Day 1 of the Clonliffe Harriers 2020 club Championships got off to an excellent start in a blustery damp Morton Stadium tonight. The highlight of the proceedings was undoubtedly a surprise win by Daniel Lacey in the men’s 800 championship. Efrem Gidey was the prerace favourite and with 200 to go looked like he will take the win although Mark McDonald was menacing on his shoulder, down the final straight Mark hit the front with Efrem chasing hard but chasing hardest of the lot was Lacey as he spotted a gap which he immediately exploited to become the Clonliffe 800 champion and in the process go sub- 2 for the first time a fine 1.58.42, Mark recorded 1.58.83 and second place with Efrem also going sub 2 with a 1.59.00.
The women’s 800 champion is one of our newest members Jenny Johnston running for the first time in a Clonliffe vest and racing her first 800, indeed this was a first ever track race. Jenny sat in behind Alannah Cooley and was fastest on the home straight winning in 2.24.8, Alannah second 2.25.24 and Ciara Peelo third (2.27.28).
The championships had got underway with the women’s 100 where after a fantastic race the judges could not separate the first two and a tie was declared at 12.50 for both Rebecca Fitzsimons and Shannon Sheehy, with third-place finisher Sally’s Sumola. . The men’s 100 champion was Keith Marks running a nippy 10.8 from Pascal Touche 10.9 and Manny Okoye 12.1.
The women’s 800 C was won by Hannah Browne, the men’s B 800 was won by JD Kelly, the 800 C by Cillian Keegan and the D race by Steve Barns.
A big thank you to the officials who came out in force once again and to the athletes for taking part in their club Championships. Day 2 on Thursday will start at 7:10 PM with the 400s and then there will be no less than four 5000 races.
Results:
Photos from tonight: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmPr3wDH