Saturday 5th December, Phoenix Park

Santas, reindeers and brack……..It could only be one thing. No not the Sportsworld christmas Party, The Jingle Bells 5k. Conditions were ideal with the air dry and crisp and a mammoth field of 1500 runners who kicked of the seasons festivities and cheer with this staple of the Irish running calender. It was like a pantomine cast with Lucy bouncing around tinsel and all and Trevor grumbling Ba Humbug…….For some there were serious business to attend to. Stephen Willoughby and Eoin O’Brien stood askance like two mean lookin cowboys in a spaghetti western. They cast each other a cool side ways glance at the start, matchsticks in mouth, and the scene was set.

There was a quality field of runners on display. We had the honour of the great Ronnie Delaney gracing us with a few words and setting us on our way. The stampede commenced at the Furry Glenne and the field was starting to string out by the first corner at the main road. The thoroughbreads assembled up front with the prodigious John Travers from Donore (remember that name), Thomas Fitpatrick, Pat McCartan, the great Peter Matthews and some of Raheny’s finest to the fore. I was joined by my usual cronies a ways back with Dave Byrne, Paul Cowhie and Ronan Kearns within strides all the ways along.

The kilometres passed quickly, especially with the great support on the sidelines. In the heel of the hunt Travers held of Fitzpatrick to deliver a popular home win in a blistering 14.33, followed by Fitzpatrick and McCartan, who will all be gearing up for a promising indoors season in the new year. Over a minute behind the Dave Byrne held off the encroaching group with characteristic grit. Kearns and Cowhie put on the nitros to drop me easily on the finishing straight. A satisfactory day nonetheless to finish in 22nd and 15.48. Give me the cross country any day.

Crona Brady capped off an epic year in which she has been making huge strides, storming home in 7th place in a brilliant 17.55. I notice Eoiny Fellony isn’t making bets with her anymore………Lucy was next in with a fine 18.14, also wrapping up an Annus Briliantus after her marathon glory. Just behind her stormed Santra Armstrong in 18.45. The crowd then huddled in (popcorn in hand) to see Eoiny hold off Stephen in the Clash of the Titans. I believe their people are in talks to arrange a rematch, due to popular demand. Judith cruised and Trevor clambered home to cap off a red ribbon day of racing.

Edel Madigan took a break from winning meet & train races in the mud and rain to try her hand on the roads and Amy Fitzgerald also braved the cool crisp morning after returning from another successful Lanzarote trip. We also had crossing the line Colin Mahon, Irene O’Connor, Sibeal Waldron, Karen O’Connor, Lorna Roe & Lucie Coley flying the flag for the club. A great day was had by all. Bring on the turkey……

Full results here and racepix photos here.

Report By
Phil Kilgannon

It will be 33rd edition of this classic race and Sportsworld has been well represented at it throughout the years. School books of Irish folklore have been updated with the epic battle of a certain husband and wife back in 1984. Way back then, when Miami Vice first beamed into our lives on the small screen, John Treacy picked up silver in the marathon at the LA Olympics and Star Trek III – The search for Spock hit the silver screen, this competitive duo left Dublin and hiked to east cork and lined up with the good and great of Irish athletics. They stood side by side (playing elbows) on the start line. The wife was feeling confident as she hummed Cyndi Lauper’s new No.1 “Girls just wanna have fun”. But it was the husband who first stormed up through the fishing village, over the crest of the hill to the finish line in 56.13 followed by his better half in 57:42. After not talking the whole way home the poor lady had to endure months of gloating across the kitchen table – pass the salt….ahh to slow! So in 1985, Emily Dowling lined up again and ran a stunning 56:00, knocking 13 seconds off Mick’s time to get a classic Dowling time!

Saturday’s rain had cleared and the sun was shining for the annual Rathfarnham 5K road race on Sunday. A decent punch of Sportsworld athletes lined up at the start line opposite Tesco.

For those who have been running the Addidas race series and gotten used to checking their watch every mile the 5K comes as a shock to the system. In the 5K, tactics moves and pushes you make during your race can make or break you.

Physically, the 5K is tough because you’re racing at just about your VO2 max, with the shorter distance over the more common 10K the margin for error is significantly less. You can’t go on an all out sprint or be too conservative during the first kilometre of a 5K. Paul Duffy doesn’t understand conservative starts. Paul was right up there with the leading pack as soon as guest starter George Lee set the race off on time at 10AM.

The course brings you down by Bushy, across the bridge and up the hill towards Terenure. Then there is a slight uphill followed by a seemingly endless long straight up toward Tempelogue cross roads. We run this course all the time but when you hit Tesco with a kilometre to go your hurting and then someone makes the push for home. You have a split second to decide to go and put the foot down or risk being left in the dust. The last kilometre of the 5K is where most runners either succeed or fail in meeting their target. Looking back to see where someone else is, is not an option. When you kick for home with 200 or 400 metres to go it’s a case of gritting the teeth and holding in there.

It’s not that often that you get to run fast in a race off the track but the 5K is a great distance for that, it’s thoroughly enjoyable. Our ever impressive Ladies team took the team title whilst our first man home today was Paul Duffy in 28th place, in a time of 16:03. Aoife Brady was our first lady home in 53rd with a time of 17:13. The race was won by a considerable 20 seconds in 14:22 by Mark Christie and Lynda Byrne in 16:10 for the ladies.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the race and with 5 seconds separating 3 of the Rathfarnham novice men’s runners and 2 from Sportsworld, next Sundays Dublin Novice cross country promises to be an exciting race.

