From IMRA website – IRISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
– Winter League Club League IRISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
The IMRA Committee has decided to make a number of changes to the Irish Championships in order to firmly reeastablish it in its true position: Ireland’s prime hill running competition in and the most prestigious trophy on offer rivalled only by the All-Ireland title (see a a brief look at its history below).
Only consummate hill runners with a wide array of skills can master this competition which has always included the classical peaks of Carrauntoohil and Croagh Patrick as well as other
NEW FORMAT
To amplify this, this year’s Irish Championship will take in four of the most classical Irish mountain routes spread widely across the Irish provinces:
– Croagh Patrick (Connacht)
– Carrauntoohil(Munster)
– Lugnacoille (Leinster)
– Mt. Galtymore (Munster)
In addition the European and World Championship Trials, at least one of which will be in Leinster, will also be incorporated into the championship. We hope this will ensure competition is harder than ever.
The World Trial will double as the All-Ireland Championship as well, which means the eventual winner must brave the best Northern Irish runners on his way to the trophy as well.
EXPANSION AND RULES CHANGE
This means an expansion of the Irish Championship from 5 to 6 races.
To maintain a high level of finishers in the competition, you will still only need 3 scores to count.
In case of equal points, the winner will be decided based on best performance achieved in the pivotal event of the Championship: Carrauntoohil.
Several events will also offer King/Queen of the Mountains points, please await final details on this competition to be released.
SAMBOS
All Irish (and Leinster) Championship races will also feature IMRA-sponsored sambos after the event at the Prize-Giving venue.
COMPETITION HISTORY
The Irish Championship has a long and illustrious history as just the list of the last 8 years winner’s will attest:
IRISH CHAMPION
YEAR MEN WOMEN
2008 John Lenihan Moire O’Sullivan
2007 Eoin McKenna Moire O’Sullivan
2006 Eoin McKenna Maureen Foley
2005 Kevin Keane Beth McCluskey
2004 John Brooks Roisin McDonnell
2003 John Lenihan Nicky Cinnamond
2002 Robin Bryson Roisin McDonnell
2001 Simon Fairmaner Joan Flanagan
2000 John Lenihan Jane Porter
Best of luck to all contenders and participants in this year’s Irish Championship competition.
Winter League Club League
The popular Club Competition will return for this year’s Winter League after its successful run in last year’s WL.
To ensure that your team can get on the scoreboard, remember to mark your club or team onto your Registration Form. Please mark your club even if you’re already registered, as this will serve to affirm our current records.
Crusaders AC hold the honours of defending champions for both gents and ladies. Last year’s final standings can be viewed here
Good luck to all on Sunday and may this year’s competition commence with a bang!
-Rene
