First hospice ten mile race is a runaway success
THE inaugural Wicklow Hospice Ten Miler took place recently, beginning and ending at the Beehive on the old N11.
The seed for this race was germinated when the long established Ballycotton Ten was phased out. In stepped Bill Porter and Sinéad Tarmey with an interesting substitute: The Wicklow Hospice Ten Miler.
The race began near The Beehive and made its way out towards Deputy’s Pass. From there it wound its way down to The Tap and followed the old N11 southwards before turning at the roundabout and going straight back to The Beehive. Every participant said that it was a lovely course and wanted to know when the date for next year’s ‘ Ten’. There was a field of over 50 and the first three ladies across the line were Rachel Eustace (67 mins); Rhonda McHugh (70.10 mins); and Mary Ketterer, in a time of 72 mins.
The first three men were Derek Crammond, in a time of 61.40 mins; Alexander Williams (62.32 mins) and Michael Finn (64.04 mins). Thanks were extended to Tim Grummel, who provided the race clock, and to Pat Doyle, proprietor of The Beehive, who allowed the use of his premises as race headquarters and who supplied complimentary refreshments to all participants.
As usual with hospice running events, the organisers are indebted to Michael Richardson of Wicklow Civil Defence who supplied back-up support for the event.
On the day, the sun shone which added greatly to the day and because the race started at 9 a.m., there was very little traffic, making it a enjoyable day indeed and an event that could become a regular feature on the running calendar.
The next running/walking event in aid of the Wicklow Hospice is the annual four day Festival of Running in and around the grounds of Avondale House and Forest Park from July 12 to July 15.
For more information, on this go to the events section of the Wicklow Hospice website or to the Facebook page.