Strawberry Half Marathon

The Crusaders ladies pre-race

A small number of Crusaders made the short journey down to Enniscorthy for the Strawberry Half Marathon on 26th June. This race, which is organised by former Crusaders’ Jane and Graham Porter, is a highlight on the road racing calendar. The Porters’ experience and enthusiasm for organising races shines through as did the sun, on one of the warmest days of the year so far.

The race starts through the streets of the town, crossing the Slaney twice before heading out onto quiet country roads for the majority of the 13.1 miles. The last 3 miles are on the hard shoulder of the N11, with views of the Slaney to the runners’ left.

Aoife Quigley had another great race, breaking her recent half marathon pb in 1.31.47 to finish 6th lady and recipient of a generous voucher for a local sports shop, Aoife Joyce finished in 1.32.58, also a pb, and Deirdre Ni Chearbhaill completed clean sweep of pbs for the ladies in 1.37.25.

Rene Borg was the sole male participant for the club and though not quite matching up to his prize winning form on this course last year, he finished in a very credible time of 1.26.07.

The race which takes place during the Strawberry Festival (which this year boasted such acts as the Coronas, Jedward and the Saw Doctors, free of charge) also has a 5 mile road race in conjunction with the half marathon. In keeping with the spirit of the festival, the runners were rewarded with strawberries at the end of the race.