Mayo athlete helps Ireland secure World Mountain Running medals
The World Masters Mountain Running Championships took place in Canfranc-Estación, Huesca, Spain, over the weekend of September 13-15.
Mountain and trail running is a form of endurance running where athletes race each other to record the fastest time over a set course.
Ireland had 55 masters athletes competing – 40 men and 15 women – and Paula Donnellan-Walsh of Mayo AC was among the women who competed in W45 category.
On Friday, September 13, the Women’s Uphill 6k race took place. There were 16 teams competing in W45 category.
The 6k was a single ascent, with positive slope of over 900 metres to Larraca in the Canfranc Valley overlooking a large part of the Pyrenees and France.
According to WMRA: “Overnight, the first snow of the season blanketed the highlands, creating a wintry landscape that greeted athletes with temperatures of 3°C at the start line, dropping to around zero at the summit. Windchills of -10°C made the race a gruelling challenge for even the toughest competitors.
“Despite these harsh conditions, the athletes demonstrated exceptional competitiveness and determination. Italy’s Camilla Magliano delivered a standout performance, clinching victory in the women’s race.”
Congratulations to Paula and the W45 Irish team who won silver: Karen Crean, Paula Donnellan Walsh (Mayo AC) and Mags Hassett. They finished as follows: 7th Karen Crean 1:08.22, 9th Paula Donnellan-Walsh 1:13.01, 10th Mags Hassett 1:14.37.
Spain were W45 gold team winners, with their three finishers in 2nd, 4th and 5th. There were just two W45 teams with the required two finishers.
The overall women’s race winner, as mentioned, was Magliano Cammilo, Italy, in 53:34 (W35).
On Sunday, September 15, there was a 17k race with 1,050 metres of positive ascent to the summit of Buenavista and a corresponding 1,050 metres downhill descent through a forest to the finish – a massive endurance challenge again. The same three Irish women ran in W45 category in a field of 18.
Just two countries had teams of three, with Spain's W45 gold team winners placing first ahead of Ireland again – with Mayo AC's Paula Donnellan-Walsh once more in the team. The Irish team members finished as follows: Karen Crean (6th overall), Paula Donnellan-Walsh Mayo (7th overall) and Mags Hassett (8th overall) – a huge achievement for all three securing their second team silver.
The overall 17k women’s race winner was Magliano Cammilo of Italy in 1:41.57.