24hr World & European Championships 2012

A very successful trip to Poland.  I'll post a detailed race report in a few days but for the moment here's a news item from Athletics Ireland.

The World and European 24 Hour Championships took place over the weekend in Katowice, Poland. Ireland were represented in both men’s and women’s races by experienced ultrarunners and some strong performances reflected this. Pride of place must go to Ruthann Sheahan’s extraordinary performance. Ruthann covered in excess of 229 kilometres over the 24 hours and finished in 5th place in the European Championships and 7th in the World Championships. This is a new Irish record for the event and a breakthrough performance for Ruthann.

Deirdre Finn, the Irish 24 hour champion from 2011, was the other Irish representative but unfortunately her challenge was hampered by stomach problems and she finished in 73rd position.

The men were led home by John O’Regan who is the Irish 24 hour champion.
John finished 25th European and 31st in the World Championship. He was supported by Eddie Gallen who completed his 5th World Championships 24 Hour. Eddie was 33rd in the Europeans and 42nd in the World Championships.

This was a very competitive championships with numbers increased from previous championships. Over 250 athletes took part representing 35 nations.

T minus 3 days.

Stuck for words at the moment but can say my training has gone to plan and I've no possible excuses.
Updates will be available from the Race Website or from the IAU Website.

From the Athletics Ireland Website.

The World and European 24 Hour Championships takes place in Katowice, Poland on 8/9 September.  Ireland will have teams participating in both men’s and women’s events.  The men’s team will consist of John O’Regan and Eddie Gallen.  John is the reigning national champion having won the title at the Energia 24 Hour race in Bangor, Co Down on July 6/7.  Eddie finished third in this race and was runner up to John in 2011 also.

The women’s team will comprise of Deirdre Finn and Ruthann Sheahan.  Deirdre was the national 24 hour champion in 2011 and also included the Bangor 24 Hour race as part of her preparations for Katowice.  The weather conditions were very wet on that occasion so the team will be anticipating a different challenge in Poland.

Each of the team will have a support person in attendance to assist with refuelling and race strategy in what promises to be a gruelling competition.