On Sunday, July 21st, the village of Grange played host to the seventh race of the IMRA Munster Summer/Autumn Trail League: the Craig Woods race. Despite the warm and humid morning, a strong turnout made for an exciting event, featuring runners from Ballyroan Abbeyleix AC, Clonmel AC, and even participants from Leinster making the trip to Tipperary. This event also welcomed several first-time trail racers, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
In the long course, which covered 9.5km with a 270m elevation gain, the female winners were Kate McDonald in first place, followed by Suzanne Shine in second, and Elaine Langley in third. On the male side, Jack McMahon clinched first place, with Ronan O'Reilly taking second, and Eugene O'Keeffe finishing third. The short course, a 4 km race, saw Sarah Cooke triumph as the top female finisher, while David Collins led the male pack.
The race was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to Race Director Damien McDonnell and the dedicated volunteers. Their efforts ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. A special treat awaited the runners at the finish line—bags of Damien's delicious handmade chocolates. Post-race, everyone savoured a delightful spread of sandwiches and cakes, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The event was marked by the enthusiastic participation of runners from various regions, and it was particularly heartening to see newcomers to the trail running scene. Their presence added a fresh dynamic to the race and underscored the inclusive nature of the IMRA events.
In the league standings, current leaders are Deirdre Enright for the female category and Thomas Downey for the male category. Both have completed six races, showcasing their consistent performance throughout the season and adding to the competitive spirit of the league.
Looking ahead, the next race in the IMRA Munster calendar is the Eyeries Coastguard Station Loop, set to take place on Wednesday, July 24th at 7:30pm. This upcoming event marks the eighth race in the IMRA Munster Summer/Autumn Trail League, promising another thrilling experience for all trail running fans.
Featured Image: by Thomas Phelan