From Tralee with love – Valentines run is a huge hit with locals

EVEN the presence of a sharp and biting wind could not deter or dampen the high spirits of the 400 or so-odd runners that came to tackle the new and improved beast that is the Tralee Valentines 10-mile run on Sunday morning.

The bitter cold kept most of the runners safely inside the Tralee Bay Wetlands centre almost right up to the starting time on the morning but as 10am slowly approached, they boldly stepped out of the comfort of their warm environs to face the weather.

This was the first year of a brand new route and new management for the course and judging by the reaction of the runners, it was a course that was very well received.

“We are delighted so many took part in this years Valentine’s run,” said new race director Martin O Sullivan, talking to The Kerryman.

“We are thrilled that so many people have been giving postive feedback; we here ourselves are busy developing a new and improved marathon series that helps to embrace the community spirit here in the town and we are going to be using the majority of funds to help to develop the Tralee harriers grounds,” he finished.

Tralee’s very own Derek Griffin was named as the winner of the run on the men’s side as he stormed home to victory in a predicatably fast showing; he was quickly followed in by Ian Kelly and Don Hayes.

Over on the womans side of the race, Deirdre Nagle was the first woman home with Michelle O’Regan comeing quickly after in second place and Dolores Duffy claiming third.

All photos by Fergus Dennehy. Lucy Fitzell, Niamh Abeyta, Kirstie McTrusty, Ann O’ Shea, John Counihan and Anna Stack looking ready for road at the Valentines 10mile run in Tralee on Sunday.

Billy Stack and David Hughes giving a thumbs up ahead of their 10-mile run in Tralee on Sunday morning.

Cathy Jordan, Kerry O’ Connor, Rose Brosnan, Gretta Quirke and Catherine Sugrue pictured at the Valentines 10-mile run in Tralee on Sunday morning.

Sharon McGillycuddy and Emer Lardner were all smiles ahead of the 10-mile Valentines run early on Sunday morning.

Linda O’ Sullivan and Csille Vemossy were all smiles despite the cold on Sunday morning ahead of the Tralee Valentines 10-mile run.

Lorna and Brian White ready to roll at the 10-mile run on Sunday morning.

Sabrina Caffrey, Marilyn O’ Shea and Cindy O’ Shea looking in the mood for running on Sunday morning.