Ardfield's Pádraig Sheehan just edged out Martin Crowley to take victory in the men's half-marathon as the second Rosscarbery Surf, Turf ‘n' Tar race proved to be a huge success.
ARDFIELD’S Pádraig Sheehan just edged out Martin Crowley to take victory in the men’s half-marathon as the second Rosscarbery Surf, Turf ‘n’ Tar race proved to be a huge success.
The sun was shining, the flags were flying and everyone was smiling with 200 taking part in the half-marathon and almost 400 in the 10km. Sheehan came in in a time of one hours, 26 minutes and 38 seconds, just five seconds ahead of Kerryman Crowley, while Fiona Dukelow won the women’s half-marathon. Victory in the 10km races went to Alfie Davis and Marie Claire Healy.
The event which is a multi – terrain race covers Rosscarbery and surrounding areas including Castlefreke Estate (by kind permission of Stephen Evans-Freke), the Warren Strand, Owenahincha and Long Strand and the Coillte trails by Kilkern Lake and The High Cross. Competitors finished the race by crossing a custom-built pontoon onto Pier Road.
The race is a not-for-profit event with all proceeds going back into the community and it was organised by members of Rosscarbery Business Association in conjunction with Rosscarbery Steam Runners AC.
This race is more than just a running race, it is an event showcasing everything that Rosscarbery and West Cork has to offer from the beautiful beaches and scenery to the delicious locally sourced food which included puddings and sausages from Rosscarbery Recipes, fishcakes from The Fresh Fish Deli, Bushby’s Strawberries and Clóna cream and Coolmore cakes and cheeses from Carbery Milk Products.
After the race everyone got to sample all these delicious goodies as well as full use of the facilities at The Celtic Ross Hotel, which was the event’s main sponsor and served as race headquarters too.
An event like this does not happen without support and help from the community, and the organisation committee would like to thank all the stewards who volunteered for the day and the different groups who set up water stations – Rosscarbery Rowing Club, Carbery Rangers minor and U16 players, Owenahincha Bay Water Safety Association and anyone else who helped to make the day a huge success.
Results
Half-Marathon – Male: 1 Pádraig Sheehan (Ardfield) 1hr 26mins 38secs, 2 Martin Crowley (Killarney) 1:26:43, 3 Tadhg Moriarty (Kildare) 1:27:31; Female: 1 Fiona Dukelow (Cork) 1:45:17, 2 Ellen Ahern (Rosscarbery) 1:46:20, 3 Olga O’Sullivan (Ballincollig) 1:47:13.
10km – Male: 1 Alfie Davis (Cork) 38mins 49secs, 2 Edwin Sutton (Kinsale) 39:09, 3 Billy O’Brien (Douglas) 39:46; Female: 1 Marie Claire Healy (Tralee) 43:39, 2 Gráinne O’Callaghan (North Cork) 44:57, 3 Anna O’Neill (Dunmanway) 45:29.
