On Saturday last (Feb 6th), a good group of Sportsworld members made the trip down to the village of Annacurra near Aughrim, Co.Wicklow for the 2nd instalment of the IMRA Winter League. Although it was fairly miserable leaving Dublin, conditions on arrival in Annacurra were perfect – sunny but not too warm and much more importantly – no wind! The village itself was also perfectly set up for the race with the registration, the start and the pub for prize giving all within a few metres of each other. This led to everybody hanging around the one area which gave us a chance to check out the competition – unfortunately there was a lot of it.

At 11am, the race began. 172 competitors in total. The course itself was 10.5km with a 420m climb thrown in for good measure. The first 3.5km were straight up to the summit on nice wide fire roads which gave plenty of opportunities for overtaking, or being passed, if like some of us you ran off like a hero at the start – only for your calves to give in after about 2km! First Sportsworld member to the top was Paul, followed by Jakub, Liam and myself who were running as a group cross country style at this point. From here, there was a 2km fast descent followed by another steep climb back up to the summit again. Paul was only visible at the summit as we reached the peak for the second time. Again, Liam and Jakub were way too close for comfort as I reached the top. A very fast descent of the original climb ensued back to the village and to the finish – main objective here – stay ahead of the 2 lads. Thankfully I managed this and together we all passed a good number of people on the way down.

Sportsworld finishers as follows;

Paul Mitchell 12th
Colm Kennedy 18th
Jakub Splawski 20th
Liam McFadden 29th
Helen Dixon 95th
John Fitzgerald 121st
Brid Higgins 155th
Charlie O’Connell 169th

Check out http://www.imra.ie/ for details. Yet again, our ladies would have claimed a team prize if they had just one more team member so with the meet and train over for a while maybe this is a perfect time for a few more of our female members to discover the joys of hill running. The next race is Saturday week in Tibradden (just south of our Ballyboden lap).

Report By: Colm Kennedy

Paul continued his excellent run of form by finishing second and winning his category in the summer league which included 3 individual wins and 3 second places, very consistent running by Paul, well done.

Next home was Joe Byrne who jogged around in 39 minutes according to him as he was due to do a long run the next day !!

Stephanie kept up her good recent form by finishing third female behind Annette Kealy and Donna Mahon and also was part of the AIB team which were 2nd in their category.

Sandra was 1st in her age category. Helen Dixon was 2nd in her age category. Judith was 1st in her age category and Trevor not to be outdone was also 1st in his age category.

Susan ran a pb by 3 minutes and Ray looked as fresh at the end as he had at the start of the race.

I would highly recommend that you try one of the upcoming races www.bhaa.ie for remaining races in 2009 as all standard of runner is catered for and if you ask any of your colleagues that run in the BHAA races I have no doubt they will agree that their running has improved since taking part in the races.

Race Report by
Stephen Willoughby

“I’ll Just Jog It”

The world is creaking and groaning with tales of dread. A quick shuffle through the Sunday Papers will bring rapid personal rain clouds and a deep fog will follow a deep depression.

In a turbulent world, there is no better antidote to misery, worry and fear than running and the company of running friends. Theirs is a positive, happy and encouraging outlook. Runners are not gratified by the material. They have long since understood the effort and the reward comes from better feats. They understand achievement, goals and fun better than any company or business. Theirs is an inherently positive outlook and the glass is always half full. A running club is way more important than running; it’s your tribe, your support and your community.

It’s a haven for heady headaches and it’s a reminder of what really matters.

Then again, at Sportsworld, we are very lucky. Lucky because we have a passionate Coach who is inspiration personified. In a previous note I said “Emily Dowling didn’t just teach us to run, she taught us how to live” How true that is today.

The start of the Kilmore 10k is a well disguised hill. It seduces then pulls and bites your heels. Dermot Bates is a wily fox. Local knowledge (witness the amount of Bates at rest in the ‘Grandstand Graveyard’!) knows better. Dermot’s family come from Kilmore and this gentle start is known locally as … you guessed it … ‘the hill’

Yours truly was on an escape weekend in Kilkenny. The lure of a race and the company of friends were too much to miss. Dermot, the inspiration, creator, producer and director of Project Kilmore was persistent. His early morning text and we were off winding our way from Kilkenny to Wexford.

The huge windmills were singing and dancing. I knew we were near, I remembered their silent presence from last year. Registration and fluorescent signs added to the rural relaxed charm. The sun came up and the wind died down. Sportsworld were out in force.

A little local knowledge and we headed off to the 2.5 mile mark. It’s a sleepy winding lane that destroys your rhythm after 2 very fast miles. Its beauty compensates. Quickly Pat Byrne came over the brow. He was working hard and oh so fast. He was out on his own but relentless in his work.

