Nolan and Beasley take Clara Hill Run honours
Kerry runner Mark Nolan crossed the county bounds to registered a popular win to the Clara Hill Run at Millstreet last Sunday. From a competitive staging, Nolan got into his stride on the downward trek that proved good enough to ward off the challenge of a representative field.
On doing so, Nolan sampled success over the demanding North Cork course, delivering an impressive showing that’s sure to boost his confidence ahead of upcoming tests. The Irish Mountain Running Association operated the latest series of its Spring League on a highly successful visit to Millstreet for the popular staging under the co-ordination of Duhallow AC over a picturesque route covering a 6.2 mile distance.
Despite the near freezing temperatures, large numbers from throughout the province and beyond were involved.
Nolan, joined by Martin Dineen (Riocht), Neilus Healy and George McCarthy (Farranfore/Maine Valley), led the upward march in a compact group by the 352m summit. On the downward circuit, Nolan emphasised his dominance to pull away and take the tape at the finishing line in a time of 32 minutes 59 seconds, a good 57 seconds ahead of the fast finishing Dineen and Healy placed third.
“It was a tough race in the bitterly cold conditions, pretty close early on the ascent to the summit, a number of runners well in contention but I took a grip on the descent, that’s one of the fastest on the circuit,” Nolan said.
Miriam Beasley took the senior ladies honours from Debbie McCarthy and Linda O’Connor.
Duhallow AC co-ordinator Donie Shine applauded the participation of entries and spoke of the growing interest within the sport.
“Athletes enjoy participating in Millstreet, a great entry given the inclement weather of late and those that braved the elements demonstrated their interest,” he said.
Meanwhile, the popular Jack O’Keeffe 4-mile Road race on Easter Monday promises a record number of entries for the Boherbue to Kiskeam showpiece at 2pm.
A top class field is expected in the featured senior men’s category, Mallow based race co-ordinator Jack O’Keeffe and a native of Kiskeam indicates the 31st annual staging will accommodate some of the best road runners from Cork, Kerry and throughout Munster.
Last year, international athlete Sergiu Ciobanu emerged an easy and popular winner, succeeding back to back victor James McCarthy from East Cork in ideal conditions over the Duhallow route.
Gneeveguilla AC are promoting the programme and its staging on the traditional Bank Holiday Easter Monday attracts huge numbers.
The entry fee is €15, the course is accurately measured and holds an AAI permit. Proceedings are underway in Kiskeam at 12.30pm with juvenile Races catering for under 5 to under 14 boys and girls.