So when I heard that there was a race coming up here, I pencilled it in. On Saturday, Dec 13th, 2018, it was the inaugural Glanageenty Loopers trail races. There was a 10km, half marathon and full marathon. I signed up for the 10km. My race consisted of one big loop while the half marathon was 2 loops and the full marathon was 4 loops.
The weather was a big talking point that morning as torrential rain was predicted but everyone was hoping to be off the course before it arrived. The marathon started at 8:30am, followed by the half marathon at 9:30am and finished with the 10km at 10:30am. I was used to running here so I knew what to expect. Even though they changed the direction of the loop and it went through John Lenihan's farm which you are not allowed to do on a normal run, I still felt confident enough about the run as I knew the terrain.
There was about 40 runners in the 10 km race. I was up at the top straight away and I said I would stay up at the top as long as I could. As the race pushed on, to my surprise I was with the leaders and now three of us had pulled away from the pack. I was thinking I could have a podium finish. It was very helpful to know the course as I knew what was ahead of me. After a couple of kilometres, the eventual winner, David White, pulled away. I tried to keep up my I was aware that could backfire on me. I tried to stay as comfortable as I could on a mountain race. This is not too easy as your heart rate is constantly going up and down due to the severe uphills on the course.
David had stretched ahead of me, but I noticed that a gap was appearing between Fran, in 3rd place and I. I made a goal to hold onto to 2nd place. This was not easy as Fran was never too far away. But there was some spots I power hiked, as I was going the same speed as running but power hiking saved energy. I knew with about 2 km to go that it was mostly downhill so I opened up the legs a bit. The gap to 3rd place opened up a bit more. I was looking at my watch and set myself another goal of finishing under the hour mark. For the last kilometre, I emptied the tank. I was delighted to cross the line in 2nd place and in a time of 57:27. I accomplished my two in - race goals of holding onto 2nd place and finishing it under the hour mark. I was really satisfied after this race and I loved every minute of it.
Just as we arrived at the finish line, the heavens opened. I was delighted to get finished before the down pour. It was not a day for hanging around. I got out of there and warmed myself up back at the house where I was staying. I was sitting down with a hot cup of tea when an unbelievable down pour occurred. As a result of the bad weather, some participants who were taking part in the marathon were taken off the course for the own safety. Despite this, it was a very well run event and it is a race I hope to again. This time I am hoping to take on the half marathon.
Glanageenty is a real trail running spot. There is something about it. It has three routes on it so there is one to cater for all fitness levels. I would highly recommend it if you are in the area of Tralee or Castleisland. You might come across a few of the Glanageenty Loopers (local running group), who are always around for a run day or night. Or you might just meet the running legend, John Lenihan, as he tends to his cattle. Put it on your list of places to run. You won't be disappointed.
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