26th ANNUAL FORDE’S DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE.
WERE UP AND RUNNING IN ROUND ONE WITH A MASSIVE TURNOUT.
Round 1 of the 2019/20 26th Annual Forde’s Daybreak winter league saw one of the largest number of runners for a first night of the league last Wednesday evening at Dungarvan sports centre Quanns. It was a sea of high viz vests and Fordes Daybreak/Circle K race numbers as the two groups short course and then long course runners headed off in two separated directions as the event for 2019/20 was officially got under way by our sponsor Kevin Forde.The winter league will continue for 12 more nights 6 before Christmas and 6 after Christmas with a 2 week break over the festive season. The weather last week was ideal, as the heavy showers earlier in the day had abated for our annual first night mass start for both courses. Usually if the first night of the league starts off on a good foot weather wise the trend seems to continue throughout the league, fingers crossed anyway. A huge crowd of 205 took on the 5.2 mile long course last Wednesday evening and looking at the runners return from the long course it ceases to amaze the number of new faces along with many old friends again this year. Its brilliant to see so many coming along and running the league for the very first time, we hope they keep it up now over the winter and enjoy the run and make many new friends along the way.As usual for the winter league, the first night was a mass start with all runners going off at the same time. From week 2, the handicap system will kick in and you starting time will be posted on the wall when you arrive down to the sport centre. First home on the night was the Dermot Gough in a time of 33.49 with, a total of 31 finishers broke the 40 minute barrier.Next past the finish post was Michael Ahern in 33.54 , and making a top 3 position was Jason Travers 33.55.First of the ladies home on night one was Mary Jane Enright who skipped around the course in a time of 37.41, Mary Jane was followed home by Ciara Burke in 39.53 excellent run from Ciara who on the first round last year clocked 41.15.Deirdre Nugent was our 3rd lady home in 40.17,Deirdre will be well capable of breaking the 40 minute mark in due course.Well done to all who completed the long course last week. Remember to spread the word about the winter league and we can all help each other to keep fit and healthy over the winter months.
DON’T JUST READ ABOUT THE SHORT COURSE RUNNERS -COME AND JOIN THEM.
Thankfully the wind and rain of earlier in the day had cleared meaning a nice but slightly cold running conditions awaited the runners as they gathered at Dungarvan Sports Centre for week 1 of the Fordes Daybreak winter league before heading out on the 2.4 mile run. There was a massive number out for the first night last Wednesday when 107 took up the challenge, on what was a great start to the winter league for 2019. It was great to see so many new runners that were trying out the league for the very first time as well as many league regulars. This section of the league specifically has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.4 miles in total. The handicap system will be kicking in tonight (Wednesday) so after registering make sure to check your start time on the sheets posted on the wall.League Sponsor, Kevin Forde of Fordes Daybreak was on hand to get the runners under way for a Mass start and what a sight it was as over 100 runners headed off. First back on the night was Raivis Zakis who clipped round in a very speedy 13.54. Next was Ciaran Frisby in 14.59 followed by Conor Donovan in 16.09. David Towey finished in 16.57 with Martin Hayes clocking 17.47. First lady on the night was Meabh Beresford in 21.13 followed by Sheilanne O’Donoghue in 21.18 and Aintanxe Monzan in 21.20. Orla Quinlan clocked 21.31 with Amy Ryan finishing in 22.46. Others to record good times on the night included Jenney Toomey (25.47), Aishling Fennell (27.00), Denise Conway (27.49), Tom Scanlan (28.00) and Michael Landers (22.04).Well done to all who took part, and remember newcomers are always welcome. Just come along to Dungarvan Sports centre on Wednesday Night at 6.30 to register.Just a few reminders for next week -No Watches are allowed, anyone caught wearing a watch won’t be included in the results.Hi Vis is compulsory for all runners.Your winter league number, given at registration, is the number you have for all the league. It should be worn to the front, be clearly visible and secured with a pin in each corner to stop it flapping.Also a huge thank you to all of our stewards out on the course and to all our crew in the hall and at the finish line.Well done to each and every runner who got through the first night and remember there is a long way to go and aim to slowly improve. It is important to feel comfortable during the run and as you are coming near the finish line you can increase the pace and finish your run with a push. Best of luck to all tonight and why not bring as friend along.
