The first ever Fionnuala McCormack Kilomarathon (26.2km) and 10K races in aid of Wicklow Hospice took place on Saturday 10th September. Minister for Health, Greystones’ Simon Harris got events underway.
The 10K route left the Beehive and followed the old N11 as far as Lil Doyle’s where it turned in towards Kilbride and eventually meandered its way back towards the Beehive.
The kilomarathon continued past Lil Doyle’s and turned towards Brittas Bay at Jack White’s. The route then followed the coast as far as Three Mile Water where it then turned inland, past the entrance to the Columban Sisters at Magheramore, near the site of the Wicklow Hospice, and joined the Marlton Road and eventually wound its way back to the Beehive.
Over three hundred people took part in the two events and in so doing raised much needed funds for the hospice while at the same time enjoyed themselves in a healthy way. It was ideal preparation for those who are planning to take on the Dublin City Marathon next month.
From before dawn the Beehive was a hive of activity as the organisers registered the participants. A huge debt of gratitude is due to Pat Doyle, the proprietor of the Beehive who allowed the use of his premises as the race HQ and car park.
Pat and his staff provided a huge amount of complimentary refreshments to all participants and helpers. For this the organisers are truly grateful. Once again the organisers must thank Michael Richardson, Damien Byrne and the volunteers of Wicklow Civil Defence who once again provided top class support to a hospice event.
Sergeant Pat Carroll of Ashford Garda ensured that there were plenty of members of An Garda Síochána in attendance at any major road junction. To the numerous volunteers, too many to mention, who assisted on the day the organisers wish to express their deep gratitude.
Tim Grummell of Athletics Timing provided the clock and chip timing. (All results can be accessed through the hospice website or www.athleticstiming.com.) Thanks to physio Ludo who eased many sore and tired muscles and ML Security for providing the organisers with a van for the duration of the event.
For the record the first three men home in the 10K were Clive Quinn, Scott McCann and Brian Gurrin. The first three ladies were Marie Redmond, Lynne Duffy and Lauren O’Byrne. The first three males in the Kilomarathon were Gary Condon, John Travers and Tom Costello.
It came as no surprise that Fionnuala McCormack was first of the ladies home followed by Sandie Lynch and Catherine O’Connor.
In the fun relay event Parnell Junior Team completed the kilo just ahead of the Glendalough AC team.
Thanks also to the numerous sponsors whose names were prominently displayed on the technical T-shirt which the first 250 participants received.
Thanks also to Wicklow Local Sports Partnership who provided the water.
Unfortunately some person or persons unknown removed all the water from the water station at Jack White’s before the first runners got there.
The organisers however, were able to get replacement bottles, but not in time for the runners in the lead groups. The organisers regret this and apologise to any participant who was inconvenienced by this.
On the day, Ireland’s triple Olympian, who recently returned from Rio where she became the best placed Irish woman in an Olympic marathon, Fionnuala McCormack mingled with participants and spectators alike and posed for numerous photographs.
Fionnuala is a patron of Wicklow Hospice and regularly attends and participates in events for the hospice. The weather was particularly pleasant and the course undulating and all in attendance were wondering would this become an annual event?
Based on the happy smiles of everyone this must surely become a regular fixture on the running calendar! Thanks to Vincent Doran and Nick Tarmey who captured the event on camera. Their photographs can be accessed through the hospice website and facebook page.
PS: Many people have been disappointed to learn that they were too late in registering for this year’s Dublin City Marathon. Do not despair: on Saturday 22nd October Wicklow Hospice is staging a full and half marathon around Avondale House and Forest Park and have ordered a specially commissioned Wicklow Hospice Marathon medallion for all finishers. If you would like to participate in this event go to the hospice website or facebook page or www.athleticstiming.com for further details.