The first sportsworld men and women home were:

Mens
28 737 Paul Duffy Sportsworld AC MS 00:16:03
30 1723 Gareth Murran Sportsworld AC MS 00:16:05
62 691 Colin McCarthy Sportsworld AC MS 00:17:37

Ladies
53 1887 Aoife Brady Sportsworld AC FS 00:17:13
68 1888 Crona Brady FS 00:17:42
94 1247 Helen White Sportsworld AC F40 00:18:32

Report by
Garrett Murran

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

Tuesday July 7th Lord Mayor 2m Road Series # 4, Raheny

Packie Enright was the only red & white representative at the 4th round of the Lord Mayor Series and duly came 3rd out of around 50 people in total. Conditions were fresh & breezy but nice & dry. The harmless low key race comprising mainly of veterans, average club runners, triathletes, BHAA members & general fitness enthusiasts was a slow tactical one with many running negative or even splits. The series takes place on the same quiet housing estate as the National Road Relays, except instead of being 2 full laps it finishes back a smidgen from where it started (as the course is 1620m or just 11m longer than a mile).

After a slow 1st mile (5.24) Enright was at the back of a bunch of 10. The pace picked up significantly then by the leaders, & Enright passed lads that went out too hard; moving up to 6th with 600m left & 5th with 400m to go. The clareman outsprinted the next 2 in the last 150m with one of them fighting back in a mighty ding dong, both runners credited with the same time (10.45). Enright left it too late to catch the first 2, won by the ageless ox Mick Traynor in 10.31. It was a mediocre time for Enright’s 1st race in over 10 wks and there was a definite lack of sharpness & simple ability to distance run at 5 min pace.

Then it was back to the clubhouse for tea & biscuits, and the organisers are well known for their hospitality along with knowledge of athletics. The prize on offer was
a beautiful poetry book written by Raheny club member Ciaran O Coigligh comprising of a poem about many club members printed in both English and Irish. It’s available in most reputable book stores for €10 and is well worth a look!

Full Results.

Report by
Packie Enright

Wednesday July 15th Graded meeting No. 7 in Morton stadium, Santry

On Wednesday last July 15th, three of our athletes took part in Graded meeting No. 7 in Morton stadium, Santry

First in action was Conor Murphy in the 100m. Conor ran strongly to take 5th place in his grade in a time of 13.09.

Ronan Kearns, returning from injury, ran a strong race in the 800m to finish in 2.04.98. Well done Ronan.

Next up was the ladies 3000m where we were represented by Crona Brady on her first outing over the distance. Crona put in a fantastic performance, staying in the leading group for the majority of the race to finish 7th in a high quality race in an excellent 10.28. Crona competes in the 800m at the IMC meet on Saturday
July 25th.

Paul Duffy and Conor Murphy competed in the men’s 3000m, with Paul running very close to his pb finishing sixth in 9.34.82. Unfortunately Conor had to pull out at the half way mark due to a hamstring injury picked up in the 100m.

Next race is the Irish Milers Club’s final meeting of the season in Irishtown on Saturday July 24th starting at 6pm. This is the final track race before the National track and field championships to be held in Santry on Saturday and Sunday August 1st and 2nd. So if you are around the bank holiday weekend come out and watch and support!

Full Results.

Report by
Aoife Brady

Tuesday July 21st Lord Mayor 2m Road Series # 5, Raheny

Over 50 runners attended the 5th round of the Lord Mayor 2m road series in a bright and breezy Raheny on Tuesday July 21st, and again Sportsworld came away in the prizes thanks to a brilliant display by our Helen. While she normally competes as an F40, this time she was good enough for 2nd place in the senior category less than 10 seconds behind senior champion Catriona Hooper who won in 11:45. On the day she beat the series F40 victor Mary McDermott by a minute. So well done Helen.

Sportsworld was also represented by Packie Enright who came 7th in 10:53. Enright, who didn’t venture out of bed all of last week because of food poisoning, wasn’t
expecting to beat his 10:45 from 2 weeks ago; but at least he got to collect his racing shoes which he left behind on that occasion! Now who said Dublin was a bad place for crime?

At the sharp end it was a 2 horse race between the legendary veteran Mick Traynor and national senior indoor 3000m champ and outdoor 1500m silver medalist Richie Corcoran. The pair went through the mile in 4:50 with the former being strong enough to run an impressive 9:46. The latter was unable to hang on but to be fair is only 5 wks back running mileage after a stress fracture, which has ended the Villanova
graduate’s genuine ambitions to become this year’s national senior outdoor
metric mile champ.

Full Results.

Report By
Packie Enright

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

Lucy Darcy, looking very fresh after her strong run in the mini marathon, led the ladies team to first place with a second place finish in a time of 24.17, followed by Crona Bady who was third in 24.27, Mary Finn, 5th in 25.05 and Kathleen Horgan, first over 35 in 25.28. Pauline Curley was top of the ladies in a speedy time of 22.31.

Our only male competitor was Paul Duffy who, following his great win on the track earlier in the week, ran a fantastic race to finish 5th in 21.22. Gearoid O Connor of Rathfarnham was first home in 20.48.

Full results available here and some photos here.

Congratulations to everyone!
Crona Brady