This was the club’s second year in a row to attend this great running event in Roscommon town.
It’s Roscommon Harriers 4th year running their 10 Mile event which commenced its first year with 150 runners. This year it sold out with 2 weeks to go. They hope to expand the amount of runners from next year. This year attracted a strong field including two of Irelands elite long distance runners in Mick Clohessy and Sean Hehir who came in first and second in under 50 minutes as they prepare for the impending world championships.
Last year our team of Peter Somba, Alan McKernan and Donal Cashin won the overall team award and were hoping to emulate this again.
Donal however had to pull out as he looks to recover from his injury so he is still on the treatment table – although Mick being the kind hearted soul that he is did run with Donal’s number before dumping it 3/4 ‘s in to the race as a mark or respect/ opportunity to remind Donal of his recent ¾ marathon in Cork.
This year to win you required a team of 4 so it was up to Peter, Alan, Kevin Clancy and Mick Foy to bring home the trophy.
Peter, nursing an injury, was first home for the club on his 25th birthday in a time of 53 Minutes placing him third overall.
Alan who nursing some chest issues was too stubborn not to run turned the race into a tempo session coming home with Kevin Clancy in 63 Minutes. Kevin who used this as a post – holiday blow out still managed to run a near 3 minute PB which is a great testament to his running coach, guru and friend
Alan who as part of his 2017 goals, set himself a target to turn Kevin into a proper runner. This is work in progress and has taken great time and dedication by Alan who conjured a running and race plan for Kevin. He also provided security in the local pubs, café’s and off licences in Dunboyne to ensure Kevin keeps away from them so he optimises his ability. This really has not worked though.
If you do see Kevin in the village looking thirsty- please do not buy him a pint. A big well done Alan for your great work and a small well done to Kevin who is actually making these great improvements. Both these lads are preparing for their goal marathon in Berlin.
They both have applied for Dublin too but Kevin has not told his wife as yet so please no one mention it to Jennifer who is running it herself.
Next home for the club was ‘The pony tailed Princess’ Claire Ni Fhaircheallaigh in a time of 70 minutes. This is Claire’s first long distance run in nearly two years and on a warm humid day which made it tough for times. This was a brilliant run as Claire gets back to her best.
A special word of thanks to Claire who had to mammy Alan, Kevin and Mick for the day including the car road trip. This cannot have been easy for her and she was seen sitting on her porch that evening rocking forwards and backwards with a blanket over her – we can only imagine what she had to persevere.
The duo of Mick Foy and Antoinette Howlin started and finished together finishing in 1:18 as they ran comfortably. Antoinette would say it was not too comfortable but she had a happy head at the finish so we say it was comfortable.
Mick was seen doing his legendary Hammer celebration during the race and as mentioned he showed his nasty side as he discarded Donal’s number at 7 miles with a not so subtle smile on his face. This man has no conscience.
These two are preparing for Dublin where Antoinette looks to get back to her marathon best and Mick is on pacing duty as he sacrifices his own times so others obtain there’s. Unfortunately this kind gesture does not atone for what he did to poor Donal.
A special mention has to go to Antoinette’s son Simon who ran his first ever 10 mile race. He started off with Mammy running conservatively before pushing on and finishing some 5 minutes ahead of her to claim the prize as fastest in the house which he is unlikely to give up now.
Simon looked very comfortable too which highlights there is more there again. Simon has since been grounded and his TV taken from his room. We think Mammy may win next time.
Well done to Simon- hopefully we will see him at the club as there is a lot of talent there and youth to go with it. Watch this space as this talent unfolds. Hopefully the rumour of Antoinette sending him off to join the Tibetan Monks for 10 years is just a rumour.
A special well done and thanks to Roscommon Harriers for their race and hospitality. This is by far the best race we have encountered for the second year in a row. It is promoted as a ‘ race for runners, organised by runners’ and it really is.
Plenty of encouraging stewards, 3 water stations with bottled water. Water, coke and electrolyte drinks at the finish line.
Adjacent to the finish line is Hannon Hotel who had Curry, pasta, sandwiches, small cake, big cake, chocolate cake, jam cake, cream cake and lots of biscuits. It was no wonder it was 4:30 before the gang got back. This was all included in the €20 cost for the race in which you also received a finishers medal and proper running T shirt. This has to become a club event for next year with maybe a sleep over and drinks too.
O !!!! and the men’s team managed to regain their cup too and take it home so well done to Peter, Alan, Kevin and Mick.
The cup was last seen that evening with Kevin full of Hop House 13 as the pictures will tell !
Thanks again to Roscommon Harriers!!!!!