LEAGUE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 6.40 EACH WEDNESDAY EVENING.
Please note that because of the volume of runners each week taking part in the league we must from this week onwards close registration for new runners at 6.40. If your coming along for the first time we ask you to be down in plenty of time as those arriving late will not be able to register. Also we ask all runners to please abide by all the rules including the wearing of a high Viz reflective running bib and to take direction from the steward’s so that it’s safe and enjoyable for everyone.
TONIGHT’S ROUND 2 OF THE WINTER LEAGUE- PLEASE NOTE STARTING SYSTEM.
1. Last week was a mass start but from tonight on, the league kicks in properly with everybody heading off at different times. There will be 1 minute interval between each group of runners tonight. Your starting time tonight will be based on the slowest time last week which means that the fastest person last week will be the last to head off tonight and the last people to head off will be trying to catch as many people as they can and those that headed off first will be trying not to get caught by those coming from behind them.
2. When you arrive at the centre tonight, go to the desk in the main hall if you have registered already for the league and have a number. if you need to get a number and are registering for the first time you will also find a desk to do this in main hall, if you have paid for the series in full you still have to register each night of the league.
3. Clock will start at zero at 6.50 sharp- it’s up to you to be there on time for your start.
4. If you need to get a number tonight it’s €8 for non-members and €7 for members.
5. If you have a number it’s €3 for non-members and €2 for members.
6. When you have registered, go down to the hall and locate your starting time for tonight on the sheets displayed on wall. Whatever time is beside your name that is your starting time for tonight. If it says 2.00 that means when the clock reads 2 minutes you must start running, if it says 7 it means that when the clock reaches 7 minutes you must start running.
7. New Comers -Running for the 1st time tonight on the short course will leave at 5 minutes and new comers running the long course for the 1st time will leave at 10 minutes. Runners will be left off in 1 minute intervals between 0 and 10 minutes.
8. All runners must register upstairs each night-even those that have paid up for the full league.
9. With a huge amount of runners at the league, it’s important that you are at the front door when it’s your time, we will not be able to adjust the results for those that miss their starting time.
10. There will be a clock in main hall and when it’s coming near your starting time you go to the front door where there will be another big clock, when your starting time is on the clock at front door you head off .You must go at the allocated starting time; failure to do this will distort your result.
11.Don’t forget your running bib-Leave your watch and keys in the box provided at registration.
WINTER LEAGUE PARKING.
A huge number have registered for this year’s league, from a parking point of view there are ample parking spaces available at Scanlon’s yard, Strand Street and also at the look out. Each of these is only a short distance from the sports centre. We also ask that you refrain from parking in front of anyone’s house.
FORDE’S DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME LEAGUE WINNERS.
