BRENDAN WINS

A popular winner of the 24th Djouce Handicap today was the one and only Brendan Doherty (pictured with head down above) who was a a mere three seconds slower than his guessed time of 47 minutes. Also very close to their estimated times were Mike Long, Nadya Dunne, who set off a minute and a half late (she had guessed 44 minutes) and the back-marker Paul Nolan, who was very close to his estimated time of 29 mins 30 secs. In all 85 had signed on in advance, but given the squally and windy conditions, a few cried off. Representing the Djouce Djoggers and wearing the t-shirt to prove it was John Brownlee. Unfortunately missing were other Djoggers - Tim, Ham, Conor, Jim, Brendan - hopefully they will make it next year when the race celebrates its 25th birthday.
We had only two juniors - Scott Dunne of Three Rock only five who was running his race and Jonathan Rea, who is a little bit older (both also above). Both boys clearly have a great future - for a start, they didn't even notice the weather!
Big thanks to all who helped out - Fidelma and Caroline who marked the course yesterday with Fidelma getting her car broken into for her pains; Mick Hannay, Jackie O’Hagan on registration; Colm, who not only ensured the start went smoothly but then turned around and helped with the finish; Rene (after he finally found out where we were!), Vivian and Mary B on the finish (not easy writing in th soggy conditions); Jim and Paul K out on the course; the staff in the Glencormac Inn, Rachel, and Emma, who even as we speak is working on the official result. Special thanks to Ryan of Athletics Ireland, who supplied us with numbers and even rushed through Dublin traffic to get them to us; a man we feel we can convert to the hills!
Most of all thanks to all of YOU for turning out and yet again making it a brilliant day. Here's to next year - probably on December 20nd (Sat) or 21st (Sun). All opinions on the format/date welcome!
PS: Unfortunately the stress of the day combined with conditions mean my pictures are not brilliant.