Support can mean so much on Kayakarun
The people who stand at the side of the road cheering mean a huge amount to runners or cyclists struggling along with red faces (like this one). During the Cavan Kayakarun at Maudabawn on Saturday such supporters were everywhere on the route - the top of Peppers Bray, by the lake for the kayak leg, at the crossroads in Canningstown... and there was the group of little children on the road towards Cootehill holding the sign that read 'Keep Going'. That was great encouragement and allowed this cyclist to catch up with his fitter sister near the finish. Almost 250 people took part in the Kayakarun, a brilliantly organised event that does credit to the committee behind it, a community based group from Maudabawn who started it as "a summer project", according to Michael Fitzpatrick, chief organiser along with Gabriel Shalvey. They didn't imagine it would turn out like it did when they started discussing the idea a few months ago, but the team caught the mood of the public, as many are staying at home for holidays this year, and looking for diversion as well as targets to help keep the kilos off. Still buzzing on Monday evening, Michael said he had intended to do the event but "couldn't settle myself" and instead concentrated on making sure things ran smoothly. The team have had loads of positive feedback since Saturday and if the Kayakarun Facebook page is anything to go by, they are under pressure to organise it again next year. "I think so," said Michael, "everybody wants it... looks like it'll have to be on the calendar." The day went smoothly from start to finish, thanks to the advance preparation by the organisers, the motorbike stewards (arranged by Pat McMeel), the Honda 50 Club stewards and the marshals at all the junctions who made sure everyone was safe on the roads. Everyone who took part has something to be proud of, though a couple of tales are worth highlighting: the team of Jim Cochrane, Sean Fitzpatrick and Brian Mulligan, whose combined age was well over 200; and Dessie Duffy, who came third having run an Olympic marathon in Castlebellingham earlier that morning, and came third there too! The party in Gallonray House went on till late, with tasty food, music from Shouting At Planes, Whiskey You're The Divil and Cougar, and fun all evening. Everyone is already looking forward to the next Cavan Kayakarun. Full results will be available on cavankayakarun.com shortly and check Facebook for photos. A CD-ROM with a slideshow of the event can be purchased from Dave Perry on 086-1726277 or info@davidperry.ie (the proceeds from this and any other funds from the event will be donated to the Mark Ward fund). Main results Elite Male: Conor McCarey 00:59:51; Finbarr McGurren 01:03:19; Dessie Duffy 01:03:40. Elite Female: Pauline Griffen 01:04:00; Fionnuala Duffy 01:17:27. Fun Male: Terry Skelly 01:04:26; Bernard McMahon 01:05:30; Colin Kelly 01:07:27. Fun Female: Clare Vance 01:19:02; Michelle Murray 01:21:47; Sinead Madden 01:22:14. Veteran Men: Raymond Doherty 01:05:36; John Joe Rodgers 01:07:57; Frankie Gorman 01:08:01. Veteran Female: Ger Fitzpatrick 01:30:20; Ann Hand 01:33:58; Helen Murray 01:35:19. Team Event: Michael Molloy, Kieran McCarty, John Kennedy 01:07:28; Virginia Rugby club 01:08:22; Willie Hillis, John Hillis, Owen Hillis 01:13:26.