Yesterday’s Clonliffe Christmas cake race was as always a brilliant club occasion. For the 2nd time the race took place, thanks to Fingal, in Santry Demesne, this time on the path, drawing a record 64 starters. There was a great festive atmosphere as we welcomed back to Santry some of our overseas-based Harriers including, running his 1st cake race for 35 years, Ken Harris.
In accordance with tradition the cake race is run as an open handicap with the faster athletes going off last. First away was Jake Kernan, followed by all and sundry right down to scratch man, also home for the holidays, Ian Guiden. It was a wonderful sight to see the athletes spread over the entire 1.1 K lap, with gaps being closed rapidly, on the final lap Jake still led however he was clearly tiring with the pack hunting him down however he held on gamely to win the race and whip the handicapper. The 1st woman was Ciara O’Regan. Fastest man was Ian Guiden (9.14) with Sarah Bateson fastest woman (11.37)
The winners:
Man – Jake Kernan, woman – Ciara O’Regan, junior man – Mahad Egaal, Junior woman – Sorcha O’Connor, master man – Dave Doran, master woman – Joanne McCabe.
Results:
Autal times:
The race was followed by a great night in the clubhouse which included the announcement of the Clonliffe Harriers athletes of the year, see separate posting. The club captains would like to thank the clubs athletes for supporting the cake race and the army of volunteers who turned out in such numbers yesterday.