Kids 1 Mile Run
Firstly, a big thank you to all the organisers and volunteers that gave up time today to make the event happen. A great afternoon made even better with the sun coming out.
I arrived at the park at around 12.15pm and already could sense a buzz of excitement with nervous parents and kids going through some final preparations. I could hear conversations like what’s the route, should I warm up yet, and who has the pins as we wandered up the leafy path towards the club tent. The tent itself was the hive of excitement as kids and parents shared a few last-minute words of encouragement together. It was then off for the group photo. I’ve been coming to harrier events for quite a few years now and I was chuffed to see that so many had made the effort to pull on the vest and get out there. Not only did we have runners, but some older juniors helped as pacers, marshals while others gave out the medals/goody bags at the end. After a group warm up led by the coaches is was a short walk to the start line. The usual jostling for front spaces on the start line from the speedsters raised the anticipation levels then they were off!
I always love the start of theses races as everyone takes off like it’s a 50m sprint, but the field soon thinned out as they drifted out of sight down through the park. After few minutes of dead time parents rushed to grabb a good spectator spot on the finishing tunnel. As my clock hit around 3 minutes 30 secs, I could see them coming back up through the trees in the distance. I could see yellow in the top group but couldn’t make out who quite yet. Cormac and Thomas were at the business end of the race and battling it out for a podium spot. Cormac got the better kick up the home straight and secured third place. Thomas was next home followed by a stream of harriers including our top girls Cassie and Leila. Cassie taking the win with Leila not too far behind in 3rd place. Great stag antlers Cassie lol
I was standing at the beginning of the finish straight and harrier after harrier turned the bend and mustered up a final sprint with encouragement from the many spectators. For some this will have been their first experience of a race and I hoped you enjoyed it. Get back to training next week and stay consistent with it over the upcoming months ahead of cross country season. A great wee day and plenty of smiles and sunshine. Well done to all involved.
We will post the results on here and in the parent’s group when they have been collated.
