Kerry...Results of the 'Lapping of the Lakes' 10k race, Killarney - Sat 18th Oct 2008

It looks like they got a nice turnout for this race in the Killarney National Park with around 150 runners taking part. What a stunning location for a race. On a sunny clear, it must be one of the most scenic courses anywhere in the country. Anyway, on to the category results...

Senior Men
1 Raivis Zakis, West Waterford 31:57
2 Cian Murphy, Iveragh 32:00
3 Michael Herlihy, North Cork 32:15
4 Donal O'Callaghan, Riocht 33:06
5 Donal Coffey,Millstreet 34:53
6 George Murray, East Cork 35:39

Senior Women
1 Jessica Hoskey, North Cork 38:10
2 Karin Teehan, Gneeveguilla 39:40
3 Ann Marie Costello, Gneeveguilla 40:38
4 Maureen Harrington, Riocht 42:56
5 Angie O'Sullivan, Riocht 43:17
6 Ellen Vitting, Kenmare 43:22

Junior Men - Kieran Mosi, Tralee Harriers
O/40 Men - John Barrett, Gneeveguilla
0/45 Men - Mike O'Shea, Iveragh
0/50 Men - Tim Horgan, Killarney
0/55 Men - Patrick O'Shea, Iveragh

Junior Lady - Simone McCarthy, Killarney
0/35 Women - Mary O'Connor, Riocht
0/40 Women - Caroline Murphy, Gneeveguilla

Race Report......

Irene Hartigan of UCC AC has very kindly submitted a race report on this event. Thanks Irene!!

A race in the Kingdom of Kerry

It all began on Saturday with registration in the old monastery building. Serious decisions had to made at registration as to whether you categorized yourself as a competitive runner, non-competetive runner or student. There were 50 runners in the competitive category in a 150 strong field. When crossing the county bounds to the Kingdom, the heavens opened but thankfully by the time the starting whistle was blown, the sun was shining leaving perfect running conditions.

From the start, the race was well organized with water provided at the start, 6k mark and at the finish. There were kilometer markers along the way and volunteers at every junction steering the competitors in the right direction. Slight confusion at one point was sorted when a fellow competitor roared from behind, 'tis straight on! It was a relatively flat and fast course, run mainly in the Killarney National Park taking in great scenery of the mountains, lakes and Ross Castle with an onshore breeze at the 4k mark. Runners were met with a long hill around the 8k mark. The race was pretty spread out by this stage with these gaps further widened by this long climb. The race finished back on the main road with a long straight finish with spectators encouraging runners to the line.

No traffic disruptions were caused except for a few of the pedigree herd of Kerry cows here and there on the course in the park! Although Kerry may have lost the All-Ireland final, the Kerry Stars certainly won today in organising a race enjoyed by one and all. There was a strong male contingent present from Cork however it was a West Wateford man who took the victory. Cork regained face in the ladies event with the winner coming from North Cork albeit, via Australia! Since the infancy of this 10k race there has been a shield for the male winner and this year for the first time, the female winner equally took home a shield! Overall, this was a good run so if ever in Killarney make sure to step it out in the National Park.........Irene Hartigan, UCC AC.

Comments...

"Very good race and very good course - well done lads!!!......Anonymous"

"Really enjoyed the race. It was very well organised and the great route on largly traffic free roads provides some fantastic views of the lakes and mountains. I could not recommend this race highly enough. Absolutely brilliant......Don"