The Gerry Farnan Cross Country is possibly the strongest race on the annual athletics calendar, open or otherwise, and three of the Clubs best athletes took to the Munich hills for the race yesterday. The race also doubles up as the qualifying race for the Home Nations Masters Cross Country International taking place next month so it also draws on the best Masters runners as they race for a place in a green vest.
We’d three of the Clubs best runners up in the Park yesterday, Rory Kavanagh, Phelim Glynn and Emilia Dan. The lads were racing over 8k and Emilia’s race was 5k.
Although he’d raced in Tara and Ratoath Sunday’s race was Rory’s first proper challenge since injury and he rose to the challenge valiantly with a performance that bodes well for the rest of the XC season. He posted a time of 28:45 and finished well up this competitive field.
Phelim was chasing an Irish master’s vest and in that he succeeded, winning his category in a time of 29:17. We saw his post race selfie / garmin pic afterwards: he floated along at 5:30’s so it indicates the lads had 8k and a bit to run. Phelim joins an Irish team which is likely to be made up of Damian Martin, Mick Traynor, Pauric McKinney as well as one or two very strong runners, so they stand a real chance in the Home Nations tournament.
Emilia had a fantastic run and had an eye on an Irish masters vest too. Placing 4th and with four to go forward for Ireland, it’s not 100% whether Emilia has made it. Another lady comes into her category ahead of the Home Nations tournament; however that’s not to say all will run. Fingers and toes crossed ahead of the naming of the team.
Well done to Rory, Phelim and Emilia on their performances and best of luck with the rest of the season.
