An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 30 | by CPL KAREN ROBINSON PhotoS 105 SQN W ednesday 25th March was another great success, a tidier bunch of 65 personnel participated in the second of the DF hill Running Series races for 2015. We missed the PtI Course, the Air Corps Apprentices, the Cadet School and some Units further afield due to other engagements, but most are hoping they will venture out to Djouce on thursday 21st May. Even though the numbers were lower than last month, 27 walkers and 38 runners, the competitiveness for first place was just as exciting, with all the big names coming out to claim the title. To our amusement some of them even scanned the entry list to see who had turned up! The route was the same as last year, a 9.6km course, mostly on forest trails with a short distance on rocky path and sleepers, taking in the wonderful views of the Dublin Mountains from the summit of Two Rock. Sgt Alan Hayles gave a very descriptive account of the route before setting both groups off - he knows this course well, covering it twice on race day. Lt Damien Kelly (No 3 Ops Wing) won the race with a finishing time of 36m 45s, 4 minutes faster than last year's winner. He thought he was on his own until he took a sneaky look behind him and suddenly realised he was being hunted down by Sgt Owen Connolly (Air Corps HQ), an exciting finish to the line ensued and Owen took second place with a finishing time of 36m 48s - so, so close! In third place was 2/Lt Tom Bell (3 Inf Bn) last month's winner, again with a very impressive time of 37m 44s. The Male Over 40s race was very competitive this year with Tpr Patrick McCarthy (2 Cav Sqn Res) claiming the winning title once again with 39m 19s, with his arms punching the air as he came down the hill, he was fully sure this was CQMS Joe Devlin's race (McKee Bks Coy). His day will come but for this day as always, an all out effort was made by Joe who claimed second place finishing in 40m 34s. Sgt Tom Bishop (DFSM) won the Male Over 50s category with a winning time 3 seconds off the Over 40s 2nd place in a time of 40m 37s. Tom amazes us every month in his running fitness, years of hard work secures this man to claim victory for a very long time to come. Is there anyone out there to give him a good run for his money? Of the 65 participants, only two females dared to run the race. A fellow comrade from An Garda Síochána, Garda Patricia O'Connor took the title in a time of 52m 43s. Come on girls get those runners on!!! Thank you to all who participated in this event, especially the walkers, although we go in depth into the running side of the house, we can't thank you all enough for your support and banter on the day! For the next running series the following needs to be looked at as the distances start to expand, the weather may not always be so kind to us. All participants should be advised to wear clothing suitable for running and trail shoes where possible for extra grip. Runners should also bring a running jacket/windstopper, which may be worn during inclement weather and a whistle. As the weather conditions dictate, runners will be advised at registration whether

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