We held our Annual Xmas Party in Byrne an Woods in Roundwood this year and that means one thing: a chance to hand out the annual awards and honour our winners! Any fully paid up club member is eligible to win an annual award.
It was a busy year with 25 of our senior members competing in 200 races, winning 12 races, taking another 15 podiums and category prizes and recording 19 personal bests and 9 new club records.
All photos courtesy of Keith Thompson. Special thanks to Claire O’Callaghan who organised the party as well as our new club singlets this year!
Club Champions 2018
This year the club champion was selected based on points gained in any race where two or more of our club runners competed. Scoring was done using the Keswick Ranking. With 28 races to count champions were Torben Dahl (overall) and Donna Quinn (ladies). Torben edged out Barry Murray only on number of victories – otherwise being tied.
Most prolific runner
A new award for the runner durable and wise enough to rack up the most races. This was also won by Torben Dahl who ran nearly 20% of all races run by club members this year – running 27 races (ahead of Barry with 24 and Angus with 20).
Most improved runner
We look at results and performances on road, trail, hill and cross-country to pick the most improved runner and this year it went emphatically to Johnny Conway who improved the most on several scores including having the most personal bests in 2018.
Best Road Performer
The 2018 ‘Best Road’ award was selected based on overall performances during the year. Angus Tyner set a new club record (and over-45 club record) with his 59:48 10 mile time early in the year and also racked up the most wins and podiums on the road along with individual and team medals in the Wicklow Road Championship. An undisputed winner!
Best Off-Road Performance
This year’s ‘Best Off-Road’ prize went to a singular performance: Duncan Barrett for improving his personal best in the gruelling Kerry Way Ultra by 6 hours. In addition, Duncan had a fine season with several top-10 finishes on the road.
Best Team Performance
Our members voted between the Wicklow Way and The Relay teams as well as the Bronze winning and Silver winning Masters Men and Senior Ladies teams respectively in the Wicklow Road Championship. In the end, the popular vote went to the ladies: Claire O’Callaghan, Donna Quinn and Yvonne Brennan.
Club Person of the Year
The only prize not given for athletic excellence but instead general commitment to the club and contribution beyond racing. The people voted and their choice was Colm Kenna for his unfailing support of training sessions, regularly racing and hard work as treasurer and website designer for our club.
Annual Raffle
We also held a raffle – winner was Philip Cullen who guessed the exact number of victories our runners recorded this year!
Glendalough AC 