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28 November, 2009

With visibility so good today navigation was not an issue in round two of the 50k challenge.
However route choice certainly was.
For those of you who were not there the 17km course (915m of climb) started at Annalecka Bridge and took in the peaks of Silsean, Moanbane, Mullaghcleevaun and Carrignagunneen.

At the start of the race 7 of the 23 runners retreated from the forest track and out on the public road. This route choice had not been considered by the course setter and there was considerable discussion as to whether it would be faster than the forest track. When Gerry Brady arrived back seven minutes in front of his M40 colleague Aonghus O'Cleirigh the matter was definitively settled (Aonghus took the road).

On a very hot day for running the little known mountain of Silsean did most of the damage with its steep grassy slopes.
Another area where there was many route options was off Carrignagunneen to the finish, those with copies of the Harvey had a distinct advantage with all the forest rides marked in. One of these rides almost did for Scottish runner Drew Turnbull when the ground gave away he sank and had to swim to safety.

The 50K Challenge is now nicely poised with Gerry Brady 10 minutes to spare after his run today. Killian Mullett although beaten today by John Kinsella still holds a narrow lead over him.
With 22 more kilometres to come on the 31st there is all to play for yet.