I raced the Ballycotton ’10’ last Sunday and although it was misty and cold I really enjoyed the buzz of this historic event.

We travelled down together as a club and we were kindly looked after by a very generous Leevale family, who opened up their house to us on this wintery day.

I couldn’t afford to taper too much for this one with a marathon on the horizon so I went into it hoping I could do enough to win.

Six of us shared the lead over the first three miles and the pace was very much up and down. I put in a surge after the third mile and managed to get a bit of distance on the pack. I was able to control the pace and build on that lead for the rest of the race and finished strong in a time of 49.01, 9 seconds off my PB.

I’m glad to have finally got the chance to experience this East Cork Classic and I can see what the attraction is.

I have a lot more to do before I toe the line for my next marathon but I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.