The second race in the Clonliffe Harrier’s Grand Prix (GP) 2024 Series takes place in Morton Stadium this Thursday 11th April March 2024. The event is the McDonald Cup 4 Mile. This is an historical race with an interesting story. In 1907 Clonliffe held a four mile flat race at Clonee in Co. Dublin for the McDonald Cup presented by JJ McDonald. It would appear that this was a one off race which was won by a Mr. J. Ironmonger. The McDonald Cup did not resurface again in Clonliffe history until 1983 when it was found in a house clearance and given to Noel Guiden, Snr., father of current club captain Noel, the finder saying : “Isn’t your young fella in Clonliffe, maybe they’d like this!” (That’s how long ago 1983 was!). The McDonald Cup was then reintroduced to the club and as part of the Grand Prix Series is a nice bookend with the Walker Cup, 4 mile in the Autumn.
Race Instructions:
Start list:
Race start: This event will start at 8.10pm and on this occasion will consist of one race. All athletes need to be ready to compete by 8.00pm
Parking: Athletes are encouraged to car pool or use public transport given the very limited spaces in Morton Stadium.
Check in: All runners must check in at the Clonliffe Club House prior to the race start. Check in opens at 7.00pm and closes at 7.45.
Warm up/Cool down: this must be done off the track. You can only enter the track when called upon for the race start. See safety note below.
Bibs: Each runner will be required to wear a bib number for this race to ensure that the results can be processed efficiently. The relevant bib number for each athlete is indicated on the race start list which is attached.
Safety: it is vitally important that all competitors are aware that club training continues on the track on Thursday night. Therefore once the race starts you must funnel into the inside lanes which will be exclusively for the use of the race. Please note that the outside lanes will be in use for training. It is vitally important that you are all aware of this, particularly when your race finishes. Once advised by the officials that you may leave the track please check to your right and exit the track via the gate at the finish line. Once again please beware of fast running athletes in these lanes.
Race officials: The GP Committee would ask any GP athletes who are not competing to assist at the race finish. They would also appreciate assistance from Clonlife members who can volunteer on the night.
Light refreshments and presentation of prizes will take place in the Clonliffe Club House after the race.
Best of luck to all competitors.