This week’s news: May 26-June 2

Eoin hands over to Gerry at Glenmalure

A good solid run in the 127 km  Wicklow Way Relay on Saturday saw the 3ROC Waysters finishing in 15th place, just 5 minutes off target time. Bad news came on Thursday when first leg runner Colm Moran injured himself while doing a recce of his leg, but ex-3Rocker Angus Tyner stepped in to run the mass start leg at 7 am from Marlay to Curtlestown, finishing 7th in 65.01. John McGrath then took up the imaginary baton to Lough Tay, followed by Nadya Dunne to Oldbridge, and Conor Little to Glendalough. Eoin McCullough continued on the 13.6 km leg to Glenmalure, then Gerry Cunningham, Ger Butler and finally Emma McAuley to Tinahely. Final time 9 hours 4 minutes 13 seconds. Rathfarnham won again in 7:27:36.

Wet and windy conditions to start but the day improved and it was mostly mild with a few showers. Well done everyone!

Despite Colm’s injury he headed off to Italy at the weekend to run in the “3 Days of the Trenches” (marking the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1) and the Irish World Championships team selection races next weekend. After that he has a European O-tour planned, taking in the Jukola in Finland, plus Sweden twice, Italy, O-Ringen in Sweden (again), Nighthawk in Norway, World University Championships in the Czech Republic and finally Norway again… (I think I have that right!).

Closer to home we have the third CNOC Tuesday evening event on a new map beside the Bog of Allen, at Killinthomas Wood near Rathangan, Co. Kildare, start times 6 to 7.30. Three courses: 2.2, 4.4 and 5.5 km. Details here.

There’s an 8.4 km mountain race at Glasnamullan, on the Long Hill road to Roundwood, at 7.30 on Wednesday. Details here.

The June Bank Holiday weekend has the Irish 3-Day in the Oughterard area of Co. Galway. Entries have close but you might still be able to squeeze in. Details here.

Coming up is the 17th Setanta Rogaine in Wicklow on June 28th/29th. There’s a 6 hour and a 24 hour event, the 24 hour is for teams only. See details here. It’s a long-distance score event for experienced and fit people and attracts a loyal entry of locals and people from further afield.

Fitness (running) training on Monday and Thursday as usual, plus Parkruns on Saturday at 09.30.