Half Marathon Exploits.

While Kay was off in the wilds of county Wicklow other Blackwater Triathlon Club members stayed closer to home for their activities. On the evening of Saturday the 30th of October, Adrian Collins and Gina Lyons headed off to Glenshershkin Woods in Kilworth to take part in the Halloween Half –Marathon. According to that well known song, “If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise….” While there may not have been many teddy bears picnicking in the woods that evening, there were plenty of runners with high-vis vests and head torches to surprise any unwary hikers. Starting at 7.30pm the runners ran the 21km route in the dark, traversing the trails with puddles and mud up to their knees at times. Fortunately the rain held off for most of it, only arriving for the last few miles and as Gina pointed out, they had plenty of trees for shelter. Well done to Adrian and Gina and all the other brave souls who took part on the night.

The next day another Blackwater Triathlon Club contingent headed to Blarney to take part in the Stone Mad Blarney Half Marathon. It was an ideal preparation for the evening’s trick or treating and a chance to burn a few calories before taking all the kids treats later that evening! Well done to Dave Bartley, Niamh Fleming, Mike Lyons and Peter O'Brien who braved the conditions and completed the half marathon on a very wet and windy day. Mike Lyons had an excellent run on the day, finishing 4th overall in a time of 1:16:40.   Dave bartley and Peter O’Brien also had good runs finishing in 1:34:10 and 1:38:08 respectively as they prepare for the rigours of the full marathon in Clonakilty later this year. Well done to everyone who took part on the day.