Weekly Roundup - September 30th, 2023

Rathfarnham 5k:
Michael continued his hot streak in Rathfarnham last Sunday morning, winning in 14:32 against a strong field. This is another superb win and time by Michael and surely puts him as favourite for next weeks County Senior Cross Country where Michael will look to defend his title won back in 2022.

Berlin Marathon:
Graham, Donal and Lavinia all travelled to Berlin looking for fast times last week in the Berlin marathon and found them! In perfect balmy marathon running conditions Graham and Donal took full advantage both running great PB's. Locked together for most of the race Graham pushed on to open a small gap at the 18 mile mark which he help to the finish. Graham crossed the line in 2:36.11 and Donal not far behind in 2:37.19. Lavinia had a checkered training schedule leading into the race with pesky injuries so was a bit off her PB but did finish to add another major marathon to her collection. Well done all.

East Cork Senior and Masters XC:
The East Cork Senior and Master Championships were held in very very wet and windy conditions in Whites Cross last week. Despite the weather the underfoot conditions were actually somewhat reasonable for decent running on.

Niamh had a superb race to finish 2nd overall and first F35. Christine had another good run finishing 7th overall and 3rd F35. Well done both.

Paul retained his East Cork Senior title with ease. He kept his powder dry (somehow) for the first 5k sitting in the pack, then moved into 3rd gear for the final kilometer to win comfortably. Paul also might have something to say about Michael being favourite next Sunday! Tony was the only person to go with Paul when the move was made and finished 2nd. Kevin was next home in 5th overall and 1st M35, pipping John Spelman on the last lap. John was 7th with Stephen 8th overall and 3rd M35. Matt was next in 11th with Ollie not far behind in 14th and 2nd M45. Denis was 29th.

We won the Senior Mens team (Paul, Tony, Kevin and John) ahead of Carrig na bhFear and Ballymore Cobh. We also won the M35 team (Kevin, Stephen, Matt and Ollie) ahead of Ballymore Cobh and St Catherines.

Up Next:
Up on Sunday is the 100th County Senior XC. After winning the title last year for the first time in a few year we will be looking to follow it up again this year. It looks like we have a strong team on paper. Last years 1st, 2nd and 3rd (Michael, Paul and Tim) are all ready to do battle and should be backed up well by rookie Tony and John to complete the 4 for our team. Denis will be running his 41st county senior race in an astonishing record of consistency. Best of luck to all on the day!​