Busy Weekend of Competition Ahead
The GloHealth National Indoor League Final takes place on Saturday, 7th of February. Ireland’s top track and field clubs have come through two rounds of qualifying to secure a place in the GloHealth League final in AIT International Arena, Athlone.
In the women’s competition Craughwell AC lead the way after accumulating a score of 75.5 points, only one point clear of Cork club Leevale AC (74.5 points). Dublin club Clonliffe Harriers AC top the pile in the men’s event on 165 points, 20 points clear of Tallaght AC on 145 points. The indoor league concept has been a resounding success with entries up 40% on last year’s inaugural competition.
Intermediate and Master Cross Country Championships
Less than 24 hours later big fields are expected at the GloHealth Master, Intermediate and Juvenile B Cross Country Championships which are taking place in the Palace Grounds, Tuam on Sunday, 8th of February.
Important Particpation Information
For all master athletes particpating on Sunday please see the below important information regarding your race number:
- The numbers are colour coded depending on age category, runners should check that the correct age category is shown on their number
- A Chip Check area will be in operation on Sunday, all runners must check in at this area on the day
- If you have any queries about the entry list please email competition@athleticsireland.ie
Cross Country Information Pack
Master
Defending champion Declan Reed (City of Derry AC) is back to defend his title he impressively won twelve months ago when the event was held in Dunboyne. Reed was a clear winner last year taking the victory by 20 seconds over Pauric McKinney (Inishowen AC) with John Dunne (Donore Harriers AC) in third. Both McKinney and Dunne are back again to challenge for the title and along with DSD AC duo of Peter Matthews and Gary Crossan the men’s masters race is shaping up to be an enthralling encounter.
The women’s race is set to be a three way battle between Maria McCarthy (Farranfore Maine Valley AC), Colette Tuohy (Mayo AC) and Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers AC). All three athletes are coming into good form at just the right time. With a large field of over 200 athletes entered, the battle in the club and county team categories will be keenly contested.
Intermediate & Juveniles
Ben Thistlewood (Leevale AC) who was a run-away winner of the GloHealth National Novice title last December will start as the favourite in the intermediate men’s race. Thistlewood will need to be close to his best with European Cross Country representative Liam Brady (Tullamore Harriers AC) expected to push him close. Also in the line-up is form junior international cross country runner Ian Guiden (Clonliffe Harriers AC) as he makes a welcome return to the national cross country stage.
The programme will begin with the juvenile B championships with over 500 athletes set to compete in the U11, U12, U15 and U17 age categories. The actions gets underway at 11.30am with the U11 girl’s 1,000m.