Pius Takes 1st Position at Wet and Windy Lough Fea

Over 110 athletes’ put their toe to the line for the Lough Fea 10 miler on Saturday 26th November 2011, the second race in the winter league series promoted by the Sperrin Harriers. The conditions on the day were very poor with strong winds and driving rain so everyone was going to have to dig deep throughout the four lap course.

Foyle valleys Pius Mc Intyre was the man to watch going into this race, with training going well Pius was quietly confident off a strong finish and at the end off the first 2.5mile lap there was a group off 4 experienced runners leading the way, which included talented North Belfast athlete James Budde, Sperrin Harriers Donal Gallagher, Delfin Pimentel and Pius.

It was on the third lap when the Foyle valley man made his decisive break from the leading group and when no one could match the valley mans increase in tempo he quickly developed a 35 second lead over his nearest competitors with the final lap remaining no one was going to catch the purple vest with Pius coming home in first position with a very impressive time off 57.43. He was followed in by James Budde (North Belfast) 58.45 and in third was Donal Gallagher (Sperrin Harriers) on 58.50.

Foyle valleys Ciaran Smith also completed the course coming in 10th position in a time off 65.27 with other local City of Derry athlete Sammy Mc Anney finishing in a time off 66.26.

Next up for the purple vests is the Malcolm Cup XC, where  a strong showing will continue their successful winter season.