MURLOUGH AC members headed to the Cooley Mountains near Omeath on Friday night to participate in the Long Woman’s 5k, one of Ireland’s few downhill races.
The story of the Long Woman’s Grave describes how Cauthleen, newly married to the chieftain Lorcan, was a seven-foot Spanish beauty who died of heartbreak and disappointment on discovering that her new home in the Cooley Mountains was a foggy and barren landscape.
There was no such heartbreak for the Murlough runners, however, as fast times and personal bests from Margaret Rowntree and Fiona Barr were the reward for superb performances on the night.
Buses transported participants to the start line near the Long Woman’s Grave, offering a stunning panorama of Carlingford Lough and the magnificent Mourne Mountains.
With a continuous descent into Omeath, followed by a short coastal section back to the pier, fast times might seem inevitable. However, controlling pace, maintaining good form and applying sound technique all played their part in helping the runners achieve an excellent set of results.
Anne McCormick continued her highly successful season, leading the Murlough AC ladies home in a superb time of 22:31, finishing a close second in her age category.
Dave Fulcher, Marcella Brogan, Denise McAlarney, Pat McEvoy Hogg and Julia Cairns also put in strong performances. A very special mention and congratulations go to Michelle Poland on her first appearance in a MAC vest.
Beautiful medals and colourful T-shirts added to the runners’ satisfaction after a well-organised event, and many are already vowing to return next year.
The Long Woman’s 5k is a worthy fundraiser for local school Scoil Naomh Lorcan. The money goes towards helping enhance and extend extracurricular activities for its pupils.
Murlough AC would like to thank the organisers for a superb route, the enthusiastic volunteers and the marshals, not to mention the generous hospitality awaiting runners at the finish line.
