The second Trail Race of 2010 took place on 25th April between the April Showers. Farmer reaped the benefits of good training with a third place finish behind two international mountain runners.
It looked like our record for good weather for trail running was under threat as the rain battered down early on Sunday morning. But as we left the house to put the road signs ( to make sure you don’t get lost!) the sun peeped out between the clouds with promises of better weather to come.
By 10am we were set up for registration in Corabut Carpark with panoramic views over counties Wexford and Carlow. Graham headed off to check that the markers that we had put out the day before were still in place. The runners began to arrive from near and far…in fact more far than near as the statistics show only a small entry from Slaney Olympic ( rumour has it they were all off rowing or something …running club with a rowing problem?)
We were all set for an 11am start but there were the usual late arrivals. Graham, having checked the race marking, was back to the control centre. Last entries taken , then it was off to the start… only problem was that himself was scheduled to be acting as marshal some 1.2 miles into the course. I hold the anxious greyhounds back for a few precious minutes to give him a slight headstart. Nobody appreciates a long speech before a race so soon they were out of the traps and under way. With the leaders cruising at 5 minute mile pace over the initial flat(ish) first mile, Graham was under serious pressure to get to his post… more training required! No wonder he couldn’t take any photos!
Well , the first two miles were easy. But they had been warned. The next 1.2 miles were a steady uphill pull. However, to help them on their way we provided some pacers….some 7 or 8 horses decided to join in the fun to encourage the leaders on their way… four legs good, two legs not quite so good!
Now for the good bit… fast forward.. down, down, down on a lovely downhill gradual gradient and oooh such wonderful views (if you have a chance to look up). The last 1.2 miles is a repeat of the start in reverse…flattish with a few gentle rises (if anything is gentle at this stage of the race).
The results show what happened next! Well done all of you.
Then you all got back to the safety of your cars before the April showers srtuck again with a vengence and a few rolls of thunder to boot as the noble Graham took in the markers… sounds like he had all the hardship but I did go back to help him and got soaked too, not to mention the pre and post race admimistration!
Back to Moss House for prizegiving and socialising. Good day was had by all.
Next stop Gibbet Hill… check out events page.
Kilbrannish results below: [table “” not found /]
