David Dinsmore Report

23 June, 2025 - Peter O'Farrell

This was my first experience of masters running at this level and I didn't really know what to expect. The organisation was impressive. They seemed to have roped in every Italian police force - and there are plenty of them - to provide transport for the event. I had an exciting journey from the airport to Nicolosi in a Penetenciary Police minibus with motorcycle escorts and lights and sirens going all the way.
Registration was easy and the B&B which the organisers had found for me was handy, only a short walk from the town centre. The athletes' parade to open the event was quite an eyeopener for me. Not quite the Olympics but impressive enough. I was amazed at the size and organisation of some of the teams, like the Swiss, Germans, French Italians and UK. All in uniforms, clearly sponsored and large teams. There were about 20 of us in the Irish contingent. What was also impressive was how the town seemed to have got behind the event. The central square was taken over for the weekend and meant there was a good atmosphere.
Proceedings kicked off on Friday morning as we boarded more police buses for the trip to the start of the Classic Up and Down. Not suc h an exciting trip this time! Advertised as 9km the course turned out to be about 8.4. Quite challenging, with some climbs and several stretches of volcanic sand, so I was glad I'd taken the organisers' advice to wear gaiters.
The Irish contingent performed well, with individual gold in W50, and individual and team bronze in M65 and bronze team in W50.
The medal ceremony took place in the main square in the afternoon. It was quite a spectacle as the teams gathered to cheer the winners. I was impressed that each age group had equal status. It was a special moment when Amhrán na bhFiann was played to mark Becky Quinn's gold.
Day Two was the Vertical, which I hadn't entered. From what I heard later I was quite glad I hadn't! Basically it was about 4km up a volcanic sand hill. Irish success went to Matt Alexander in M70 with a fantastic gold, despite having to crawl up the last couple of hundred metres. Amhrán na bhFiann was heard again when he stood on the podium that afternoon.
Day Three saw an early start to board the shuttles to the start of the Long, billed as 31km but more like 28 in the end. This was tough! It climbed to 2500m with long stretches of volcanic sand and steep ascents. Everyone said it was one of the toughest races they'd ever done.
It certainly was for me, as I dropped out at 22km. after 4hr 23m running and legs like jelly. Although I'd 'only' another 6-7km to go, I realised that that would be mostly very steep descent and I didn't feel I could trust my legs to do that safely.
Becky Quinn once again triumphed for gold in W50, an amazing performance in the conditions.
So three golds and three bronzes and ninth in the medal table. Not bad for a small team without the resources of some of the other nations.
Socially, we had a good time. Everyone made me welcome and there was a good team spirit, with supporters out on the courses and taking pics. I'd certainly recommend the experience. It's an opportunity to test yourself on a bigger stage, but as our results showed, many of our runners are well able to mix it with the best