Soon, our World Class Master Ed was striding through, Michael on his tail. It makes you very proud to see your club mates doing so well and the red and white still cuts a dash.

Lucy came next as fast as fast could be. Still smiling, still striding, and still winning. Lucy is both the art and the science.

Jean, the most understated Doctor, was just behind. She glided and set a scintillating pace (Jean later told me she is ‘not fit’)

One by one our runners strode past. There Was Breda with Husband Jim and both setting super times. Dermot ran with Brian and they ran out of their skin to set fast times for guys who had not raced for some time.

Joe Byrne had run 8 miles around the waterworks in 55 minutes that morning. Joe ran Kilmore and promised his bride-to-be that a PB was hers. He did not disappoint and Mary came in 2 minutes better than her previous PB.

Perhaps the ‘best’ performance came from Rachel Morgan just 10 seconds behind a very fast Mary Finn. You see, Rachel is already a Mum of One and as part of her training to be a Mum of 2 she just had to run 42 minutes – that’s 6:48 pace whilst taking it easy!

Ronan, Jaceb, Clare added to our fabulous spectator fun.

The finish was furious with a teasing little hill. Sprints ignited and smiles widened. A tough course but they were all home. The setting summer sun was becoming a little autumnal but there was an evening of banter, stories and fun ahead.

The next day, two thoughts stayed with me. The first was from Joe Byrne. It was a text and like the rest of us, Joe needs his running to keep his business sane. His message said ….”There is something very natural about tea and biscuits after a rural race” There is. It’s a reminder of what’s important and how ‘pace of life’ will be better served by having a regular dose of a good running ‘pace’

In the end, it’s all about making the most of life and of these special days. Trips away and the trip to Kilmore does that to you and for you. The golden years are not ahead, they are now.

At registration I bumped into Ray Carpenter. Ray is an enigma. A man so content, relaxed and balanced. He makes everyone smile. He oozes calm and he inspires fun. Ray does not get anxious.

Just before the start Ray and I chatted. I was beginning to feel I should have attempted the race. I had chickened out. Not Ray. Though not at peak fitness he would “give it a go”

At the 2.5 mile mark Ray was right at the back. I wasn’t fooled. By the time I had set up camp at 5.5 miles Ray was right up front. At the finish, his race done and many scalps later, he was still smiling. I smiled back, shook his hand and reminded him of what he said…. “I’ll just jog it”

My reply? …. Sadly, it’s not fit for fit people!

Next year, get fit, get ready and get down to Kilmore. These Bates people know a thing or two about running fun.

Full results and photos from racepix365

Report By
Conor Kenny

As we are getting closer to the Kilmore 10K, places are running out.
We had a very successful trip last year.
The race this year is again on a Saturday at 5.30PM on 29th August.
For those that weren’t there, last years race was just perfect.
Flat course, on country roads, very little traffic and beautiful scenery….on a par with Ballycotton.
See: www.kilmoreathletics.com

This year, we are staying in Wexford town as opposed to Kilmore Quay….Very lively town during the summer, with plenty of good bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
We are trying to get everyone going into either the Talbot or Whites Hotel, both of which offer a gym and pool, but depending on numbers and availability, there are also guesthouses close by as alternatives.
There are also spots with a choice of staying for 1 or 2 nights.

The following are the available rooms…all on a B&B basis:
These are once off prices.

For 2 nights: Talbot Hotel, €100pps, (2 places)

For 1 night: Talbot Hotel, €60pps, (2 places)
For 1 night: Whites Hotel, €65pps, (3places)

Alternatives are Guesthouses close by also, of which prices can be given.
The above rates are on a first come first served basis. These are internet rates and are no longer available. The rates on offer by the hotel are 90 Euro+ PPS/night.

Please contact Dermot Bates/Rachel Morgan if you want to book a room.

Dermot Bates

Over 10 Sportsworld runners made the trip to county meath for the 30th annual Michael Manning Memorial 10km evening last Saturday evening. When we left Bushy Park at 6 o’clock it felt more like midday in Lanzarote than a June evening in South Dublin. Thankfully by the time we arrived, highly motivated thanks to Paul Duffy’s music choices it had cooled down.

With a slight delay to the start there was plenty of time for a good warm up. The atmosphere at the start on the new link road just off the N3 was to be savoured. Very often you’re not too excited before you get going, but you feel good after you’re done. It felt a bit different on Saturday with everyone enjoying the summer sun and great atmosphere.

The field headed off at a very fast pace in what was now slightly cooler conditions. If some runners were still feeling the heat, Paul O’Connell wasn’t showing any signs of distress, by the time the leading pack of runners reached the 1 mile mark in a blistering 4mins 41sces, a quartet of Brian Maher, Tommy Evans, Peter Matthews and Paul had emerged from the main field as serious contenders for the event.

