Da Cru battle hills and wind in Garda BHAA
Stephen Moore
If there was a Crusader’s home cross country course, in light of the number of Da Cru that train on the loop, the magazine fort in the Phoenix park is as near as you get. The third BHAA race this year, took place on this loop, for many it was a return to the course that hosted their opening race of the season, the Dublin Novice, for others their first experience of cross country in Ireland. While the opening races of the season on this course are often blessed with sunshine and warm conditions, today athletes not only had to deal with a long hill but cold winds sweeping the course.
Stephen Moore after cycling there, took the race by the neck and tucked in behind the leaders for the first lap. After the first lap the quick pace took its toll and he dropped a few places but used his strength to pull a few back and battled hard to hold off Masters International, Tom O’Connor for 17th place. Five places back was Jordy Smilde, in his first Irish Cross country race after moving from the Nederland last year. While the race is a sizable amount above his favoured distance, it is one of a series of races he is doing over the winter to build strength for the track season ahead. In contrast, 4 miles is a mere sprint compared to the epic races Torban Dahl normally undertakes. The numerous marathons he has run over the last few months didn’t dull his pace and he finished 67th. Six places ahead in 61st, new member of Da Cru put in a good performance as be prepares for his World record attempt at half marathon, running backwards.
In between Cru members, Liam Morris and Karl Fitzmurice finished within 5 seconds of each other in 47th and 53rd places respectively. While this is one of numerous races Liam has run during his first season, this was the sole outing for Karl, both building to key races over the summer. Likewise, Deirdre NiChearbhaill in her build up to the Paris Marathon, opted for the longer course and completed the 4 miles in 214th. James Cottle also building up to Paris marathon placed 126th and 7th in the M55 Class. While Michael McGovern took a break from the many hours standing coaching numerous athletes on the same course on Saturday mornings, to place 174th recording a faster time than his opening race of the year despite the adverse weather conditions.