Duleek duo show no signs of slowing down
JULY has proved to be a very active and fruitful month for Duleek & District AC, with lots of adult club members out and about in races near and far.
Avondale House could not have provided a more picturesque setting and backdrop for the annual Wicklow Hospice Foundation 5, 10 and 15-mile events, and prolific racers Anne Hamilton and Sandra Cassin clocked up more racing miles in the 10-mile race.
A week later Anne and Sandra were in the Phoenix Park at the Spar Fitlive 5k event representing the club once again, where they both clocked excellent times, and there was just enough time to come home, shower, sleep and eat before dusting themselves down to take on the annual Dunleer 4-Mile Road Race the following day.
A number of factors conspired to ensure there was a massive turnout from club members at the Bettystown 5-Mile Road Race. Chief amongst these was the fact that the race was one of the last remaining events in the captain’s series, so the opportunity to pick up valuable points for each respective team was fully availed of.
In addition, the geographical proximity of the race, pleasant running conditions and quality of the product on offer ensured it was on the to-do list of the majority of club athletes.
As always, an excellent race was provided by neighbouring club Cilles AC and it was no surprise that 35 green singlets went to post in this eagerly anticipated event.
The race was notable for some very impressive times recorded by a few of the club’s newer members. Barbara McLoughlin ran just over 55 minutes in one of her first races for the club, Olivia Woods clocked just under 49 minutes, Karen Dunne left it all out on the roads to record 47:39 and Alison Clarke finished just before her in 47:13. Michael Clifford was another who impressed in one of his first races for the club, with a time of just under 49 minutes.
The more experienced club members were not to be outdone and Susan Walsh made a welcome return to action as she raced home in 45:57.
Alan McKeown continued his recent good form that saw him eclipse the 20-minute marker over 5k as he finished in 34:26, and Steve Gallagher was hot on his heels with 35:49.
Orla Hillman carried on an excellent season with a performance that fully merited a time of 45 minutes flat, with Karen Creed clocking an excellent 43:22.
The beach in Donabate provided another spectacular backdrop for the latest in the East of Ireland racing series, and as usual the multitude of races on the day ensured almost all athletic tastes were catered for.
Ray Cassin completed the full marathon as he finalises preparations for his 100-mile challenge in mid-August. Anne Hamilton and Sandra Cassin were once again prominent as they completed the half-marathon distance, where they were joined by Eric Devine.
Earlier the same weekend the club was represented in the SOSAD 5k in Drogheda by Greg Dixon and David Doyle.