Glen of Aherlow Trail Marathon report – by Gerard Down
Saturday saw the fourth running of the Glen of Aherlow Loop de Loop half marathon, marathon and ultramarathon and, for the fourth year, Eagle AC was represented – this year Austin Browne and myself lined up at the marathon start line. Numbers were up a little from last years 38 to this year’s 44.
The weather had not looked promising with low dark rain filled clouds hanging over the Glen and with a temperature that had the touch of winter on its way about it. But fortune smiled and rainfall was limited to drizzle and one or two short periods of heavier rain.
The recent heavy rains did result in a much wetter course than previous years with sections of the course waterlogged resulting in heavier going and, probably, slower times than might otherwise have been achieved.The course itself, a two lap course, was essentially the same as in previous years with the exception that some long stretches along forest fire roads had been replaced by trails through the woods giving a much more authentic and enjoyable trail feel to the race.
Austin Browne had a superb race finishing in third place overall in a time of 3.42 and taking first place in the Men’s Over 40 category.
In my own case a twisted ankle at mile nine resulted in a more leisurely pace than anticipated ending in a finishing time of 5.37 with a 36th place and first in Men’s O 60.
The days racing was finished off with a hot meal and refreshments at the race HQ in the Community Hall at Lisvernane.
Eagle Athletic Club 
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