Terry Shanley and Ciaran McGonagle secured World Masters silver medals as the Irish team battled extremely challenging conditions at the IAU 100km World Championships in Ames, Spain, on Sunday (September 20th).
The picturesque town of Ames in the Galicia region played host to the championships, which also incorporated the World Masters 100km Championships.
With temperatures forecast to reach 33 degrees under clear skies, conditions were always likely to provide an additional challenge for athletes and support crews.
The race began at 8.30am in relatively cool conditions of 14 degrees, but temperatures climbed steadily throughout the day. With little shade available on the 5km loop, keeping athletes cool and hydrated became a major focus for the Irish support team as the race progressed.
SHANLEY AND MCGONAGLE SECURE SILVER
Terry Shanley (Clane A.C.) produced an outstanding performance to claim silver in the M35 category, recording a personal best of 7:12:25.
Shanley had worked alongside Robert Kelly (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) and Matthew Collins (Portmarnock A.C.) through the early stages before beginning to move through the field as the race developed.
His relentless effort was rewarded with a superb second-place finish in the M35 category.
Ciaran McGonagle (Letterkenny A.C.) added a second silver medal for Ireland following a thrilling battle in the M45 competition.
The leading positions changed hands several times throughout the race, with McGonagle remaining firmly in contention until the closing stages. The national record holder eventually crossed the line in 7:17:40, finishing just seven seconds behind the M45 winner.
TOUGH CONDITIONS TEST IRISH TEAM
The extreme conditions took their toll throughout the field.
National record holder Caitriona Jennings (Letterkenny A.C.) was forced to withdraw after approximately three hours of racing, ending her hopes of challenging for a podium place.
Robert Kelly was also unfortunate to see his race come to an early conclusion, with a hamstring injury forcing the Raheny Shamrock athlete to retire after four-and-a-half hours.
Matthew Collins continued strongly to finish in 7:22:53, securing eighth place in the M40 category, while Sean Meehan (Cherry Orchard Running Club) completed his 100km debut in 8:38:40 to finish 11th in the M35 category.
Both athletes required medical attention following their efforts but were thankfully able to rejoin their teammates shortly afterwards.
The Irish men’s performances secured 12th place in the overall team standings and eighth among the European teams.
MCLOUGHLIN FOURTH IN W50
National champion Patricia McLoughlin (Le Chéile A.C.) was Ireland’s sole female finisher and drew on all her experience to negotiate the increasingly difficult conditions.
McLoughlin crossed the line in 9:07:15, earning an impressive fourth-place finish in the W50 category.
The severity of the conditions was reflected across the championships, with approximately 20 per cent of the field failing to finish.
Ireland’s athletes were supported throughout the event by an experienced crew of Chris Colfer (Ferrybank A.C.), Lorraine McMahon (Wexford Marathon Club), Jessie O’Connor (Slaney Olympic A.C.), Martin McCoy and Team Manager Louis Byrne (Glendalough A.C.), whose work in the demanding conditions proved invaluable.
TEAM IRELAND RESULTS
Terry Shanley (Clane A.C.) – 7:12:25 – Silver, M35 (PB)
Ciaran McGonagle (Letterkenny A.C.) – 7:17:40 – Silver, M45
Matthew Collins (Portmarnock A.C.) – 7:22:53 – 8th, M40
Sean Meehan (Cherry Orchard Running Club) – 8:38:40 – 11th, M35
Patricia McLoughlin (Le Chéile A.C.) – 9:07:15 – 4th, W50
Caitriona Jennings (Letterkenny A.C.) – DNF
Robert Kelly (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) – DNF
Men’s Team: 12th overall | 8th European team
Article credit: Louis Byrne
