However, when the Craughwell race was mentioned after the Fields of Athenry race last year, I pencilled in my next trip home…

My first 10 mile race was a step into the unknown but one that I’m glad I took because I really enjoyed the entire experience. I had a rough idea in my head of what time I’d like to run but I knew that I would have to start conservatively in order not to jeopardise the later stages of the race.

I ran approximately the first 3 miles with the lead pack of the South Galway AC pair of John Whiriskey and Greg Lundon, Tom Prendergast from the host club, Rob Lennon of Castlegar and Gerry Carthy of GCH.

I felt very comfortable but knew there was a long way to go but the lads encouraged me to go for it so I pushed on and didn’t look back. I kept my eyes on the lead motorbike and enjoyed the novelty of running on the country roads with only the cows in the fields mooing me on!

At Kilconieron church a pocket of supporters were surprised but supportive when they saw a girl in the lead. When I rounded the corner at Dunsandle cross, another group of supporters told me that I had a good lead and that I looked strong. I was encouraged until I was hit hard by the head wind that I had to battle to the finish line. At that stage it didn’t really matter, the miles were flying by and I knew that, even if I was reeled in, that I had ran a good honest race (my favourite type instead of tactical affairs!) and I was happy with my effort.

A stitch in the last mile was annoying but probably the best time for pain – when you’re expecting it!

Coming in to the final stretch, I could hear the praise of Mary Porter on the PA system and I could see the gantry clock ticking towards 58 minutes. I crossed the line in 57.59 and one of the first people to congratulate me was Tom Finnegan, whose family gave me lifts to training and races throughout my time with Loughrea AC. It was nice to celebrate the moment with someone who had encouraged me in my early athletics days.

I quickly caught my breath and started walking back up the final stretch to cheer on my boyfriend who had travelled from Dublin for his first ten miles also. I hadn’t long to wait and we were both delighted to have survived and not struggled as much as expected!

Returning back to the community hall, we couldn’t believe the reception, between the kind words of congratulations and the feast of food that club members had contributed to the post-race spread! It was great to chat to Galway athletes that I hadn’t seen in ages over a nice cup of tea and treats.

Congratulations to Craughwell AC and all involved on staging a super race!

The Craughwell Ten Miler is a race to remember and one I would highly recommend. The friendly atmosphere, quiet country course and spread of treats in the Community Hall post-race means that the entire race experience is one to be savoured. There are not too many ten mile races available throughout the year so I would encourage people to take the opportunity to enjoy what the Craughwell 10 míle has to offer while they can.