Unknown

28 November, 2009

This report is in two parts. Firstly a personal account of the run, then some general comments on the series.
The weather forecast I had heard was for a poor morning clearing to a sunny day and 25 degrees. It didn't work out that way as we scrambled for cover to transcribe our grid references to the map in the pouring rain. Andrew McCarthy had the fastest pen work closely followed by Gus O'Cleirigh, a superb navigator and one of our finest rough ground runners. It would be tough work to out fox him in this weather.
I hit CP1 on Sorrell Hill with a slight lead having spent much of the climb trying to figure out what to do about the leg to CP2. There seemed to be endless route choices ranging from dumping a heap of climb by returning to the start and following a forest road; Climbing the shoulders of Black Hill and attempting to contour through young trees; Or taking a chance on the maze of forest rides, paths and vegetation changes that a straight route would entail.
Poor execution of my compass bearing descent from Sorrell led to one of those almost surreal moments where myself and Gus crossed paths at 90degrees, each aware of the other but trusting our own choices. I opted for a compromise version of the longer return to the start route with a bit of forest bashing early on. Moire O'Sullivan on her winning debut in the series had the good fortune to momentarily lose her way in the mists of Sorrell only to end up on the public road close to the path junction for a simular route. In all I believe 9 different routes were taken by the 13 competitors, now that is quality route choice planning from Joe Lalor.
Having raced ghosts and entertained doubts about my route for 33 minutes I arrived at CP2 to furtively check for footprints but couldn't be sure, I'd have to wait until at least CP3 to find out who was leading and who was chasing. At least the rain stopped and the mist lifted to make the navigation that bit easier but it did nothing to reduce the torture that was the knee high heather. At the stream junction checkpoint I found Brian Bell huddled in a tent trying not to be eaten alive by flies. Not much fun for him but his news that no one had passed through certainly cheered me up. It was to transpire that Gus and Marcus Geoghegan trusting in their map work had opted for the high route to CP2 but found the forestry to be nearly impenetrable. Both lost 30 minutes, allowing Andrew McCarthy to slip past into second place at the halfway stage. A group of three including my own leading lady Izzy Lemee were to find an even denser piece of forestry from which it took nearly an hour to affect escape.
The challenge of the downhill leg to CP4 started out as crossing a spur without unnecessary climbing but rapidly became one of simply staying upright. The first 2km of the leg took less time than the final 500m. Never have tired legs struggled so badly with such horrendous underfoot. No sheep or deer tracks here, the animals having more sense. Running, even downhill was out of the question, walking and stumbling was the best that could be managed. In fact the final uphill run to the finish in the renewed downpour was a relief.
For the statistically minded, my split times were: 16:56 - 33:03 - 26:13 - 24:40 - 12:33
So to the general comments:
This series (with a new name) now in its fourth year has not captured the mainstream hill runner, which is a shame. Where are all the Mourne Mountain Marathon runners and Adventure Racers? The series is custom made for trying out gear, fitness, navigation and team mates.
With the masses elsewhere Joe has the freedom to play to his audience and yesterday he certainly did. The race had some of the roughest terrain in Wicklow, and word has it that the next two races will be even stronger tests of navigation. So if you want to give the Navigation Challenge a try you'll have to do it sooner rather than later as it's only going to get harder. You'll experience a different more challenging aspect of running in the hills.
Many thanks to Joe and Nora for putting in the base work over the last few weeks checking the control points. And to Brian Bell & Brendan Doherty for giving up half their Bank Holiday Sunday to stand in the rain on the mountains to check us by and keep tabs on our safety.
And a big well done to the 'lucky' 13 who persevered to the finish despite the weather, the terrain and the damned flies. This really should be a winter series!
All home safe eventually!

1. Paul Nolan 1.53.25
2. Andrew McCarthy 2.14.18
3. Aonghus O?Cleirigh2.22.30
4. Marcus Goeghegan2.48.19
5. Moire O?Sullivan 3.12.50
6. Brendan Arthurs 3.32.18
7. Cormac O?Ceallaigh 3.33.16
8. Mick Kellett 4.22.15
9. Tony Kiernan4.31.44
10. Isabelle Lemee4.33.05
11. Conor Murray 4.34.15
12. Charlie O?Connell 5.26.00
13. Barry Tennyson 5.33.00

Course
Race 1 Navigational Challenge Ballydonnell 14.2km 540m

The following positions must be visited in order

1. Start 058118
2. Summit 042119
3. River Junction 058084
4. River Junction 084081
5. River Junction 066109 <P>6. Finish 058118