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| John O’Regan |
O’REGAN IS IRISH 24-HOUR CHAMPION
Ultra runner John O’Regan from the Le Ceile club in Leixlip is the new Irish 24-hour champion after winning the Energia Belfast 24-Hour race at the Mary Peters Track.
O’Regan, a previous winner of the Inca Trail Ultra in South America, had run steaily from the start. In the first 12 hours, running through the night after the 6.45pm start, he clocked up just over 75 miles, putting him seven miles ahead of his nearest rival Eddie Gallen, a Belfast man who lives in Spain.
His target was Eoin Keith’s Irish track record of 147 miles, but when the bitterly cold night turned into a blazing hot day, that ambition was out of reach.
For the final two hours, O’Regan marched around the track, clocking up 132.3 miles over 532 miles. “It’s damage limitation now. I’m not going to get the record, but at least I’ll get an Irish title and then I can back into training,” he said.
It was also a track record, adding five miles to the distance recorded by Thomas Maguire last year.
Maguire, the Irish 100km champion, dropped out after 16 hours and 90 miles with a torn quad muscle.
Drawing on all his experience to come second was Eddie Gallen, competing in his 21st 24 hour race. While others of the 50 starters collapsed or retired, the diminutive figure from Spain, fortified by his brother-in-law’s pizzas, kept churning out the laps. By the finish he had accumulated a total of 127.6 miles – eight miles more than last year. Icelandic champion Gunnlauger Juliusson finished third on 120 miles, with Dubliner Shane O’Neill fourth on 116.5 miles.
Perhaps the most eye-catching performance came from Tipperary’s Deirdre Finn.
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| Eddie Gallen in his 21st 24-hour race. |
In her debut ultra, the Killaloe woman registered 112 miles and finished sixth overall.
Everest mountaineer Lynne Hanna from Dromara was been first woman a year earlier when she ran 90 miles. This time she was among the 18 to break the 100 mile barrier. Dublin Frank McDermott was another to run over 100 miles.
Making an early impression was 24-hour novice Michael Cunningham from Limerick. He covered the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in three-and-a-half hours. He held on to finish seventh running just shy of 112 miles.
NOT SO TOUGH TULFARRIS
Last year’s Tulfarris “Tough” 10 mile road race at Blessington proved a big hit last year among those who appreciate smaller races on scenic car-free routes. This year’s event on Saturday August 6(11.0), includes a “Not So Tough” 5km run/walk option; entry €15. Details www.tulfarris10.com.
TAKE TO THE TRAILS
Starting next Wednesday at the Glen of the Downs in Co Wicklow (7.30) is the annual Leinster Trail Series – an ideal introduction to off-road running for newcomers. Further rounds take place at Devil’s Glen, near Ashford on Wednesday August 10 and the Earl’s Drive in Djouce Woods, near Enniskerry on August 17. Details www.imra.ie.
FAMILY FUN AT FARMLEIGH
Last call for Sunday’s Family Fitness Fun Day at Farmleigh, which starts with the Family Mile Challenge at 10am. That is followed by a number of activities including agility challenges for two age groups, the Barnardo’s “Big Toddle” for even littler one and orienteering for all ages on a buggy-friendly course around the beautiful Farmleigh grounds. With a farmers’ market and live music also on hand, what more could you want? Entry is free, although pre-registration is required for the mile run. See www.familyfitnessfestival.ie
DAINGEAN FESTIVAL 5KM
Runners of all standards are welcome at Friday evening’s Daingean Festival 5km, near Tullamore in Co Offaly. This popular event looks after everyone with cash prizes upfront in the usual categories.
WINNING RETURN FOR SANCHEZ
Making a welcome return to racing at the CityWest 10km was Irish marathon champion Barbara Sanchez of Raheny Shamrock. Barry Minnock of Rathfarnham was the overall winner of the race. Sean Hehir, also Rathfarnham, won the St James Hospital Liberties 6.5km.
BHAA TRACK SERIES STARTS
Starting last Wednesday at Irishtown was the series of three track meets organised by the BHAA; perfect for anyone who has never set foot on a track. Wednesday’s meet featured the mile (7.30). On Wednesday August 10 also at Irishtown the 3000m takes centre stage, while on August 31 at Tallaght track, it’s the turn of the 2-mile. Details www.bhaa.ie.
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