No rain, no gain as hardy runners take on Listowel
HUNDREDS OF RUNNERS SHOW THEIR METTLE ON DAY FULL OF RAIN, HILLS AND INDOMITABLE SPIRITS
ORGANISED by the ‘ tour de force’ running Kerry Crusaders, hundreds of runners were out in their droves on Saturday morning as they took part in either the half-marathon or the 10km road race.
Now, when it comes to running, there is never a shortage of inspirational quotes to help you struggle those last few feet up that hill or around that bend; well, this for this particular writer, there is one saying in particular that sprung to mind, just as I approached the eighth kilometre of the 10km road race, last Saturday morning.
The saying goes like this: “At mile 20, I thought I was dead, at mile 22, I wished I was dead, at mile 24, I knew I was dead and at mile 26.2, I realized I had become too tough to kill.”
This toughness and indestructable spirit was well and truly on show on Market Street in Listowel on Saturday morning, as runners crested that final hill towards that coveted finish line.
Family, friends and fellow runners lined the street towards the finish line where they cheered on those brave few who had chosen to spend their weekend morning battling through the pouring wind and rain, all in pursuit of that finishers medal.
Those of us running the 10km run, we were given extra motivation for the dreaded hill climb, known affectionately as ‘Howards Hill’ when we learnt that it was named after the late Howard Flannery, a man who had dedicated his time to fundraising for kids with special needs and who had set up a running club in Ennis called the Clare Crusaders.
Hill conquered, the route levelled out nicely from here on out, so much so that we even began to enjoy the persistent rain, as we coasted towards the finish line and triumph.
Winners on the day included Freddy Stuk, who won the mens half-marathon in a time of 1:11:53, with Brian Hegarty and Seán O’ Sullivan coming home in second and third place in times of 1:14:56 and 1:15:58 respectively.
In the womens section of the half marathon, Dolores Duffy was the big winner in a time of 1:32. while Helen Gilroy (1:36:37) and Susan Looney (1:40:49) were the second and third place finishers.
In the mens section of the 10k race, Robert Purcell (35:55) was first, Donal Leahy (36:20) was second and Barry O’Shea (36:46) was third; in the womens section, Rachel Stokes (40:49) was first home with Marie McKenna (43:00) coming in at second place and Siobhán Lyons (44:40) finishing in third place on a great day for all involved.