A gang of 11 Donore Harriers set out for the beautiful city of Edinburgh last weekend to take part in the 10k on the Saturday of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, a weekend of racing events to include a 5k, 10k, Half-marathon and Marathon. Unfortunately, Michelle Dawson fell ill and was unable to run but turned out nonetheless to mind the gear and give much-appreciated support to her fellow Donore Harriers.

The morning was chilly and overcast providing perfect conditions for what was a challenging and hilly course for more than 3,000 participants. The ascent towards the famous Arthur’s Seat, a former volcano, wound around the hills from which spectacular views of the city and its landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace opened up. Certainly the toughest part of the course was a steep and sudden incline between 8 and 9k where many struggled. From then though it was downhill all the way back through the Start Line and the 250m dash through the cheering crowds and the Finish line on Holyrood Gait.

Alan Farrell gave an impressive performance to come in at 12th overall and 2nd Male O45, closely followed by Alasdair Brown in 20th position overall. Stephen Dawson and Craig Scott were next home followed by Amy Moriarty who was the first Donore woman and 6th Female overall. There were only seconds then between Audrey Gahan and Bronagh Elliott who has just come back from injury. Audrey and Bronagh were 3rd and 4th women O40 respectively. Joe Murphy was next in followed by Joan Lennon and finally Jennifer O’Keeffe.

This was a well-organized and well-supported race in beautiful surroundings on a crisp May morning, the perfect excuse for a great weekend in the city of Edinburgh.

Report by Jennifer O’Keeffe