Report by Joe Byrne
Photos by Joe, Gemma White and Gareth Murran. For full album: Click here
Where did that summer go? All those track sessions in Tallaght on Saturdays morning seemed a distant memory as 6 ladies and 9 men from Sportsworld lined up to take part in the Novice championships which signals the start of the cross country season.
2nd place Caoimhe Daniels
Sunday was a cool blustery day at the Magazine Fort. By 1pm as the first of our athletes started their warm up the Phoenix Park had already endured a combined total of nearly 460 miles from sportsworld runners as our marathon entrants pitted themselves against the annual 4 x 5mile loop time trial under the watchful eye of Emily and Myles.
The ladies went under the gun at bang on 1.45pm as Sporstworld sought to defend their crown won 12 months previously. As usual there was lots of support from fellow club mates, too numerous to mention. Run of the day had to go to Caoimhe Daniels who claimed individual silver, growing stronger as the race went on and dropping all competitors bar the eventual winner Ashley Ryan from Civil Service.
Great race Caoimhe, in what promises to be an outstanding year for you. In support Caoimhe Costigan followed up in 17th place, with Katherine Mulleady in 27th and Sinead Staunton in 36th. The four ladies combined for an overall 5th place team in what was one of the most competitive Novice races I have seen in years.
Providing great support to the team were Katie Nugent and Val Power. Well done to everyone. This race will stand you in great stead for the remainder of the C.C season.
At 2 .15pm nearly 100 men were off, on the start of their 6k race which meant 4 full and exhausting laps. Like the ladies before, some of our men were competing in their first ever C.C race.
Honourable mention goes to Eoin Strutt from Raheny, who completely dominated from start to finish, eventually coming home a full minute ahead of the second placed athlete, remarkable over such a short distance. Certainly a name for the future.
Enda Kerin and Stephen O Donnell were never more than a couple of strides apart for the whole race with Enda eventually prevailing in 21st place and Stephen finishing in 22nd.
These lads were followed home by Karl Chatterton who continued his excellent form this year to finish in 29th place while Sedanan Mcgee in 38th made up the 4th member of the team that was to finish in overall 6th place. Again like the ladies, a very credible finish in what was a talent packed field.
Not to be outdone by the young lads, Anthony Gillen flew the flag for the Masters athletes in the club finishing 74th just ahead of young Johnny Dwyer in 76th who seems to be getting stronger every race he does. Keep it up Johnny, you’ll be a great addition to our ranks when your time comes in a couple of years. Only 13 seconds separated Brian Conway, Conor Keating and Liam Lenehan, whose now had his appetite wetted for more C.C races.
All in all a great days C.C racing by those that took part. Get the spikes and winter woolies out folks, only 4 months before its all over.
Sportsworld Results
Womens 4k
2nd Caoimhe Daniels 14.51
17th Caoimhe Costigan 16.12
27th Catherine Mulleady 16.41
36th Sinead Staunton 17.01
62nd Katie Nugent 18.21
69th Valerie Power 18.46
Mens 6k
21st Enda Kerin 21.29
22nd Stephen O Donnell 21.30
29th Karl Chatterton 21.53
38th Sedanan McGee 22.15
74th Anthony Gillen 24.22
76th Johnny Dwyer 24.39
80th Brian Conway 24.54
81st Conor Keating 24.59
83rd Liam Lenehan 25.07
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