Some 107 years after the first running of the Horan Cup back in 1908 Clonliffe Harriers continued with the 6 mile handicapped race as the penultimate round of the 2015 Grand Prix Series in Santry Demsene at noon today. Over the years the race has been run as one of the annual club cross country races, sometimes over 6k, today`s outing was over the traditional 6 miles, however, was a sealed handicap.
Weather conditions in Santry Demesne were wet wet wet. The overnight rain having given the ground a right good soaking and the rain continued throught the course of the race. Underfoot the conditions were fairly tricky to say the least with 12mm spikes the order of the day, while several athletes nearly came a cropper, in the end only one took a full heavy fall, but thankfully like a James Bond tipple was only shaken but not stirred. As it turned out it was a little more serious with a broken collar bone the result…speedy recovery Murray.
Six miles in these conditions is no easy feat so well done to the 35 starters and in particular to the ones who made it all the way through. Sean Doran prevailed where his predecessor one H. Mullaly had done likewise 107 years ago, being first past the post and fastest in a time of 36.57, well clear of his pursuers. As a matter of interest Mr. Mullaly recorded a time of 38.07 all those years ago. 2nd today was Desie Shorted with Kevin Dowling 3rd.
Rachel Wisdom was once again the pick of the crop in the women`s race, Rachel dominating and indeed was a fine 5th place overall. 2nd and 3rd women were Clodagh Moriarty and Aimee Ahern.
The final round of the Grand Prix is in three weeks time November 28th, the Irwin Cup and the Clonliffe club cross country championships for Juveniles, and Seniors, with the Presentation Night, including the presentation from today`s race, on December 3rd.
(Pictured) Sean Doran fastest in 2015 Horan Cup
(Pictured) All a blur: Rachel Wisdom too fast for Speed Camera