The Gransha campus was exposed and bleakly foreboding. The weather was bitterly cold with driving rain, dark skies and no sign of Spring to be seen. The season opening, “Paddy’s Weekend” 5 K road race for the Foyle Hospice was a grim reminder of the winter hopefully now passed.

Sixty five athletes braved the elements and with fortitude put their toe to the line, to validate their winter training regimes and establish a ‘form guide’ for the season ahead. City of Derry were out in big numbers to support the event with athletes from Inishowen, Leterkenny, Springwell and of course the ‘purple vests’ of Foyle Valley were to the fore.

The sparkling performances on the day gave great satisfaction to the athletes and the watching crowd with some eye-catching performances throughout. City of Derry’s Conor Bradley led the race home with a new course record time of 15:16. Foyle Valley’s Scott Rankin (2nd) was next home with a great season opening (15:37) and will hope to kick on from this. Next home for the ‘Valley’ was Chris McGuinness (5th) who has led the ‘ Valley’ winter training, opened with a new ‘pb’ and finished with plenty in the ‘tank’. Expect more from this athlete in the coming months! Pius McIntyre (7th) recently returned to running finished in another great time (16:58) and got great personal incentive to return again in a personal battle with some of the City of Derry athletes. Ryan Snodgrass (8th) produced his customary classy display to give 4 top ten finishes for the ’Valley’.

Theresa Doherty Inishowen AC led the ladies home (19:26) and Rosie O’Brien, third lady home, was close behind (19:44) to claim her own category prize with a steady comfortable run. Declan Doherty recently returned from his coaching course guided a group of the valley athletes around sub 20 minutes. Cairan Graham ran well, Packie Deehan put in a gutsy shift (20:31) and as ever Trisha and Mark McClintock put in great efforts for Foyle Valley. Overall, despite the weather, a great day and a big thank you to the organisers for all the unseen work done to hold a really successful event.

Club coach Gabriel Bell was highly encouraged ,’This was a really good day for the club!’ he said and looks forward to continuing his training program over the coming weeks. Back to work then as the season awaits us all! Photos by Cathal & Kevin. Results