Clara beckons for best of Cork hill runners

MILLSTREET welcomes the Irish Mountain Running Association on commencing their 2018 programme of activity on a visit to the Clara Hill Run on Sunday commencing at 6.30pm. Duhallow AC are co-ordinating the programme over a picturesque route covering a 6.2 mile distance.

A number of athletes have grabbed the attention over the route, Clonakilty Road Runners Paul Deane completed back to back wins last year. Winner of four stagings, Tim O’Donoughue yielded surperb victories on displaying a powerful thrust to garner outright honours. Initially, the East Cork athlete fended off the brave challenge of Bilboa pair Tom Blackburn (Moore Abbey Milers) and Mike Cunningham. Subsequently, he he upped the tempo to again better Blackburn and Martin Dineen (Riocht).

Mallow’s Ide Kelleher landed the 2017 ladies accolade, Moore Abbey Milers Mary Loiuse Ryan is a previous victor while regular visitor Carol Finn (Leevale), a native of Kanturk had enjoyed back to back wins with Linda O’Mahony (Kenmare) and Trish Blackburn (Bilboa) also familiar with the course.

Early season form can provide to the national championship series scheduled for Sliabh Donard, Mweelrea, Carrauntuohill, Lugnacoille and Galtymore. In addition the European and World Championship trials will also be incorporated into the championship to determine representatives for the international hostings with the equivalent Masters scheduled for the autumn. Further details on Sunday’s staging are available from Duhallow AC co-ordinator Donie Shine.

“It’s one of the first races of the season, athletes like the course, some inclines, woodland and open mountain. Hilll running tell more of fitness levels than road races, participants need to hold a focus over the terrain,” said Donie.