Almost three hundred and fifty people participated in the 10K and half marathon in aid of Wicklow Hospice last Saturday morning.
The location was the grounds of Avondale House and Forest Park, and 187completed the 10K which consisted of one lap, while another 147 completed two laps for the half marathon.
The lap consisted of a mixture of road and forest trail. The organisers are grateful to Sergeant Mary Burbage of Rathdrum Garda Station and Superintendent Paul Hogan of Wicklow who ensured that there were plenty of Gardaí on duty along the road section of the course. Many members of Wicklow Civil Defence were also in attendance.
A big debt of gratitude is due to Michael Richardson and Damien Byrne of the Civil Defence who assisted with much of the logistics of the event. There were numerous volunteers from the Wicklow athletic clubs who ensured that the route was well marshalled. Among the volunteers who assisted on the day were John and Martina Sexton who are now permanent members of the back up team for these races.
Tim Gunnell was responsible for the clock and chip timing and a link to the full list of results can be accessed on www.athleticstiming.com. Thanks to spinologist Mike Myer who straighten many a back before the off and to the members of Blackrock Further Education Institute sports massage therapy department who soothed many a weary limb.
Double European cross country champion, Fionnula Britton, patron of the Wicklow Hospice won the ladies section of the half marathon and was third overall. The assistance of Avondale House and Coilte personnel was invaluable, and a special word of gratitude is due to Norman who ensured that anything that was needed was available to the organisers. Indeed Norman was in Avondale from 7.00 a.m. on Saturday and was still helping when the final clean-up was completed well into the afternoon. Many people baked and made sandwiches to ensure that there were plenty of refreshments for everyone following their exertions.
The first three men in the 10K were Neil Wikorski, Damien Lawless and David Kynes. The first three ladies were Deirdre Byrne, Rachel Wisdom and Stef Barnewel. In the half marathon the first three men were: Mick Byrne, Thomas Moore and Ray Kenny, while the first three ladies were Fionnuala Britton, Paula Prendergast and Anne Marie Kenny. Evanne Cahill of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation presented the winners with their prizes and invited people to attend an information meeting to receive the latest news on the hospice on the night of Wednesday 4th March in the Glenview Hotel. In addition to the overall prize-winners, each participant received a souvenir medallion of the event. Don’t forget there are numerous photographs available on the7 Day 7 marathon facebook page.
