Popular 10 mile races
The Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10 Mile Road Race is unique! From the super scenery, to the fantastic support of the people of Cobh, and the presence and involvement of legendary Sonia O’Sullivan herself which added a touch of greatness, the participants were really spoiled.
Race day welcomed runners under clear skies as they were lucky to have escaped the stormy weather of the previous day. But this course has a run of good luck when it comes to sunshine! However there’s only one thing which makes this 10 mile particularly unique and memorable and that’s the hills. And as they say everywhere along the course “there are hills get over them!” The downhill finish is also exceptional as it all happens on the Main Street along the promenade, a quick finish that makes any runner forget the steep climbs between miles 2 to 5!
John Hartnett said about the race: “It's a cracker of a race which was completely sold out and the main lady herself is always on hand for a chat!” The club had 12 members toeing the line including 3 of them on pacing duties, John Hartnett was pacing runners wishing to finish the race in 75 minutes. Geraldine Hartnett and Sheila Magorrian were doing the 90 minute pacing. Here are the results of our members:
Shane Whealey 1.04.37, Mike Walsh 1.06.44, Philip Clark 1.07.37, Rory Maggorian 1.14.47, Keith Buckley 1.16.53, Eamonn Ryan 1.24.02, Marian Twomey 1.28.22, Deirdre Morrison 1.29.00, Joanne O'Callaghan 1.29.54, John Hartnett 1.15.05 (75 min pacer), Sheila Maggorian 1.30.28 (90 min pacer), Geraldine Hartnett 1.30.41 (90 min pacer).
MICHAEL REJMAR 10 MILE ROAD RACE
A week later on Sunday, 14th April, Dooneen AC hosted the Michael Rejmar 10 Mile Road race, starting and finishing in Limerick Racecourse. Geraldine Hartnett described the race as follows: “It was a perfect setting for a race with parking right at the start/finish line, port-a-loos at every single time and a perfect warm up area off the roads. The day was topped off with an ice-cream van at the finish for all participants. It all seemed like ideal conditions until about mile 4 where it all went downhill from there and no, not actual downhill. Every corner saw a new wind in your face and the course seemed to just keep going up!”
Despite this challenging course Geraldine broke her personal best and Liam O’Connor won his age category. So here are the results of our 4 members: Liam O'Connor 57.14 - 1st O50 and 8th overall. Geraldine Hartnett - 1.16.28, Sheila Magorrian - 1.18.41, Ashley Geary -1.29.16.