way. Fair play.

Depends on your appreciation for wind turbines (jury is still out for me) and the swooping sounds they emit, but the race ran along fire trail right beside these big metal structures and then turned off through some single track and marshy meadows. There were 2 river crossings also which added to the fun .

The novelty for me was running from the back and gradually catching up as many as I could. I ended up getting up to 13th position and checked my time when I came in which I noticed would have put me in with the front guys. But I wasn't too worried about placing and was just happy to be able to get a race in. Sort of more enjoyable to run right from the back and have people all along to pass and say hello to. Might do it again !

Well done Mairead and crew for a novel type of race and a very well marked course. Big lesson learned for me, is that I won't be relying on shopkeeper directions in the future !