The first race of the Hardman calendar in February. A hilly route through one of Ireland's most picturesque valleys.
Katie and I stayed in Killarney the Saturday night and got my usual pre-race pizza. We've stayed in the same B&B a few times and it's always great. In the morning we drove to the busy start line (Kate Kearney's Cottage) where I queued for my race pack in the cold mist. It was a grim morning. Cold, wet and windy. Not so much that you wouldn't race, but I did hideaway in the car as long as I could.
Shortly before 9:00am, Alan Ryan led the pack a few hundred meters to the actual start (and a little further again for those doing the 10K). It cleared up as he gave the race briefing. He mentioned that Derek Griffin has been King of the Gap since 2016, but has his excuse ready having won the Tralee 10 mile (16km) yesterday in 54mins. There was quite a big crowd of us and soon we were counted down and took off.
This was my longest purely running race so far. I took it handy as I wasn't as warmed up as the cycle has you in triathlons. The first kilometres flew by with lovely views between the blanket of fog.
The route is a 7km climb followed by 3.5km downhill to the turnpoint at Lord Brandon's Cottage. Then straight back. The first 7km wind their way through the valley and were great. I've driven this road countless times but never fully appreciated it until now. The only two real climbs felt very manageable and before long I was at the top of the Gap. Welcome to the Black Valley.
The other side was much steeper, losing height very quickly. The mist had been constant for the race but was much worse now. The Gearhameen river in the distance looked a perfect level for kayaking and water rushed to it from the mountainside. Everyone was quick to the bottom of the valley but it was a long slog to the turn point. I was excited to see which runner would pass on the way back first, but of course it was Derek Griffin well in the lead (he won with 1hr 15mins).
By the turning point it was a full on rain storm, with people chanting as they trudged on. On the way back it's the type of hill where running and walking are the same speed. I ran all I could bar 750m where my calf got very tight. This eased by the top and it was really the home straight now.
The 7km back was miserable. The rain worsened, the roads were much wetter and wind howled against us all the way. I chatted to a few people and couldn't wait to be done. If anything the weather only got worse as it went on but eventually I was turning the last bend and saw the finish line. Running under it was great, Alan handed out the medals and I got a nice coffee to warm me up.
2hrs 00mins 20s
A few chats, and then back to the B&B for a well earned shower. All in all this is a challenging route, but fits the Hardman brand and is very rewarding. A good test and reminder to train on hills!
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