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28 November, 2009

Its always exciting when a new route appears on the schedule and I would love to give a good description of the Ballinastoe course but the whole thing sort of blends together in a series of ups and downs through thick forest and open tracks. And until Peter O'Farrell said 'its all down from here' I never had any idea where I was.
In any case Paul Mahon and company devised a challenging and interesting course through the Ballinastoe woods that combined with the humid night produced more sweat than had been seen in recent races. After surviving low branches, side hills, a quick stream crossing and a long dark muddy ride , the 125 finishers produced a positive buzz in the car park as muddy , sweaty runners discussed the evening events. There was so much to talk about that folks ignored the swarms of flies on their head to linger just that little bit longer.

The race itself produced a well calculated performance by Paul Nolan(71), who had jogged the course on the weekend and used that knowledge and his experience to let Vincent O'Sullivan burn himself out in the first half and then Paul put down the hammer and put 3 minutes between him and his rival in the latter part of the race. A further 4 minutes back Gerry Lalor was third.

Untouchable Beth McClusky was 12th overall as the first lady and Roisin McDonnell ran a steady race for first among the lady vets. The Americans dominated the mens veteran categories with Andrew Allers, from Idaho, running a controlled race and taking his first victory in the mens over 40 and myself, from New York, taking first in the M50 category. (It is interesting to note that only 2 Americans ran and they both won their category.) Mick Kellet got back in the winners circle with a victory in M60 and Ger Power was first woman over 50. There were other memorable performances, with the one I had the best view of was Gavan Doherty (with his nuptials approaching) roaring down the nastiest of hills for his first top 40 finish.

It was a night for those that liked the rough stuff, we've come a long way from the mild tracks of Hellfire to the gnarly woods of Ballinastoe.