RACE REPORT

Shona Heaslip

The 2nd year of the Autumn open in the National Sports Campus attracted a large crowd for both the underage and adults. The facilities were fantastic for a Cross country venue. The adults races had some very high quality Athletes on show. This was also part of a qualifying event for the Masters Home Nations cross country to be held later in the Season. Clubs from every part of the country made it to the Dublin venue. From Cork, kerry, Clare, Galway to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Derry, to Antrim, Down, Louth Monagahan, Meath and Kildare, right in to the midlands of Westmeath, Offaly, Loais, and down to Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny. All counties were on show to perform..

Dublin clubs were very well represented on home turf. Raheny Shamrock AC had great success on the day along with Clonliffe Harrriers, MSB, Donore Harriers, Liffey Valley, Lucan Harriers, Rathfarnham, Crusaders, Dundrum South Dublin and many more.

The Master races for both men and women were very hotly contested from age categories 35 to 75. The weather conditions were ideal for runners. The course itself was testing with a little bit of everything to make the athletes work hard for their positions.