Union Wood the location as IMRA racing season in Sligo starts
The sun always seems to shine for this league opener and another beautiful sunny day welcomed the runners for a fast, challenging lung buster of a route. A combination of good quality fast trails, mountain bike tracks, single track climbs through forest and a run through a wild meadow kept the runners distracted.
The course took in the tough push to the top of Union Rock before a bee-line descent back to the finish like.
There was a short course option and Junior option which skipped the summit section.
Regular race runner Bartosz Brzoska was in super volunteer mode and was directing his first IMRA race and the reports were really excellent from all who attended.
Well done Bart!
Volunteering helps keep these races inclusive allows entries for the very reasonable €7 so as many people can try out the sport as possible.
On the competitive side of things and in the men's race last year's league champion North Mayo's Alan Dunne got off to a flier with a dominant win in the men's category followed in second by the fast improving local Oskar Szmyt. Third place was the 2023 Champion Sligo Man Aidan McMoreland.
In the female race, Anna Michael from Kilcoole AC in Wicklow was a convincing winner.
Anna is a regular top 3 finisher and indeed winner in the Leinster League and in fact had recorded a second place finish 3 days before in the Sugarloaf race in her native Wicklow.
Evergreen local Irish masters cross country and mountain running international Mari Johnson was a solid second making a great start to her league challenge.
Susan Aldridge, who had a brilliant podium finish last year looked to be cruising in 3rd.
A great effort by the fast finishing Fiona Stapleton ensured a sprint finish was needed for Susan to nudge it.
The talented Mayo Juniors Roxanne Sands and Faye Gallagher were the Junior winners/
Special mention must go to Mel Casserly who knows Union like the back of his hand.
Mel decided to give the rest of the field a chance by taking the scenic route.
He got there in the end, but word is the sight seeing is over for this league and no prisoners will be taken on the next outing! Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out on the day.
Next up on May 25th is beautiful Carrowkeel.
Juniors welcome.
See www.imra.ie for details.
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