An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 32 | BY SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PHOTOS: SGT COLIN LAWLOR AND ARMN JAMIE BARRETT T he largest event in the Defence Forces competitive sporting calendar took place on Wednesday 10th October 2018, as partici- pants took to the roads in the Phoenix Park for the 39th annual An Cosantóir 10K Road Race and 5K Walk. As always a strong turnout of competitors from all over the DF along with veterans and invited guests and there was many more personnel in McKee Bks for the displays and atmosphere. There were no surprises in the Senior Male category as Pte Kenneth Rodgers, 12 Inf Bn won again for the 8th time. He came in at an impressive time of 32.27, which was 20 seconds faster than his winning time last year. Coming back on last years' win, Cadet Elizabeth Carr, won her second Senior Female category in a time of 38.34. As well as winning some of the individual categories the Naval Service took the Team event also and were followed by 6 Inf Bn and 28 Inf Bn respectively. The NS team consisted of: PO Darren Molloy (34:03), AB Enda Cloake (34:34), CPO Graham Swords (36:13), PO Connor McCrory (36:58), AB Michael Coakley (37:54), and CPO Cian McParland (43:07) in a combined time of 3:42:49. The 6 Inf Bn were looking for their 10th consecutive win in this event and were not far behind with their combined total of 3:45:27. Most notable was the 28 Inf Bn who had two other teams in the 4th and 5th spots too. A block run event preceded the main race, where units/formations enter as a group of 25 runners – and need 20 finishers to qualify. This event creates a great 'esprit de corps' and team building with all runners working together to win. Out of 14 Blocks the winning bragging rights went to the 27 Inf Bn (41.03), followed by the Cadet School 'A' (41.47) and 7 Inf Bn (42.35) respectively. Most notable blocks were the first ever 'all female' block and the DF bag pipers who wore kilts – thankfully it wasn't windy. Defence Forces COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM addressed the packed gymnasium for the prize giving ceremony. The chief thanked everyone for taking part saying it was a, "great collective sporting event, which is inclusive of ages and gender." The COS also acknowledged that it was World Mental Health Day and that sporting events such as this and any sports and athletics were good for your mental health. The COS and the Dir of Public Relations Lt Col Oliver Dwyer both thanked our sponsors ANASC Credit Union, Friends First and Druid Craft for their continued support. Lt Col Dwyer also thanked J7 Branch, OC McKee Bks, Catering Staff, MPs, medics, CIS staff, An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and to everyone whose efforts made the race possible. So to all those who took part we offer a big 'thank you' for making the event what it is, in particular, the organising committee, the An Cosantóir/Information Office, J7 Branch and all those who gave a hand on the day like PTIs, logistics, McKee Bks catering centre and our work party from the 27 Inf Bn who really got stuck in on the day. An Cosantóir Senior Winners Pte Kenneth Rodgers and Cadet Elizabeth Carr

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