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28 November, 2009

2002 Races
Glengesh Horseshoe race - Report by Joe Lalor
Glengesh 16/3/02 Mild and Overcast
This year?s Championship Hillrunning started this weekend as the Connaught Championship expanded to become the Connaught / Ulster Championship with the first race in Donegal for some time. A relatively small group of runners assembled outside Ardara, discussing the merits of the various route choices to Donegal before being ferried to the start.
After expending much energy in trying to keep their feet dry (why did they bother?) in crossing the stream at the start the runners headed off up the steep climb to the unnamed peak at the end of SE ridge of Common Mountain and from there on up the more gradual slope to the summit cairn. The advice was to follow the natural curve of the valley wall but well back from the cliff edge to avoid the numerous fences. Many were over generous in their sweep and lost places. One well known Northern runner just kept on going and was gallantly hauled back by the chairman before she reached Glencolumbcille and arguably lost the race as a result. The route across the top section was very soft and the skill was to avoid the more boggy bits.
The runners were turned down the S ridge of Glengesh, this leg although steep was very runable and made for an exciting finish. The first to arrive at the turning point was a very relaxed Robin Bryson who will be 40 next month, followed a few minutes later by a walking Simon Fairmaner who had just turned on his ankle and had not yet shaken off the impact. Next to arrive was a very determined Geraint Florida-James who would have made the race for 2nd interesting even without Simon?s injury. Lady vet. Joan Flanagan was next, although she benefited from her rivals detour, was always a threat on the rapid decent. As more runners approached the mud level got higher and higher up their body proving that speed and stamina count but staying out of the bog holes is crucial.
All the mud was washed away in the stream at race end, washing down of another kind was done in Nesbitts of Ardara and later in the Narin Inn.
Alan Cox won the prize for the First (and only) local resident