The 2018 School`s Cross Country season got off to a great start for Clonliffe athletes at The DCU Invitational held in St. Claires, Glasnevin this afternoon. It was, not unexpectedly, pretty soft and muddy on a cold but rain/snow free day.
Top Clonliffe performer was Ben Guiden placing a fine 3rd in the senior boys, 4,400m race. In the 3000 Inter race Daragh Carter was also in very good form with a very solid run to 8th place. Good runs also in this race by Callum Simpson 8th, Dermot Buckley 21st, Evan Foster 30th, Aaron 31st and Alex Nuroth 36th.
In the girls races Ella Cooley ran well to a 20th place finish in the Junior race over 1600m. There was also a good crop of Harriers in the inter girls race, 2,400m, where Aoife Hession was top Clonliffe in 7th after a good outing, Ella Brown was 9th, just fading a little over the final KM, Alana Fitzsimons, having just dispensed with her broken wrist cast had a very good run in the circumstances in 12th place with Vicky McDonnell 26th. The sole Harrier in the senior girls race, 1600m was Cliona Cooley who put in a good afternoon`s work to an 8th place finish.
Next up for the crew is the Leinster Regions at the latter end of next week.
(Pictured, Ben Guiden 3rd Senior Boys)