LONG COURSE SHORT COURSE
1994 Johnny Clarke 1998 Ann and Catriona Bennett
1995 Eoin O’Riordan 1999 Eilis Ni hAodha
1996 Philip Harty 2000 Shane Power
1997 Michael Bennett 2001 Geoff Bullen
1998 Gerry Cantwell 2002 Jennifer Ui Dhuibhir
1999 Tony Shalloe 2003 P.J. Curran
2000 Stephen Curran 2004 Cordelia Burke
2001 Dan Dineen 2005 Collette Bannon
2002 Norma Wall 2006 Liam Budds
2003 Pat Dunford 2007 Angeline Drennan
2004 Tony Shalloe 2008 Carolyn Byrne
2005 Pat Dunford 2009 John Foley
2006 Brigid Coffey 2010 Kelly Cantwell
2007 Michael Dunford 2011 Damien Casey
2008 Tom Scanlon 2012 Tony Ferncombe
2009 Bernard Walsh 2013 Eamonn Flavin
2010 Kevin Hickey 2014 Gerry Cummins
2011 Sinead Moore 2015 Jason O’ Riordan
2012 James O Donnell 2016 Tony Hamilton.
2013 James O Donnell 2017 Debra Doherty
2014 Alice Fitzgerald 2018 Kelly Shalloe
2015 Paul Mc Grath 2019 Theresa Curran
2016 Tony Ferncombe
2017 Paul Lenihan
2018 Alice Fitzgerald
2019 Joe O’Rourke
REFLECTIVE BIBS.
It is a condition of the winter league that all runners wear reflective bibs or jackets. Some runners are wearing luminous bibs which are not reflective which means that you are not visible to traffic. Each bib must have reflective strips on it. Those not wearing reflective gear are compromising their own safety and will not be covered by insurance so please get a reflective bib.
RUN TO IMPROVE WITH WEST WATERFORD ATHLETICS CLUB……..JOHN TREACY 10 MILE RACE.
WHAT IS IT ?
A 12 week training programme for anyone training for the John Treacy 10 mile race for the first time or if you are relatively new to running or returning after a break.
WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR ?
Anyone who can currently run 8k, at any pace, and wants to train to either increase the pace or the distance they can run to complete the John Treacy 10 mile race.
WHAT DO I GET ?
A coached running session on a Tuesday evening, training plan for the rest of the week and online support. You will also have the support and camaraderie of the group which makes training ,much easier
If you have any questions by all means contact us. Claire Kennedy 087 911 6997 or Jim Fleming 087 288 1151
AUTUMN / WINTER 2019.
Evert Tuesday evening all club members have the option of joining a run specific Strength and Conditioning class. The aim of this class will be to put in more than it takes out so you will not have tired, sore legs running the Winter League on Wednesday nights. The classes will cover mobility, activations, prehab, plyometrics and strength exercises.If you are struggling with the motivation to get on the floor and fit an S&C session into your week then struggle no more. We all know S and C is important especially if you are riddled with niggles or are targeting a goal race and want to keep your body in the best shape possible. These is ideal if you are in recovery from a marathon and want to start your next training cycle injury free or if you plan on running the Winter League on Wednesdays and want the legs to be fresh for that.
MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SERIES.RACE 2.
PALLITIVE CARE UNIT DUNGARVAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TO BENEFIT FROM 11th ANNUAL CLEANZONE TECHNOLOGY SPONSORED PADDY JOE CURRAN MEMORIAL TURKEY TROT THIS SUNDAY.
On next Sunday November 17th the 11th Annual Paddy Joe Curran Old Parish Turkey Trot 5 mile run and 4 mile walk will take place at the Marine Bar, Pulla, Dungarvan. All proceeds from this year’s event will go to West Waterford Hospice. The 4 mile walk will begin at 11 am, while the 5 mile run will get under way at 12 noon. If you would like further information or would like a sponsorship card for the event email oldparishturkeytrot@hotmail.com.
GOLD FOR TERRI GOUGH AT NATIONAL MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Congratulations to club member Terri Gough who won gold recently at the national marathon championships 2019 which was held as part of the Dublin city marathon. Terri completed the course in 6.19 to take the ladies over 70 title.
GOLD FOR LUCY HOLMES AT MUNSTER JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Congratulations to Lucy Holmes on a fine performance last Sunday at the Munster cross country championships held in Conna. Lucy took gold in the Junior event after a top drawer run and her team mate Mary Kate Prendergast finished 25th.Bioth girls will compete in the upcoming All Ireland championships in a few weeks and should figure prominently.
RUNNING QUOTE.
Running removes us briefly from the fragmentation and depersonalization of the digital world.
