Published: Friday, 11th December, 2009 5:00pm

Harriers athletes find the going tough up north

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The All-Ireland Novice Cross Country Championships were held last Sunday in the grounds of the University of Ulster in Coleraine, County Derry. After a very long drive up on the morning of the race, the Harriers athletes had to compete over a very tough, hilly and muddy course.

First up was the Novice women's race and here, Maire Triona O'Connor was Harriers' only runner to compete over a distance of 3,000 metres. Maire Triona had high hopes of improving on her fourth position in last year's race and was well up with the leaders right from the start. At the halfway stage, eventual winner Mary Scully from Mullingar had opened up a commanding lead and Maire Triona was in the chasing group. After one uphill stretch, Maire Triona O'Connor seemed to tire and though battling on bravely was passed by more athletes in the last six hundred metres and eventually finished in ninth place. Though Maire Triona was disappointed after the race, she can look back on a good year and be very optimistic for the future.

The men's race was run over a distance of 6,000 metres and again conditions were very tough.The conditions did not seem to affect John Harkin who ran a great race to finish in 21st place. Catch Grennan also had a good run in finishing 34th as did Eddie Garry in 69th place. Next to finish for Tullamore was Mark Servis in 104th pace followed by Pat Conlon (111th), Darren Butler (112th) and John O'Connell (128th). The Harriers finished in eighth place in the club competition and Offaly was the eighth placed county.

Results

Women 3000 metres. 9 Maire Triona O'Connor 12.10.

Men's 6,000 metres. 21 John Harkin 22.10; 34 Catch Grennan 22.31; 69 Eddie Garry 23.24; 104 Mark Servis 24.37; 111 Pat Conlon 25.01; 112 Darren Butler 25.04; 128 John O'Connell 26.17.

Killarney 5K Road Series

Jim Langan continued his good form in the third leg of the Killarney 5k Road Series where he was first man home over 65 in a good time of 21.34.

Minnock's Super

Marathon

Tullamore native Barry Minnock from Cappincur, who now lives in Dublin and runs for the Rathfarnham athletic club, made his marathon debut in the Florence marathon in Italy last Sunday week. Barry ran a fantastic race to finish in 12th place in a super time of 2.24.00.

Winter League

The final leg of the Winter League takes place tomorrow, Thursday 10th December at 7pm and will be run over 3,000 metres. The team captains are expecting a big turnout from their runners and everyone is welcome to run.

Fixtures

December 13th: European Cross Country Championships, Santry, Dublin.

December 15th: Grand National at 7pm followed by presentation of prizes.

December 25th: Goal Mile.

December 31st at 12 midday: Round the Houses Road Race.

Training

Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm, Sunday morning at 8.30am, except on a race day. New members always welcome. With the dark evenings now here it is important to be seen on the roads so reflective gear must be worn while training on the roads. Membership is now due. Forms available in clubhouse.