It was an occassion that will remain in the memory for quite a while. I am referring to the Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge a 10 mile event Easter Saturday in its second year in a beautiful scenic area of Inishowen aided by clear sunny skies and a light breeze . Add in a great friendly support crew from the community, friends and family excellent organisation and we certainly have an event that will grow in the years ahead from the start list of 480 on this occassion .
The winner was local man John Harkin a member of Tullamore Harriers who was impressive on the testing coastal route while top lady was Helena Crossan also from Carndonagh a member of the local club Inishowen ac .John an international masters cross country athlete recorded 56 plus a best time for the event with Paul Ward ,Tirconnail ac last years winner 2nd and triathlete Con Doherty ,Westport 3rd .
The easter holiday atmosphere was obvious as children played on the beach while yards away supporters reacted to the efforts of the finishers both runners and walkers . The event atracted 26 entrants fom Essex club Billericay Striders celebrating 25 years of club activity and not only were they pleased with the surroundings but with the friendly nature of the welcome with indications that they will return in bigger numbers for the 2012 happening .
Events such as this throughout Ireland certainly have huge potential from a tourist perspective. The nominated charity was Carndonagh Hospice and the final verdict as indicated post race on Ballyliffincoastalchallenge/facebook is of a challenge succesfully accomplished either as runner or walker and looking forward to the 2012 challenge with that last 2 mile on the magnificent beach and then the obligatory walk in the cold atlantic .