Ger Kearney Memorial 4mile Run

This is an image from last year's Ger Kearney Run, as we walked with Mom on her home stretch. I need to get my camera fixed to start taking more snaps from this year's events!

And finally, the last leg of my blog 'catch-up'!  

Folks thought I was mad in the head to get up at 8am on the morning after our arrival in Stabannon, following a three-day cycle across Ireland and a heavy night of celebration, to travel the two hour journey to Wexford for a four mile run - but how could I miss out on the Ger Kearney Memorial Run in Tombrack?  This was the second year of this race, in what has to be one of the most picturesque parts of the country.  The added incentive for me is that my younger brother, Richie, is married in the area - and actually a key organiser of the event.

On arrival I was greeted by my mother and father, who had also journeyed south, and other brother Cormac who traveled from Dublin.  It was an early start for this race - 11am, so the legs were still a bit stiff and sore after all of my cycling.  Mom was once again going to walk the circuit and this year both Richie himself and his wife Deborah, were going to participate in the run.

From the off, Cormac and I held back together and let the bulk of the field shoot on ahead at speeds that we knew only some could sustain. Knowing the course from last year, we decided to keep our strength for the hills and pick off some struggling runners along the way.  The plan worked a treat!  The first hill came at around mile one - it was a long slow incline, and already some of the more enthusiastic early runners were beginning to flag, so we took a victim or two here.  The second of the hills threw up a few more victims and by hill number three we were comfortably running in the middle of the pack.  While my legs were stiff from the cycle, I felt fine, and could have done with another mile or two to pass some more strugglers!  Cormac and I finished around 34.20mins.

Richie, however, came in well ahead of us - fit man that he is, and Deborah was not far behind...  Once again Mom walked the course in sprightly fashion, while Dad took care of refreshments!  A very enjoyable run - I hope this stays on the race calendar for years to come.