Annemarie Sheehan was our sole representative at this Gowran AC 10 mile with Anne Gorman in tow as a one-woman cheerleading squad.
The race is set over a very challenging but apparently “enjoyable” (is this true Annemarie ???) 10-mile route, taking in Kilkenny’s best scenery. According to the promotional material the route winds across gentle valleys and up country roads before “emerging” at the crest of Stook Hill (mmm, sounds like a dirty big climb to us.) Between miles 8 and 9 is Ireland’s fastest timed downhill mile, The Stook Flying Mile. With timing mats at either end everyone receives a personal split for that single mile.
Coach Gary is the record holder for both the 10-mile course and flying mile (4.25 btw) and reigning champion but didn’t return to defend his title, opting for Clontarf on Saturday instead.
So all our hopes were pinned on Annemarie to do us proud. She withstood the pressure and had a superb run to complete this extremely challenging course in 1.32.54 (a 7 minute PB), averaging 9.19 minute miles and literally flew the Flying Mile in an incredible time of 7.11. That’s some going 8 miles into a very tough course. Congratulations Annemarie on a terrific run and thanks to Anne Gorman for her support.
