Team Geared Up

DUBLIN, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) Cheers to Paul Mahon of the winning team at last Saturdays Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge for sending me the photo of his winning team. Himself and legendary Irish mountain runners Beth Mc Cluskey and Gerry Lalor stormed to victory ahead of serious adventure racers Eoin Keith, Bob Boles and Chris Caulfield. Considering themselves “two crocks and a gentlemen” (reference to Paul and Beth’s injuries!!), that wasn’t bad going!!

A total of 50k of rugged Cooley Mountain terrain involving a 16k run, taking in the peak runs of both the Fox’s Rock and Slieve Foy, 26k MTB section, 6k sea kayak relay paddle, finishing with a 2k run around St. Johns Castle and through the village to the finish line at the Sailing Club.

The early morning sun greeted the teams as they arrived from all over Ireland, and shone on the many tents that pitched the night before. After the race briefing the athletes gathered behind the Carlingford Piped Band providing a fantastic atmosphere for the now traditional parade through the village to the start line. At 10.15am Johnny McCabe blew the whistle for the start of a long day, for the 48 three person teams entered.

Looks like an exciting race ensued and I know Paul and co. are very pleased with a great win in a strong field. Lots of names you might recognise from Irish mountain running on this finish list. Congrats! I wonder how many of you lot are gearing up for the Beast of Ballyhoura?

Results:-
1st Paul Mahon; Beth Mc Cluskey; Gery Lawlor (Mixed) 4 hours 59 mins
2nd Eoin Keith; Bob Boles, Chris Caughfield (Male) 5 hours 04 mins
3rd David McKeown; Ray O=92Shaughnessy; Seamus Byrne (Male) 5 hours 18 =
mins
4th Kevin Lynch; Cathel McCreevey; Paul McArthur (Male) 5 hours 28 mins

1st Female Team - Fiona Barrett; Jackie Howard; Pauline Brady 6 hours 35
mins
2nd Una May; Mary O=92Connell; Zoe Melling 6 hours 58 mins

2nd Mixed Team Melanie Earwaker; Niall Donovan; A.N.Other
3rd Greg Byrne; Grainne Connor; Aisling Corkery

-Aisling-

Image from Paul Mahon, qoute from the CLEC race report.