The first race in this year’s Slaney Olympic Trail Race Series took place on Sunday on Little Sliabh Bhui north of Ferns.The race was also part of the Irish Mountain Running Association’s Spring Trail league so there was quite a number of IMRA runners taking part.
As the mist cleared from the hills the runners set out on a four mile loop on undulating forest tracks. With Tom Hogan of Racing 795 and Mick Kelly of Gowran AC, both of whom have represented Ireland in Mountain Running, lining up at the start the anticipation was that Keith Heary’s course record of 23.04, set in 2009 might be under threat.
Tom, who trains regularly in the area, led the field from the start and by half way had built up a lead of over half a minute on Mick. He finished in 22.00 minutes taking more than a minute off the old record. Mick Kelly finished second in 23.05 with Des Kennedy of IMRA third in 23.25.
The ladies record of 27.08 set in 2009 by Fiona Kehoe of Kilmore AC was also beaten. Jean Wilson of Sportsworld, who now lives in Enniscorthy, had a great run coming home in 25.55. Aoife Joyce of Crossabeg was second in 27.03 with Niamh Garvey third in 29.16
In the veteran categories it was IMRA runners who took the honours. Ben Mooney was first over 40. Martin Francis won the over 50 category with Diarmuid O’Colmain winning M60. Niamh Geraghty was 1st F40.
First man home for Slaney Olympic in 8th position was Mick Jordan in 25.21, a great performance in his first trail race. Bobby Redmond, also a newcomer to the trails was second Slaney Olympian home finishing 12th in 26.25. Not far behind in 14th was Edward White. Paul Murphy was 20th with new club member Paul Browne putting in a good performance in 23rd position. The ever reliable Lar Doyle was 38th with the bold Andy Staff finishing 45th. Well done to you all and let’s hope for a bigger club turnout next time.
The next race over 6 miles takes place on 8th May in Kilbrannish South on the slopes of Mt Leinster.
Results
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