Run Clare - Race 3: Eamon Moloney 10K

I was really looking forward to the Eamon Moloney 10K for a number of reasons. The race is in its 3rd year and I've taken part in each one so far. Myself and Aisling headed down to Ennis early Saturday morning (after stopping for a coffee en route), we headed straight to the registration hall to check-in for the race. We stayed in the car until 30 minutes before the race as it was so cold out. Following a few warm up laps and stretches around the Fair Green we lined up with the 800+ other runners ready for the 10K.

At the Start Line with Aisling

My plan was to try stay ahead of the 50 minute pacer. I ran Kinvara earlier this month in 49:26 despite finishing behind the pacers (I started near the back of the pack) so this time we were prepared. The 50 minute pacer was behind me. The 45 minute pacer was in front of me. The clock hit 11am and the race started on time.

Start Line

We took off (through the stopped traffic) but the first 500m was very choppy - lots of people, lots of cars. Once I found my way out through the crowd I was running steady but someone how the 50 minute pacer had gotten in front of me. I pushed a 4:30 first km which was a bit risky (I haven't run that fast since last Summer) but I got ahead of the balloon and I ran on happy.

Thumbs up from me (Pic from John O'Neill's Facebook)

The route was the same as previous years - and every year I seem to forget how not flat the route really is. About 2.5km out the Tulla Rd, we turned down through Ballymaley before coming back out on the Gort Road at 6km. The last 4km was running straight into the wind - but the last 4km was my favourite - I pass my parents house at the 7km mark.

For the past two years my grandparents & parents have been out to cheer me as I passed (last year my grandfather commented afterwards on how far behind the leader I was - thanks like for the motivation!). This year I knew there would be no one at the house as everyone was away. As I turned the corner I saw my little nephew wrapped up in his giant puffy orange jacket waiting on the wall with my dad and it honestly was just the pep-in-my-step I needed.

I ran in the rest of the Gort Rd pretty easily (despite the wind). As I turned at the Courthouse, I could see the finish line and made a dash for it - crossing it at 48:02! By no means my best 10K but my fastest this year. I felt good and will definitely be pushing closer to 45 minutes on my next 10K.

3rd Eamon Moloney Medal for my collection...

I stood by the finish line and watched others speed home. Aisling followed shortly afterwards - so after a few stretches, we made our way to the hall to sample some yummy cake (purely research of course). The Run Clare series has been fantastic so far - next (and last) stop: The 10 Miler in Kilnaboy after Easter.

BOOM! Race 3 of 4 done