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28 November, 2009

The theory behind the handicap race is that instead of starting in a big bunch and finishing in little bunches, we start in little bunches and finish in a big bunch. Wednesday's annual Kippure handicap race pretty much achieved that, thanks to all the maths wizardry of Bruce and various website boffins. That said, it always courts controversy and this year was no different - was Keith Daly going to cruise home first having jogged much of the league? Would Kellett be Kippered again? Was 50 quid enough of a bribe to stop James Higgins?

A quick scan of the last few years' results shows that fast guys (who start last) don't ever have a chance of beating the 50+ and novice runners, so the race has to be taken in the spirit intended, to allow others a chance at the podium, rather than the usual suspects.

Numbers were down compared to League races - perhaps everyone resting for the Trail League - but this allowed Paul and his merry team run the whole show in a relaxed and smooth manner without a hitch. Barry did a great job in keeping the main road passable by leaving a gap every 10 cars or so and Liam kept the starters honest by corraling us all into our various individual start times.

Running into a strong wind on the way out, the rain held off (thankfully) and we could see the mast on top all the way. Marking was ably carried out by orienteers Westie & Philip, who combined it with Westie's annual training run. We followed the flat road out for about 1 mile (2.1 km, actually), then hit the bog which follows a ditch all the way up to the summit. Rene was on hand at the top to help anyone who was thinking of getting lost (Jean?) and then it was back down the bog as fast as you could go. It's a classic downhill - when it's dry, it's like running on a carpet, but this wasn't what we got on Wednesday! No-one came back without some bog on them - some up to their necks - and there was plenty of footing to be watched and the odd shoe stuck in the wet bog.

We all finished pretty much in the planned bunch (except for one or two who's handicap was way harsh), and Charlie's huge lead was maintained for him to win comfortably.

Refreshments were to be had in 'the Merry Ploughboy' (aka Doherty's of Rockbrook), along with prizegiving and tall tales of handicaps, race times and bog.

Paul Mahon adds...

Congrats to Charlie O Connell on his Victory in last night's race where he finished ahead of youngster Eoin Mahon and Kieran O Connell.
One of the Bottom "weights" in the handicap, Charlie had been spotted doing a course inspection the previous night and put this knowledge to good use in the soft underfoot conditions to record a well deserved victory.
Fastest runner on the night was Ronan Guirey who seemed to join with many others in enjoyment of the depths of some bog holes but rumours of a STEWARDS INQUIRY were dismissed when it emerged that the hot pre-race favourite, who finished well down the field, was putting Country before self in advance of the Saturday's Snowdon race. Good luck to Mr Daly and Co on Saturday.
Many thanks to all the "volunteers" on the night - John Mc Enri, Aoife Joyce, Anne Marie Casey, Catriona Nic Cabba, Rene, Philip, Westy, Peter, Liam, Kieran O Connell, Garry Kelly , Corran O Reilly and Greg Byrne.