On Sunday, the National Masters Track & Field Championships took place in Morton Stadium, Santry and a full team of Craughwell AC Veteran Sprinters took part, led by inspirational Coach and mentor Ronnie Warde.  The relays were the highlight of the day with the Craughwell men taking both the 4x100m and 4x400m titles.  In the 4x100m, Cormac Kearney, Ronnie Warde, David Mulligan and Brian Malone flew to victory in 48.72s.  Cormac, Brian and Ronnie were joined by John Walkin to seal Gold in the M40 4x400m with a superb 3:58.55.  

In the individual events David Mulligan won the M35 200m Silver in 24.68, while Ronnie Warde won M40 Bronze in 24.84 and John Walkin came 6th in 26.36.  In the M40 100m Cormac Kearney was a close 4th with 12.15 and John Walkin 6th 12.92.  Brian Malone came 8th in the M40 400m in a very strong new personal best of 57.41. Brian has steadily improved his PB over the year and is edging ever closer to the magical 56s! Evan Morgan was 5th in the M50 100m in 14.44. Coach Ronnie summarised his thoughts on the day as:

“Great to be part of a great team with lifelong friends. Yesterday there were athletes competing who were in their 70’s in many different events. Athletics has something for everyone, it has 21 different events.. its not just about running as many think. If you with to take up a new sport give me a shout and try it out, you have nothing to lose but plenty to gain. Up Craughwell!”

Ronnie Warde, Senior Sprint Coach, Craughwell AC

It is brilliant to see such a great buzz from the masters sprint group that train together in Craughwell every week. For many people, athletics over the age of 35 is synonymous with road running and marathons but it doesn’t have to be – the internet is full of the benefits of power-based activities like Sprinting, Jumping and Throwing for weight loss and health, especially as you age. If interested – as he says – get in touch with Ronnie (details on the Contacts page) and you can give it a go, as he says, what’s to lose?.