Sam Scriven

20 May, 2012

Circuit of Glenmacnass

After a second win in two races, Bernard Fortune took the lead in the Leinster Championship today at the Circuit of Glenmacnass. Finbar McGurren took 2nd place ahead of Zoran Skrba in 3rd. Jenny McCauley took the Ladies race, with Sarah Harley in 2nd place. Adrian Tucker took the M50 in 4th place overall (I think) and Barry Moore, who led the race in its early stages, took home the M40 prize.

With the weather set fair and temperatures finally approaching something you might hope to expect three weeks into the Irish summer, 42 hardy souls lined up for the longest race of the Championship – a 19k trek over challenging terrain taking in the summits of Brockagh, Tonlagee and Scarr with encouragement and refreshments available at the Glenmacnass waterfall car park.

RD Vivian O’Gorman set the runners on their way at noon, and a steady pace was observed through the narrow first track. With a free route choice between the main checkpoints, a few runners chose the gorse route through the bushes rather than the fireroad on the initial climb up towards the open mountain, and these three or four emerged thorns and all ahead of the main field. I was one of these chancers. This lead was quickly overcome by the Championship contenders on the grassy section leading up towards Brockagh. I found myself in the lofty position of 10th as the real climbing began, and despite losing a few places to (I think) Alan Ayling, Gareth Little, Kevin Grogan and Jenny McCauley, felt comfortable at the top of Brockagh. The ground was a mixed bag, with the track squidgy but reasonably reliable between the inevitable marshy spots. Nonetheless, very few will have reached Brockagh without submerging their ankles in bog once or twice.

Route choice is vital in this race. The main tracks can often be waterlogged. Going off track could be drier but the heather is thick in places and footing can be tricky. Ahead, Alan had taken the most radical course well left of the track heading directly towards the looming Tonlagee and appeared to be making decent progress. I think I was the second follower to hedge my bets and go left - although not as far left as Alan. This paid off and I rejoined the track level with Jenny and within touching distance of Gareth and Laurence Colleran. Not far ahead of them there were four or five beginning the steep drag up to Tonlagee. Jenny wasn’t long passing me again, commenting on the variable depth of the bog, but I managed to catch and pass Laurence and Gareth on the climb.

It was a big relief having gravity in our favour after 9k or so of trudge, and after ensuring I was going the right side of heart-shaped Ouler, I was able to stretch the legs a bit. I was going well and had made one place when Gareth bounded past at some speed just before the saddle. It can be tricky finding the path from here, so to be honest I was glad to be close behind someone who probably knew the way. Again the going was good to soft between Tonlagee and the ‘half-way’ point at Glenmacnass but in places this descent was a real pleasure to run and quick kms are always welcome at this stage of a race. As it approaches the river, this path becomes a serious slushfest though, and crossing the river at least washed a few kilos of bog off me.

Water, a banana and some words of support were very gratefully received from Henny, Brendan and Donal at the carpark, and I headed off up to Scarr in what I figured was about 12th place. Ahead of me Gareth and Mike Jordan could be caught if everything went well. Behind me, Tim Chapman (after losing time on the scenic route round the lake) was within 100m and obviously catching me. Fatigue was kicking in at this stage, Tim passed me and all three lads all made serious ground on me climbing Scarr. I also prematurely thought the summit was in sight when approaching the spot height between Kanturk and Scarr, which is always a bit of a psychological doozie. So by the time I finally reached the summit there was little hope of making any places. On the plus side, there was a big gap behind me so little fear of losing any. So I tried to be Zen and just get into a good rhythm on the final descent. This went well until I reached the gate and both hamstrings cramped as I was climbing over it (I was later informed I could have pushed it open). Still, no damage done, and I jogged down to the finish, delighted with the race and result.

Fabulous race in favourable conditions. Anything that’s got ‘Circuit’ in the name I’m all over it. Bring on the next race – the Circuit of Glendalough - another beauty by the looks of it. Thanks again to Vivian and to the volunteers.