Proper race report!

Winner of the 25th Djouce Handicap on the Earl's Drive trail in Djouce Woods, Co Wicklow was Leanne Geraghty from Bray Runners, who aimed to run the 7.9km race in 40 mins 30 secs.
Leanne, much to her own surprise, crossed the line just three seconds after the countdown showed 00.00.00 - so three seconds slower than estimated. Five seconds faster than expected in 30 mins 55 secs was Djouce regular Jimmy Synnott, whose brother won the very first Djouce Handicap in 1984.
Seven seconds faster than his estimated time was Naas orienteer Don Short. At the other side of the countdown, Ian O'Donnell was ten seconds slower than his estimated time, Jim Fitzharris was 11 seconds slower, while scratch man Peter Savage, with a time of 29 mins 12 secs was just 12 seconds out.
Youngest runner was 16-year-old Jonathan Phillips from Roundwood, who broke 30 minutes for the course. Others to break the half hour were Desie Shorten, Richard Owen, Adam Kelly and Bjorn Ludick. Fastest woman was Aoife Joyce, who had warmed up by taking entries.
Completing his 24th "Djouce" was the one and only Nick Corish of Raheny, 84 years young and just outside the hour. Trail-blazer was Mike Gomm another supervet, who marched around the course in a time not far off his estimated time of 85 minutes - and that was despite a fall on a slippery rock.
Most pessimistic runner of the day by some margin was hill runner Gordon Douglas, who clocked a time half an hour faster than estimated! He wasn't alone in his pessimism: a further 79 ran faster - some of them a lot faster - than expected.
The race, founded by Djouce Djogger Tim Wallis, has no entry fee although many old-timers generously provide prizes. This year these included vouchers for a
day's mountain bike training donated by Olympian Tarja Owens, plus others for free sessions at the Zest gym in Bray.
At the suggestion of regulars, a charity bucket system has operated for the past four years, and this year, a grand total of Eu1,095 was raised for the race's two nominated charities: Stride Ethiopia and Alice's Wonderland Foundation. Magnificent!