Mark Dooley of Donore Harriers displayed an encouraging return to form ahead of the cross country season by winning last week’s Isle of Man half-marathon in a time of 1.11.20. Over a tough course Dooley finished almost half a minute clear of his nearest rival Andy Nixon (1.11.45) of Stockport Harriers with Andrew Considine (1.15.55) of North Belfast in third spot. 

Des Tremble travelled to Mongolia to compete in the 17^th annual Sunrise to Sunset Marathon at Hovsgol, 600km north of the capital Ulaanbaator. At 1,600m above sea level and with ‘mountains reaching to the sky’ this was no ordinary marathon! The first 17km up along the Chichee Pass reached to a height of 2,300m, with the race passing the picturesque Hovsgol Lake along a series of mountain trails. At the finish line two local athletes, benefitting from knowing the rugged environment, ensured a close encounter with 16 years-old Tuguldor Tselmegsaikhan (5.11) having a minute to spare over Lkhagvadavah Naranbaatar (5.12). Our very own Des Tremble (5.44) placed a tremendous 3^rd from 23 finishers, who hailed from 15 different countries. The remoteness of the location might be better understood by the fact that Mongolia is more than 18 times the size of Ireland and has a population of just 2.8 million, almost half living in the capital city Ulaanbaator.

Colm O’Connell (33.47) finished a fine 2^nd in the Duleek 10 kilometre road race on Sunday. The race was won by Paul Stephenson (33.11) of Rathfarnham AC, with Paul Smith (34.19) of Drogheda & District AC in third. Newcomer Alasdair Brown (38.14) showed improved form when placing 19^th, knocking more than a minute of his previous best time.   

The club also had good performances in the Celbridge 5km on Sunday morning. Ciaran McCarthy (16.24) placed 7^th overall and took 2^nd prize in the M40 category. Ashling Swaine (19.15) continues to improve and was the 3^rd woman home when placing 19^th overall. One place further back Barbara Murray (19.19) placed 2^nd in the F40 class. 72 years-old Terry Mee and 76 years-old Jim McNamara continue to push back the years! Mee (22.36) placed 88^th overall with McNamara (23.09) 101^st. They placed 3^rd and 4^th in the over 60s category.   Prolific marathon runner George Brady (18.01) came first in the Griffeen 5km Parkrun on Saturday, whilst Michael Barry Sen. (20.49) achieved a new personal best when placing 4^th in the Waterstown 5km Parkrun.                

17^th Annual Sunrise to Sunset Marathon at Hovsgol, Mongolia (5/8/15): 3^rd Des Tremble (5.42.00)

Isle of Man half-marathon (9/8/15): 1^st Mark Dooley (1.11.20)

Marlay 5km Parkrun (15/8/15): 77^th / 10^th woman Caren Crowley F40 (22.27)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (15/8/15): 4^th Michael Barry SNR (20.49 PB)

Griffeen 5km Parkrun (15/8/15): 1^st George Brady M35 (18.01)

Celbridge 5km road race (16/8/15): 7^th / 2^nd M40 Ciaran McCarthy (16.24); 32^nd / 3^rd woman Ashling Swaine (19.15); 33^rd / 2^nd F40 Barbara Murray (19.19); 47^th / 15^th M40 Des Gill (20.09); 88^th / 3^rd M60 Terry Mee (22.36); 101^st / 4^th M40 Jim McNamara (23.53); 111^th / 15^th woman Aisling Hannon; 115^th / 17^th woman Lauren Brady (24.01)

Duleek 10km (16/9/15): 2^nd Colm O’Connell (33.47); 19^th Alasdair Brown (38.14); 286^th Kenneth McKeown (58.15). TEAM – 6^th Donore Harriers 223 points

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (15/8/15): 9^th Noah Synnott u/13 (21.02), 13^th Michael Barry u/12 (23.05)