It was a glorious spring afternoon as we set off on the 45 min journey to the parish of Kilnaboy in Co. Clare on Sunday last (10 April 2011). A 2pm start allowed for a much-needed lie-on, which is always welcome.

I was dropped off in Kilnaboy at about 1.30pm, while the rest of the gang headed for Lahinch. The first thing I noticed was a beautiful new community centre beside the school – just the kind of building we in Kilconieron are aspiring to in the near future.



Registration complete – I set off on a warm-up and met some familiar faces from Athenry and Craughwell. The 10k walk set off first at the school. Then it was down to the start for the runners. The weather got dull & cool by then and actually started to mist – so much for the sun cream on my bald head!

We set off on the button at 2pm – a brisk pace with all the usuals going to the front. I was aiming for 70 mins – which would be 3 mins off my 2009 time. The first mile came quickly – too quickly at 6.40. That couldn’t last so I settled back to a 7 min pace. Mile 5 came at 34 mins and I felt ok so it was game on from there.



Miles 6 and 7 were tough. A nasty head wind on approach to Corofin, as well as my exploits at miles one and two, slowed me down to 7.10 and 7.15. Not good. Leaving Corofin with two to go I had it all to do. Mile 9 came at a few seconds over 63 mins so the pressure was on. I felt ok but the damn legs weren’t interested in anything under 7 mins. I ran a good last mile but 70 mins passed as I approached the 200m to go sign.

It finished 1.10.38. Going out too fecking hard has got me again. You’d think I’d soon learn!

Back for the tea and beautiful home baking and the chat made me quickly forget my own woes and realise why I love this race so much. It’s a simple - no frills – classic 10 miler. Organisation is impeccable – these guys have been at this for 27 years now. There are no chips – just standard clicker timing, yet the results are up in mega quick time- we could all learn a thing or two there!

In no time the rest of the gang arrived back and they were not let go home without a cuppa and a bun and a chat with the familiar faces plus a few new ones.

A great afternoon out for €15! Race, t-shirt, and the finest tea and home baking you could ask for. What more would you want. Long may it last!

Patrick Forde.