Tullamore Harriers go on tour in Lanzarote
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Kevin Minnock of Tullamore Harriers produced a strong display at the 13K Ridge Run during the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.Image 2 of 8
Mary Galvin Tullamore Harriers AC was in flying form during the Lanzarote International Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.Image 3 of 8
David Buckley Tullamore Harriers was in action during the 13K Ridge Run at the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.Image 4 of 8
Gary Reynolds Tullamore Harriers was in action at the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.Image 5 of 8
Paschal Naughton (left) of Tullamore Harriers and Peter Ormond (Ballyskenach AC) taking part in the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers PhotographyImage 6 of 8
Mick O'Brien of Tullamore Harriers strides forward during the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.Image 7 of 8
Alan Mitchell and Basil Cronin competing in the 13K Ridge Run at the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.Image 8 of 8
Sisters Naomi and Sorcha Galvin of Tullamore Harriers in action during the Lanzarote International Running Challenge. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography.A contingent of Tullamore Harriers members headed to the sun to compete in the International Running Challenge in La Santa, Lanzarote, at the end of November.
Now in its 36th year, the Lanzarote International Running Challenge, organised by Club La Santa, draws runners from across Europe for four consecutive days of racing over varied distances and terrains - Day 1: 10k; Day 2: 13k; Day 3: 5K Beach Run; and Day 4: 21k.
Attracting athletes of all levels and offering the added bonus of winter sunshine, the event has become a firm favourite for the Harriers in recent years. This year, fellow Offaly clubs Ballyskenach AC and Birr AC also had a fine contingent in the event also.
While some participants choose to line out for one or two of the races, others complete all four and are therefore eligible for the overall series awards. This year, it was Mary Galvin and Mick O'Brien who stepped onto the podium for overall age group honours. Mary finished seconnd in her category (missing out on first place by just 30 seconds), while Mick secured third place in his age group.
It was great running by all involved in what proved to be a mix of weather conditions. Although the warm temperatures added to the challenge, athletes also had to contend with occasional heavy downpours. Full Tullamore Harriers results as follows below.
Day 1 results (10K)
Mick O'Brien 37.00; Darren Butler 41.35; David Buckley 46.41; Basil Cronin 46.58; Alan Mitchell 47.13; John Donegan 50.00; Gary Dwyer 51.10; Mary Galvin 52.13; Naomi Galvin 57.57; Sorcha McGuinness 57.58; Paschal Naughton 59.22; Bernard Doheny 1.01.20; Anne Daly 1.01.20; Annmarie McNamara 1.06.44.
Day 2 results (13K)
Kevin Minnock 48.02, 2nd overall; Mick O'Brien 52.47; Darren Butler 59.45; David Buckley 1.08.13; Alan Mitchell 1.11.38; Basil Cronin 1.13.21; Gary Dwyer 1.18.28; Mary Galvin 1.19.51 Paschal Naughton 1.28.56; Naomi Galvin 1.30.20; Sorcha McGuinness 1.30.55; Anne Daly 1.32.10; Annmarie McNamara 1.32.57; Josie Lalor 1.41.02.
Day 3 results (5K Beach Run)
Mick O'Brien 18.40; Darren Butler 20.19; John Donegan 23.03; Mary Galvin 26.58; Gary Dwyer 27:39; Paschal Naughton 28:59; Naomi Galvin 29:38; Annmarie McNamara 30:36; Anne Daly 30:50.
Day 4 (Half Marathon)
Mick O'Brien 1:23:53, 3rd O50; Darren Butler 1:33:16; Basil Cronin 1:49:07; Alan Mitchell 1:51:40; Mary Galvin 1:57:37, 1st O60; Gary Dwyer 2:00:35; Naomi Galvin 2:11:39; Paschal Naughton 2:11:57; Anne Daly 2:18:54; Annmarie McNamara 2:18:54.