Paul continued his progress going through the 5K marker in 15:32.56 a time that very few people in the club would get close to in a 5K. By the time the first 5K had been completed it became clear that Clonliffes Noel Cullen course record (29.21) which was set back in 2000 was safe. By now the eventual 1st and 2nd place finishers Brian Maher and Tommy Evans had pulled slightly ahead. Increasing the gap in the second half of the race Kilkenny man and Irish international cross country athlete Maher led home the field in a time of 30.17. The women’s race was won convincingly by Annette Kealy in just under 35 minutes.

Paul O’ Connell led a fast improving Sportsworld team home in an incredible 31:44 finishing 4th overall. He was follow by Phil Kilgannon 32:37, a bit further back was Paul Duffy 34:11, Michael Cunningham 34:44 and Gareth Murran 35:11. Joe Byrne 38:07 and Lucy Darcy 38:25 both came in around the 38 minute mark. Jakub Splawski went over the finish line in a fast 40:22 after completing somewhat of a mini triathlon on Saturday. Stephen Willoughby 40:49, Dave Clarke 41:39 and Eoin O’Brien 44:03 completed a strong Sportsworld line-up. Everyone seemed very happy with new PB’s for almost all the team. There was even a guest appear by Will now sporting a Limerick AC singlet.

Just before 10 o’clock the prize giving got underway. With a prize fund of over €2,000 for the top finishers in the various categories Sportsworld did extremely well with Paul O’Connell taking 4th place in the men’s, Lucy taking 1st in the women’s over 40 and the men’s team had a very convincing win with our top 4 Paul O’Connell, Phil Kilgannon, Paul Duffy and Michael Cunningham all running very fast times.

As in previous years, the organisation came together with military efficiency to ensure that the almost 500 runners taking part would leave with no cause for complaint. It seemed as though the whole of Dunsaughlin had come out to line the route, and their support, coupled with complete lack of traffic, put a spring in the step of the runners as they made their way round the wonderfully scenic course. It’s easy to see why the race has become one of Ireland favourite 10K road races.

Many Dunshaughlin virgins like me must have been delighted as they turned the first, second and then third corner to see the race followed a flat course. Despite changes in the town because of the M3 motorway, the course remains much the same, it still has a hill or two between the 7th and 9th kilometres but nothing too challenging.

The celebrations continued late into the night in McSorley’s of Ranelagh’s with the cup attracting lots of attention from the local talent. I think it’s safe to say we will be back to defend our title next year, hopefully with a full women’s team to complete the double. Pictures to follow.

Full list of finishing times:
1.Paul O’Connell 31:44.75
2.Phil Kilgannon 32:37.85
3.Paul Duffy 34:11.14
4.Michael Cunningham 34:44.47
5.Gareth Murran 35:11.41
6.Joe Byrne 38:07.76
7.Lucy Darcy 38:25.09
8.Jakub Splawski 40:22.18
9.Stephen Willoughby 40:49.07
10.Dave Clarke 41:39.92
11.Eoin O’Brien 44:03.79

Report by
Gareth Murran

Well done to club members to took part in todays race in navan. It was a cool afternoon in navan, with 2 circuits of a challenging 5km lap. A strong breeze on sections of course made the going tough, and any broken PB’s represented a very good run. We had a full teams for both team races, with the ladies team taking a silver medal and the mens team finishing in 5th. There was some great support on the day from emily, sean, miles, steven, rachel and many others.

28 110 Idilgannon Phil Sportsworld A.C. 33.23
31 111 O’Connell Paul Sportsworld A.C. 33.38
50 114 McEntee Ed Sportsworld A.C. 34.31
53 116 Sweeney Trevor Sportsworld A.C. 34.51
67 112 Duffy Paul Sportsworld A.C. 35.34
75 117 Murran Garrett Sportsworld A.C. 35.52
86 118 Enright Packie Sportsworld A.C. 36.22
104 220 Brady Aoife Sportsworld A.C. 36.41
131 223 Darcy Lucy Sportsworld A.C. 37.47
154 225 White Helen Sportsworld A.C. 39.00
156 113 Spulski Jacub Sportsworld A.C. 39.14
159 221 Brady Crona Sportsworld A.C. 39.23
164 226 Finn Mary Sportsworld A.C. 39.39
226 227 Bergin Stephanie Sportsworld A.C. 42.48

Just trying to re-enforce which club we’re in by including the club column, in case you don’t know its Sportworld A.C..

The full results are available on the AAI Website. Photo’s from RacePix365.

Hi, as everyone is probably aware, we had a very successful trip to Wexford for the 10K in Kilmore last year.The race this year is again on a Saturday at 5.30PM (good time) on 29th August.

For those that weren’t there, last years race was just perfect.Flat course, on country roads, very little traffic and beautiful scenery….on a par with Ballycotton. We are planning on doing the trip again, with a few more added activities….

