Waterford Road Runners

800m Avenged 
After a terrific win in the Leinster Masters 400m final in Tullamore last Sunday week, Ken Deavy of KCH returned to the track at the RSC to replay his 800m final. This time the result and pace were right on, resulting in a photo finish between Ken and David Drohan. Electronic timing and cameras might have given Ken the gold but no one disputed a draw. Right behind the winners and having made a brave burst with 300 to go was another Kilkenny man, Damien Walsh. Damien was also successful in the Leinster Championships, having won bronze in the 400m final. Brian Swaby and Conor Casey had another photo finish, with Brian having one last race before heading off to the sun on holidays. Remember Brian, you can behave yourself and still have fun you know. Des Colbert, in his first try at the distance ran a very respectable race, along with Michael Halley, with both just trailing off in the last few hundred metres. All in all an exciting race to watch and learn from!

1500m Race 1 
Having won his first race over 1500m a few weeks ago, the pressure was always on Cathal Lowe for a repeat performance. He certainly had to look good in front of son Mark who shouted Dad on all the way round. As always, this group started out cagey, sticking together from the start, meaning it would be down to the last 200m for the break. When it came, it was a perfect showcase for the improvements allowed every runner with a few speed sessions in their legs. Cathal sprinted all the way to the line with Alan Phelan and Brian Deveraux, beating them by just 1 second. The improvement since his previous outing over the distance was a massive 8s. Fresh, or not so fresh, after his voyage of discovery and loss auf Deutschland, was Gerry 'I lost my glasses, phone and mind' Madden, who gave clubmate, PJ Dwyer a hernia, just pipping him to the line. A little off the pace on the night was Wayne Allen, but he'll be back next week!

1500m Race 2 
The first of the 2 handicapped races, saw a former underage sprinter in Dublin return to form! Alan Kavanagh set out with the last group of starters after 1.45m to catch the other runners within 3 laps, yet with 300 to go still had lots of speed to see him finish a whole 6s ahead of Andy Dollard and 6s faster than his last 1500m. Behind Andy was Pat Keating, a little slower than on his last 1500m, but holding off Jeff Davey nonetheless. Other noteworthy finishes in this race came from Gemma Dewberry who, having been chased all the way round by Judy Hanrahan and Alec Crosse, put everything into her last 50m sprint to record a massive improvement of 17s! Judy, who was pipped by Alec last week in the 800m, got her revenge by finishing just 2s ahead this week. Perhaps something is distracting Alex in recent weeks? Bringing up the rear, on only his second outing with the Road Runners was John O'Shea. With a bit more practise, who knows what John's capable of!

1500m Race 3 
Again a handicapped race, with Larry, Curly and Moe, or rather, Larry, Des and Michael starting 35s after the main group. Hitting 300m in 60s, the eventual winner Kevin Malone, must have known he was on for a good time. He didn't realise how good though, as he proceeded to get faster over the final laps to finish in a fantastic 4.47. No doubt having Brendan Aspel and Darryl Hale breathing down his neck gave him the impetus he needed to dig deep. Behind them was Larry Kennedy, shadowed by Michael Halley, with Larry having a slightly slower run than his first 1500m, but with Michael much improved. Nicholas Halley picked up the pace towards the end to just stay ahead of Des Colbert who was probably a little tired after his 800m effort. Right behind Des, was Connie Kelleher, who after a couple of warm up laps with Adele Walsh, decided to pick up the pace towards the end and finished just a few second ahead of WWAC's Deirdre Duff in her Summer Series debut.

Last chance! 
Only one night left to have a go at racing around the track at the RSC. Tomorrow night sees the end of this year's Summer Series and your last chance to have a go at a new mile pb. If you can't find a babysitter, why not bring the kids along to have some fun while Mom and Dad run around in circles, again! After the run, we shall convene in Alfie Hale's of Lombard Street for some craic and prizegiving at around 9pm. Prizes sponsored by Alfie Hales Intersport. We hope to see all of you there.

A big thank you. 
On behalf of the Road Runners committee, a heartfelt thanks goes out to all those that participated in this year's Summer Series. Without doubt it was the most successful, despite obstacles such as change of venue and date, and is a testament to running in the city and county. Lest non Waterford people be forgotten, many thanks to those who travelled from Tipperary, Cork, Kilkenny and Wexford to take part. Well known runners such as Dzintars Klava of Ballynonty AC, Brian Dunne of Carrick AC, Dennis O'Sullivan of Thomastown AC, Mick Kelly of Gowran, David Doherty of Togher AC and Niall Sheil Slaney AC all help to raise interest in the Series and of course excitement trackside! Hope to see everyone there again next year le cúnamh Dé.

Results

800m 
Ken Deavy KCH 2.08 
David Drohan WAC 2.08 
Damien Walsh St.Senan's 2.10 
Conor Casey DMP 2.12 
Brian Swaby WAC 2.14 
Des Colbert WAC 2.14 
Micahel Halley WAC 2.18

1500m Race 1 
Cathal Lowe WAC 4.58 
Alan Phelan WAC 4.59 
Brian Deveraux 5.59 
Gerry Madden St.Senan's 5.01 
PJ Dwyer St.Senan's 5.02 
Wayne Allen WAC 5.36

1500m Race 2 
Alan Kavanagh 5.15 
Andy Dollard St.Senan's 5.21 
Pat Keating WAC 5.23 
Jeff Davey 5.40 
Gemma Dewberry 7.17 
Judy Hanrahan WWAC 6.04 
Alec Crosse WAC 6.06 
John O'Shea 6.45

1500m Race 3 
Kevin Malone WAC 4.47 
Darryl Hale WAC 4.50 
Brendan Aspel WAC 4.50 
Larry Kennedy WAC 4.29 
Michael Halley WAC 4.29 
Nicholas Halley Ferrybank 5.07 
Des Colbert WAC 4.34 
Con Kelleher WWAC 5.10 
Deirdre Duff WWAC 5.14 
Adele Walsh St.Senan's 5.15

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