So, that went well!

The first race in almost 2 years over the country. Lusk AC did a superb job laying out the course, providing Marshalls, keeping the races on time and making sure the club athletes had an enjoyable Sunday morning.

We had a good turnout for the club but there is always room for more, come on don’t be shy!! First up were Jennifer's Jets, the under girls and boys. They had a 400m distance to cover. Now if you have never seen a stampede you should come out to watch an Under 9 cross country races start. There were about 80 kids all flying down the course together. Amy and Conor were backed up by Lena and Isaac who were competing in their debut races. They were very very excited and did extremely well. Jennifer is really looking forward to seeing them out again for the next round.

Stephen's Steeplechasers were next up, the U10s covering 600m. Yes steeplechase! The kids could not believe that there were mini hay bails that they had to jump over on the course. Mia, Max and Conor had their debut races and they did not disappoint. Max, who earlier in the year won the Dublin Championship long jump showed how versatile he is by finishing well up the field over the country. One to watch for the future! Mia, we know is a flyer from training, ran a great race. The speed she came down that home straight was probably unmatched all morning in any age group. Young Conor Sharkey might have something to say about that though! Welldone under 10s.

U11s were covering 800m and coach Eugene had this group ready and waiting. He had to keep them moving as they are quite the chatty bunch. Harry, Arwen, Emma and Sophia covered the course in what we’re arguably the largest fields of the day. Debuts over the country went well for the three ladies and the smiles from this gang were enormous (even during the race).

Next up the largest group for the club, the Bourke Brigade!! U12s, 1000m and there was an army of Mid Sutton athletes. Two debutants in Ben and Tara Rose finished in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. What performances!! The coaches also noticed that they finished and turned around straight away to cheer on their team mates, how impressive is that? Backed up by Beth, Ingrid, Erika, Airt, Evan(debut), Siofra and Joe Sharkey by far our most improved athlete on the day.

Darrell's Diamonds, the U13 1000m was next to toe the line. New recruit Elliott, was racing his first cross country race. Elliott was spotted during the summer when he came along to improve his speed. He then returned to a Sunday session showing he had quite the engine. Accompanied by young Charlie O’Neill these two placed very high. They will do some serious damage during this cross country season.

The final action for Mid Sutton saw two athletes run rings around their opposition. Sadie and Dan competed in the U14 girls and U15 boys respectively. Sadie returned to good form and looked to settle back to racing nicely with Dan placing the highest Mid Sutton athlete for the day in 1st place.

The coaches have decided to run a league type competition by age group for the cross country season. Each athlete will score points for their team, their age group and compete against the other age groups. The more friends the gang have running each race with them the more points they get for their team. As Bruce used to say “POINTS MEANS PRIZES”. The more runners in an age group the more points that age group gets.

More of an update on the team league soon and will follow up with details for the next race shortly.

For now, just keep on running !!!