RUNNERS MAKE GREAT START TO 2018 AT TINTERN RUN

THERE’S nothing better than a stroll in the woods, well, apart from a long run on a beautiful winter’s day.

This is exactly what hundreds of people enjoyed during the Tintern Run.

The Tintern Abbey Trail Run is one of the first runs of the year in the locality, taking place within the medieval grounds of Tintern Abbey.

Organised by Gusserane Coiste na nÓg, the sixth staging of the Tintern Run drew record crowds.

There were two courses to choose from – a 5km and a 8km. Both courses capture the best of the stunning trails that surround Tintern Abbey, including wooded areas. The event caters for all levels of fitness, from elite runner to casual walker. The organisers said: ‘On behalf of Tintern Run and Gusserane Coiste na nòg we would like to thank all the runners and walkers, young and old, for making our event on Sunday morning such a great success. We hope you all enjoyed our event and we hope the tough course didn’t put you off coming again. Big thanks to Boortmalt for the car park to Coilte and the OPW for use of the trails and the Abbey grounds.’

They thanked all the stewards and volunteers who provided refreshments and the civil defence.

The winners were: 1st u16 Girl: Danielle Stone, 1st u16 Boy : Eoin Lennon; 1st Lady 5k : Christine Stone; 1st Male 5k : Jessie Foley; 1st Lady 8k: Helen Doyle; 1st Male 8k: John McGrath.

Front row: Jamie and Stephen Walsh, Milltown; Darragh Whelan, Tintern; Timmy Kinsella, Yoletown; Tommy Gallggher, St Leonards and Calum Whelan, Tintern. Back row: Neill Gallagher, St Leonards, Marc Ryan, Milltown, Mitch Cullen, Yoletown; Sean Óg Moore, Yoletown and Adam Ryan, Clonmines.

John, Dylan, Christine, Darragh and Danielle Stone from Murrintown.

Eileen Morrissey and Paul Hannon, Taghmon.

Paul Whelan, Ballycullane; Ite Oyemu, Waterford; John Culleton, Limerick and John and Áine Whelan, Balliniry.

Trish Whelan, Balliniry; Mary Kelly, Clonroche; Mary Rose Ryan, Ramsgrange and Mary Waters, Campile.

Mary O’Reilly, Enniscorthy and Bernie Somers, Ballylane.

Margaret Howlin, Ballysop and Geraldine Whelan, Dublin.