Most memories of this race will concern the incline in the third mile and then facing into the teeth of a bitter, cold wind as we finished by running on the main road towards Oranmore. Somehow, despite higher temperatures than Tuam last week, this one felt harder and colder with rain and winds adding to the travails of Winter running in county Galway.
However, it was refreshing to run a race at this unusual distance and Coldwood National School will be happy with this kickoff annual fundraiser for a good cause.
Among the runners it was good to see Brian Geraghty, now closing in on 70, and happily recovered from prostate cancer (as described in the Fields 10k 2012 booklet). He is pictured below with James Lundon who ran stongly and finished in 28:31 thinly disguised in the results as Elton John. Well I suppose it's a better fit than Elvis? Henceforth he will be known as Rocket Man.
Mary Kealy of Craughwell AC continued her strong form of the last six months and more to win the women's race in 27:40. She is pictured in the centre below with our Bernie Mulryan who came in second in 29:23. Caitriona Leen on left was third.
Among the men, Michael Shannon, Niall Cunningham, and Brian Furey took the placings, with Ian Egan beating out Ray Somers and veteran Tommy Joe White.
It's difficult to collate how many Athenry athletes competed as the results do not specify clubs. Several ran over from Athenry before the race and back afterwards, in what was a toughish day in preparation for some marathon or other. They possibly but not definitely included Ray Somers, Frank Burke, David Noone, Noel Fox, Michael Duane, and Tony Killarney. Liz Broderick and Brian O'Donnell were also spotted out there dodging puddles and combating hypothermia in weather that makes you question your sanity. I wonder what it's like to be a road runner in California?
Congratulations to the Coldwood organizing committee, and thanks for the warm beverages and the good spread afterwards.
Results at http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Coldwood4Mile2013.pdf - also attached!