Huge numbers brave stormy conditions at Navan event

They came from far and wide for the National Novice & Juvenile, Uneven Ages Cross-Country Championships at the Navan Sport Adventure Centre today.  

A huge number of athletes from clubs all over Ireland took part in the championships which kicked off at 11.30 this morning with the u-11 girls race which was quickly followed by the boys event at that age group. 

There were no individual winners from Meath in the various races that unfolded but there were some strong, first-rate performances from Royal County athletes including Holly Brennan from the Cilles Athletic Club in Bettystown who finished eighth in the girls u-17 event while Na Fianna's Sarah Clarke was 10th in the girls u-19 race.

The Meath team of Clarke, Lauren Murphy, Aoife Thorpe, Emma Neary, Niamh James and Aoibheann Rea combined put together a good performances to secure the bronze medal in the girls u-19 category. 

With the strong wind and driving rain this was very much about finishing each race in a respectable time - and there must have been a great sense of achievement for those who managed to do just that. 

Among those who kept battling to the end was Navan AC's Mary Watters who put in a strong run in the women's novice race despite the horrendous conditions. 

Dunboyne AC's Rory Kavanagh was a strong finisher in the men's novice event although he finished outside the medal winners. 

The race organisers had the course well planned out and Meath Athletics ensured there was plenty of stewards in place to run this huge event that attracted thousands to the Adventure Centre.