Another Great day in West Cork
5:30 am
A team of crack (or cracked) runners set out from Topaz in Manor with a mission to have a day of fun and laughter at the Waterfront Ultra Marathon in Courtmacsherry - with a bit of running thrown in for good measure - and also to meet with the legendary Team Hoyt and Team Kerr.
This team, known as Born To Run Ultras had a couple of other nutters join them in this mission.
I am happy to report that the mission was a complete success. Having an insider, with close contacts to Team Hoyt, going by the name Conor Cusack, helped greatly with the mission.
The fun and laughter just happens when any members of this team get together.
The lead vehicle with Brian, Tena and Danny was followed closely by Ann, Mazza, Martin and Catherine with Sandra, Niamh, Kirstie and Den taking the last position.
The journey was uneventful until Brian decided to put a HGV between his vehicle and the other team vehicles. The confusion that follow resulted in Ann taking up the lead, but a moments hesitation at the turn off to Bandon resulted in Brian reclaiming the lead with Ann now relegated to third place.
Sandra, now with designs on being the lead vehicle into Courtmac, was successful, when Brian's Satellite Navigation system failure resulted in him overshooting the turn off to Timoleague.
Arriving safely at our destination, we could see the atmosphere was building nicely with the Kerrs and Hoyts mingling with assembled runners.. Mr Cusack was greeted. Bob and Ia gave us a fantastic welcome - as always and you could see this had the makings of an epic day. Vincent Guthrie, doing a great job as Run Director, raised the excitement levels a fair few notches before sending off the Wheelchair relay teams and Jerry Forde ahead of the main field. With Conor and Tena part of this amazing group, it was left to Brian, Mazza, Martin and myself to tackle the full route. Catherine and the remaining Ultras would take on the Half.
My grand intention of taking it easy - very easy - lasted about 1 km and I left the team to photo, sing and dance their way along the route. I did take it easier than normal and settled into a very steady 8:49 per mile pace for the first 20 miles. Thank you to two Eamon's (Kerry Crusaders Eamon Egan and Eamon from Cork) for this. The 40 miler came back to remind me that I should really take it a bit easier so I completed the remained in 11:38 per mile pace. The feet behaved so I was very happy. It was so good to be greeted by the Ultra singers completing the Half, with a fine rendition of YMCA, as I reached mile 19. Well done girls and manager Danny.
Completing your goal, your task, your challenge is great.
I was blown away by a few finishes yesterday. Firstly, Fozzy Forristal finishing the 100km. What a reception!
But the finish for Team Hoyt and Team Kerr was amazing. Conor and Tena (and MCI), take a bow for your part in this great event.
Amid all the hubbub and razzamatazz, the finish that got me was David Toomey. Finishing just after the Wheelchair relays and coming second in the 100km run, he crept in unannounced and it was the reaction of Mary that was brilliant. If you could bottle love and pride - there it was.
Well done to Kerry Crusaders taking all the top spots in the 100km race. What a great day for the club.
The atmosphere of a big happy running family, captured by Bob, Ia and the Runclon crew is what makes the twice yearly visit to west Cork such a wonderful experience. Thank you so much.
Liz Cardozo and Global Click Photography, thank you for capturing our day so wonderfully and giving us precious memories to look back on.
With evening beckoning, all thoughts turned to Pavlova and the race back to the Castle Hotel in Macroom to get the last slice. Our chances looked slim for Sandra and team as we took up the last position again in the convoy. But the dessert Gods when smiling on us as Brian's Sat Nav, again, on the outskirts on Bandon, led him astray and up a mountain. We arrived safe in the knowledge that we would dine on Strawberry pavlova. Great food, great company and when the rest of our convoy arrived, great banter.
Thank you Sandra, Niamh and Kirstie for the great day - and Sandra for all the driving. All I can say is Everything is Awesome
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