Ballintotis, a much anticipated race!
Ballintotis 4 mile always attracts huge numbers to this small village which is extraordinary to see. Last Thursday, 18th April, the whole community was out in force with flags and banners and everyone was involved with either stewarding, registration or serving refreshments after the race. One reason for this massive invasion is probably because Ballintotis is the first evening race of the year and the sun often shines!
1166 people ran this year on those narrow east Cork roads and among them 29 Grange runners. They all said how great a race it was, the organising was exemplary and the refreshments too! So a big well done to the organisers!
The County Road Novice, Seniors and Masters championships were incorporated into this race this year. Not sure if it was a great idea with such a number taking part. Anyhow our runners did very well and here are their results : David Buckley 22.02 4th M40, Kieran McKeown 22.11. 4th M45, Johnny O’Sullivan 22.59 2nd M50, Kealan O’Connor 23.21 3rd M50, John Murphy 23.25 4th M50, Mike Walsh 23.56 5th M50, Liam Sheehy 24.11 6th M50, Philip Clark 24.20, Brian O’Connor 25.02, James Sweeney 25.23, John Crowley 25.44, Rachael Walsh 28.29, Meabh O’Connor 28.30, Marina Seymour 28.38, Eileen Finn 28.49, Helen Scannell 29.14, John Delaney 29.32, Des White 31.24, Terry Corcoran 31.54, Rachel Cronin 32.40, Cathy
Lane 33.42, Leona Roche 33.49, Mike Pratt 34.59, Mary Clare Healy 34.50, Maurice Tobin 36.13, Lorraine Cuffe 36.42, Linda Whealey 37.54, Lisa O’Connor 39.38, Catherine O’Sullivan 43.43.
Our men were the 6th senior and 5th novice teams. They were 1st M50 team. Our ladies were 10th senior and 6th novice teams. Congratulations to all. That was a fine display of running there!
SEEFIN, IMRA RACE
When is running a flat course too easy? Well our 3 mountain goats can answer that one whenever they come back down the hill. Seefin was the location of this week’s IMRA racing, taking place over Friday and Sunday, our resident Mountain Man Liam raced both days, Diarmuid and Ken raced on day 2.
The first race on Friday, 12th April was called the Seefin Uphill Race. It was 4km long with 350m elevation. This race was also an Euro Uphill Trial Race and the best 3 men and 3 ladies would qualify for the Euro Championships in Annecy (France) in June. Liam Sheehy finished in 22.37 (2nd O50 Category).
The second race on Sunday, 14th April was the Seefin Challenge and it was also the Euro Championships Trial Race. The race was 15k long with 700m climb. Diarmuid McNamara finished 1.17.17 (1st O35 Category). Liam Sheehy 1.22.20 (1st O50 Category) and Ken Power 1.56.30. It was outstanding stuff folks! Mountain running is extremely challenging.
For any further information regarding training you can contact Clotilde Fitzgibbon on 086-3162145. Senior training is on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, meeting outside Coláiste track. Wednesday at 7pm at Coláiste track - speed session with Sergiu Ciobanu. Sunday at 9am meeting at Texaco.