Flying start to x-country season for Glenmore
THE traditional Cross Country season opener took place in Stamullen on Sunday when the Star Of The Sea Athletic Club hosted their annual event.
The challenging course didn’t deter a huge turnout of athletes for the 30th staging of the event.
The Boys under 14 Race was the highlight for the St Peters Club with both Mark Litchfield and Cian Gorham both making the podium with 3rd and 6th place finishes respectively.
Sean Allen who got off to a very bad start in the same race had a very strong finish and passed out several athletes on the home straight. The three boys then eagerly awaited the team results and their anticipation soon turned to jubilation when with 20 points they were crowned winners beating Tara AC and Mullingar Harriers into 2nd and 3rd Respectively.
The day got off to a start with the girls under 9 race and the St Peters Club had just one representative with Niamh Allen making her Cross Country competitive debut and will have gained valuable experience as her finish was very strong finishing just outside the medals.
Emily and Hannah Oreilly both had strong runs in the girls under 10 race both finishing well up the large field of athletes. Donnacha Reidy made his debut for St Peters having only recently taking up athletics and it was clear to be scene that this young athlete has a bright future ahead of him.
Dearbhla Allen just continued we’re she left off last year’s cross Country season as she battled her way to a fifth place finish in the girls under 12 race and earning her well deserved place on the podium.
Harry O’Reilly is also a fan of the longer distance and his brave running also earned him a podium finish when he finished in fourth place in the boys under 12 race, also in the St Peter’s athletes at the Star of the Sea Cross Country meeting.
same race was the ever willing Ben McKeown who was unlucky not to medal but should be happy with his performance.
Conor Litchfield ran when in the boys U13 race and was in the mix up until the final stage of the race. Niamh Brady got her reward for her recent distance training when she finished in 6th Place in the girls under 14 race and looked very comfortable through out which hopefully will give her great confidence going into the County Championships.
The final race concerning the St Peters Peter Noone tackling the Dublin Half Marathon at the Phoenix Park.
Club was the Boys under 15 Race when Rory McLoughlin continued his progress and although he finished outside the medals there was signs that if he continues to apply himself , medals might not be far away.
The next Cross Country event is the Louth Championships for Novice for adults and even ages for Juveniles which will be hosted by the St Peters Club in Darver on Sunday the 7th of October with the adult races kicking off at 11am and the Juvenile program commencing at midday.