Duleek athletes prove they are up to the Glenmore Challenge

THE Cooley Peninsula is renowned for its beauty and when the sun shines its magnificence really comes to light.

The Glenmore Challenge took place on a sunny Saturday morning, taking runners up, down and round the beautiful peninsula.

Despite the tough terrain and the sweltering heat there were many happy runners upon crossing the finish line. Plus the added touch of a live band gave the race a summer festival feel.

Colm Heeney was the first Duleek A.C. male home, followed by Paddy Lennon and Robert Kiernans.

Deborah O’Sullivan was the first lady home, with Mary Murray and Susan Durnin was hot on her heels.

The summer solstice is a significant time for many cultures around the world often resulting in celebrations of many sorts.

A celebration of running was hosted on Friday last by Drogheda and District A.C. and athletes arrived in their droves to participate in the Mid Summer 5k. With only a couple of races left in the Supreme Clean Captain’s League the scramble for points has hit an all time high.

It was a fruitful evening for team Swatt who yielded extra points for fielding a full turn out. Gerry Murphy was in PB form in 22.44.and it was a seasonal best for Ziad Chammas. Olive Reilly is going from strength to strength setting a PB in 26.50. Aileen Teeling and Helen Doyle encouraged each other along the course and both bagged a PB for their performances. Gary Tierney was first home for the club and put in a strong race despite the tough race conditions.

The Loudres Stadium was buzzing with excitement last week for the Drogheda and District A.C fourth graded session. David Doyle placed second and broke the magic 5 minute mile barrier in a tremendous time of 4.57. The hard winter training has paid off for David who will need to build an extension for the medals he has earned this year.

The magnificent heatwave returned once again on Saturday last making conditions tough for the 39th annual Dunshaughlin 10k road race. Four Duleek A.C athletes travelled over to the neighbouring town to compete in the race. It was all smiles for Eric Devine who is in PB form after months of hard training during the long winter. Eric completed the race in 38.22. Shane Reid had a smashing race, setting a PB also on a very warm summer evening.

The Indaver 10k Road Race will take place on Sunday 5th August at 11.30am.

The race starts on the Navan Road and finishes on the Village Green. Sign up online www.myrunresults. com.