WEEKEND RUNAROUND

Valencia Report from Declan Dorgan 

(scroll down for results)

The Valencia marathon was on today but to be honest I don't think anyone ran in "The marathon" today rather everyone ran "for" Valencia today. It was simply an amazing experience. The emotion at the start line was something none of us had experienced before at any race - the commentary, music and atmosphere was extraordinary. The raging debate as to whether or not it was the right thing to run this race at all today is a matter for the people of Valencia but the support along the route was amazing and the welcome we got was special. We would not have been aware of the huge tragedy that happened a few short weeks ago from the actual run but the terrible floods that happened all happened within 5km of the city centre.
As I already said, the race itself was an amazing experience, the crowds were fantastic and the music, atmosphere and finish was special as it was in a spectacular location. Declan was very happy to break 3.30, Derek ran just over 3.20 and Ger ran an amazing 3.03 and Mark decided to run half..... times are always nice to celebrate etc but really this race was about a lot more than. We're proud to have ran for Valencia today

MEMBERSHIP FOR 2025 NOW AVAILABLE

Membership for 2025 is now available on the website www.midletonac.com  

Prices the same as last year 75e individual and 140e for a couple so it stays as the best value around..

Please sign up asap It makes a great Xmas Present.

Your current membership expires 31st Dec and you will not be insured to train or avail of cheaper entry to races etc. after that date.

New members always welcome to come and try a couple of sessions before joining.

New C2 5K starting on 8th January ( also a great Christmas present) enquiries 0872403940.

New Publication with works by Midleton AC members

A new publication with works by three of our members Mary B. Walsh, Joan McCarthy and Christopher McCarthy was launched on Saturday evening in MyPlace. The book" Midleton Golden Miscellany" marks the fiftieth anniversary of Midleton Writers Group (the oldest such group in Ireland) and contains poems and short stories plus photographs and drawings. It is available for purchase in Midleton Books and McCarthy's Newsagents. Makes ideal Christmas reading.

VALENCIA MARATHON

Ger O'Regan 3.03.32 PB

Derek Ahern 3.23.43

Declan Dorgan 3.29.36

Report to follow from Declan when he recovers

All eyes are on Valencia tomorrow where we have four runners from the club taking part. Senior Club Captain Ger O'Regan leads the charge (no pressure Ger) along with Declan Dorgan, Derek Ahern and Mark Cronin. We wish them all the very best especially Ger who will be racing whilst the others as they say themselves are there for a run. 

You can download the Tracker App and follow them but remember its an hour ahead there. 

The Finish Line in Valencia 

Important Message From Dee Duran Social Events Organiser Re Xmas Party 

Next Saturday Night

 Hello folks in anticipation for the dinner in the 7th it would be helpful if you can give the €35 ahead of time to save us scrambling for money on the night of. 

If you have revolut please send it to me there (link below). Alternatively you can give me cash at training next week - Revolut is easier to track. I also have PayPal if anyone has that. Cheers yall 

Hey! You can send me money on Revolut by following this link: https://revolut.me/delishbewg

Waterford Half Marathon

We had a fine crew in Waterford for the Half Marathon on Saturday and all seemed to have good runs with some PBs A special mention must go to club member David Curtin who completed the run after just returning from a tour of duty in Lebanon on Tuesday last where as you can imagine his training was severely hampered. Well done David. A total of 1949 finished the race.

Francis Maunsell 1.40.04,Brendan Curtin 1.40.58, Dermot Donovan 1.44,59, Leonard Healy 1.49.44, David Curtin 1.50.44, Loveness Hegarty1,49.41, Siobhan Williams 1.52.20, Dan Twohig 1.53.06, Yvonne Fitzgerald 1.54.39, Brigid Ryan 1,56.49, Linda Curtin 1.58.07, Joseph Power 2.00.42, Bernadette Twomey 2.05.41, Susan Fitzgerald 2,07.16 Mark Fuller 2.10.53, Catriona McGregor 2.12.49.

Sorry if I missed anyone just let me know please also any photos or reports welcome. mdtacinfo@gmail.com 

WEEKEND RUNAROUND

Munster Masters Cross Country

Edmond O'Sullivan had a fantastic run today in the Munster Masters Cross Country where he finished 2nd O/60 and we are still awaiting th County team results. Well done Edmond doing the club proud as always

The Great Glenville Run 

Bernie and Kevin in the Prizes

We had a large number of runners here today at this really well organised race run by Watergrasshill AC  Definitely one of the best organised events around. We had prize winners with Kevin Smith 1st O/45 and Bernadette Twomey 2nd O/50. Our first lady home was Dee Duran with a PB and our first male was Kevin Smith. Also there was some great racing up front.

Bricky 5 Km  West Waterford

Keeping the Midleton flag flying at the annual Bricky 5Km organised by West Waterford AC were John Cashman, Sabhdh Cronin and Mark Cronin. Sabhdh had a great run finishing in just under twenty minutes in 19.59

Once upon a time this race used to run by weight categories instead of age categories.

WEEKEND RUNAROUND

Gap Of Dunloe HARDMAN 10Mile + Marathon

Mark Walsh Reports

The last 10-mile race I competed in was the 2023 Sonia O’Sullivan Cobh 10, over 18 months ago. Most people would agree that the Cobh 10 is Hilly. The Gap of Dunloe event is Mountainous!

My son, Cormac, had signed up for the marathon (his first) and ‘suggested’ that I might do the 10-mile run. And so we both found ourselves at Kate Kearney’s cottage in the darkness of this November morning ready to do battle with the ups and downs of the famous Gap and Black Valley.

About 140 did the marathon and 250 did the 10 miles. Once it brightened up the scenery was truly magnificent and acted as a feast for the eyes, an inspiration and a great distraction from the really challenging inclines. But this race was a privilege to run in such natural and beautiful surroundings. Tough, yes. But well worth the trip down and the great feeling of camaraderie among fellow runners, not to mention the coffee, tea and buttered brack at the end.

I was delighted to complete the 10 mile route, but when I considered the scale of the challenge presented to those souls who undertook the marathon, I am full of admiration for them and they are truly deserving of the title ‘Hardman’ (incorporating all genders). Cormac completed his first marathon successfully and impressively. A great Family Day out .

Cloyne 4 Km

We had a great crowd in Cloyne and saw some great racing. Well done all and especially our C2 5K group who were doing it for the first time. Also well done to Sadhbh Cronin who was 1st FJ our first man home was Paul Spiteri in 14.13 and 8th overall .You can see the results on Cloyne Community FB Page. A total of three hundred and thirty six ran.

Churchtown 10 Mile

Bernie reports " myself, Mark,& Martha did Churchtown 10 dis morn! It's a challenging route, weather was wet  as u can see from de photo. We got great goodie, beanie & a mug." 

Kevin Smith made his return to racing and did the fine time of 71min

Its worth zooming in on the mug

Clearstream / Deutsche Börse Cork Celebration of Life BHAA 5Km

This took place also on Sunday morning at 10am We had three runners there Vicki Spiteri who finished 3rd Lady overall and Amanda Cooney back from her marathon success. Our sole male was Edmond O'Sullivan who took 3rd O/60 prize well done all.

Vicki 3rd Lady overall.

Beat The Train

We had two runners here Maire Walsh first race after her great Dublin Marathon success did 77min and Eugene McCarthy get ready for his Ironman did 66min,

Run In The Dark

Huge congrats to Andrea McNamara who finish 2nd Lady overall in the Run In The Dark from a very large number of runners also to John Cashman for his wonderful commentary.