Main points are:

1. Staying in Wexford town as opposed to Kilmore Quay….Very lively town during the summer, with plenty of good bars and nightclubs. We are trying to get everyone into the Talbot Hotel, which offers a gym and pool.

2. Choice of staying for 1 or 2 nights.

3. Arrange a run on Curracloe beech for Friday afternoon/evening for those that can get down early. Just imagine a run down the beech around 5PM while most people are driving home from work stuck in traffic….bliss…and then back for sauna/pool!.

4. A boat trip to the Saltee Islands on the Saturday afternoon before the race…

5. Pints on Friday and then Saturday night after the race.

6. We will arrange car pooling for those that would prefer not to drive.

7. Another run on Curracloe Beech on Sunday morning or afternoon.

The cost is going to vary, depending on which website I can book the rooms…I have booked a number of twin rooms so far @ 100 Euro per person for the 2 nights….this is an execellent rate for August. The boat trip will be an extra 10/12 euro for those that want to go on it.

So for the first 10 people to come back to me, 100 or 112 will be the full cost for the 2 nights, it’ll be hard to get any better than that.I am working on more good rates, but really need an idea of numbers and how many nights people want to stay before I can do this. If going ahead with the best rates possible, I will need payment asap.For the first 10 above, I will need a deposit of 40 Euro to confirm your place and the full amount of payment by first week in June.

You can give the money, to myself, Rachael or Lucy.

If People are interested, can you reply to this mail please… I will book rooms, but please remember the rooms will be on my CC from time off booking…… Please feel free to pass this mail on. Hopefully we can make the trip even better this year and absolutely everyone is welcome.I will send out an update once I start getting feedback.

Thanks Dermot.

There was something almost ‘wild western’ about the posse of Dublin cars sweeping into the village. The locals looked perplexed. That initial excitement and urge to explore was quickly muted. A sunny September Saturday quietly refreshed the early risers. A stroll down to the harbour to watch the boats come in. Even the 2 sea lions looked lazy, sleepy and unhurried.

On to the sea shore and a beautiful memorial garden to all those lost at sea. When you read the names and their age it becomes more real. A calm day out to the horizon hid the deadly power of this moody ocean.

The peaceful mood led to a relaxed drive to the race start. Sportsworld represented about half the field. The red and white cut a powerful symbolism.
Registration was fun. The man in front of me refused to give his age. The middle aged, no nonsense matronly woman was having none of it …”I said how old are you?” He mumbled, muttered, and stuttered. She grew more agitated and in a loud voice said again …”How old are you?” He finally confessed to being 70. She said “70 exactly or older?” His dream of being mistaken for something younger was truly perished.

The warm up strides were dominated by a young local girl sprinting at the speed of light. Mr. Bolt would have been proud. We did wonder if she would survive the first 100 metres let alone 10k. Apparently she did!

The race start was just as relaxed. A man who had been club secretary for 105 years started the race. He had a chest full of pride and this was ‘his day’. We all smiled.

Off and a fast pace it was a twisty peaceful country road. It went up a little, down a little, but always pretty. Big propeller wind turbines competed for our attention. They might be ‘friendly’ but they sure do blot out the view. The locals encouraged us and even their dogs too. Marshals attended every corner even though we saw no cars to hinder our rapid journey. Soon, back into Kilmore and a fitting finish right by a graveyard that was set out to look like a grandstand!
The crowd at the finish were warm and hearty; it made the slog all the more worthwhile.

That night we dined in Keoghs. There was good food, great cheerful service and wonderful music. We ate together, sang together and went back to our hotel together. It’s what a club is all about. Nobody talked about ‘their’ race but everyone wanted to know how you did.

The walk home was cheerful and fun under the bright full moon. Then we went dancing. It was fun and it was straight out of JB Keane. It was Ireland of the 50s. Two local girls competed for the title of Dance Queen Diva. Their competitive spirit led to increasingly more ‘interesting’ moves. We remained unshaken!

Hardy souls were up early to take in the sea, the dunes and the air. Soon, we were saying our goodbyes. A plan and a trip was now a memory.
You see, a club is about much more than running, it is about people and people create the precious memories.
So, to my club, yet again, thank you for another super little adventure. But, to those who made it happen, Kilmore AC, Dermot and Rachael, we may not often say it but ‘thank you for the memory’ [Conor Kenny]

6 121 00:33:53 Paul O’Connell
43 211 00:40:03 Rachael Morgan
57 103 00:41:17 Kathleen O ‘Callaghan
61 209 00:41:25 Mary Finn
99 130 00:45:20 Louise Bruton
128 204 00:48:06 Susan Mc Donnell

I’m fairly sure i missed two people from the list, please let me know if so and i’ll update.

People ‘drafting’ behind mary finn