No cakewalk on island of Madeira but a nice slice of medals for Tipperary athletes

In what was a true test of strength and endurance, the first day of the World Masters Mountain Running Championships 2023 on the stunningly beautiful island of Madeira saw an incredible string of world class performances. Amongst them was a fantastic crew from Clonmel Athletic Club, including John Corry, Jim St. John, Marina Quinlan, Sarah Whelan, Kealey Tideswell and Sareen Walsh.
First up on the race programme, which featured a shorter uphill races for all ages from 35 upwards. Run on a testing course that climbed high into the mists of the Madeiran mountains, the 9.2km uphill-only route has more than 800 metres of ascent but all on very runnable paths.
This was a day for speed runners with no technical sections of note to tackle. The result of which were some superb winning times that perfectly reflected the talent on show. Truly, this was a test for the world’s best. Amongst these best were our very own home grown athletes, that have become an inspiration to so many other club runners over the year, since this event was held in Clonmel in 2022.

John Corry (left) and Jim St John (centre) who represented Clonmel AC and Ireland at the World Masters Mountain Running Championships on the island of Medeira recently.

Speed was order of the day, with the o35 race featuring Marina Quinlan, and Marina held her own to place on the podium for the team gold prize for her age category. The o35 Irish Team winning gold.
The o40 womens race saw the determined Kealey Tideswell finishing in the silver medal position overall, with her speed and endurance mountain running coming in to its own amongst the best in the world. Kealey’s fantastic time was followed closely by team mate and friend Sarah Whelan, pushing the 2 girls into the top step for the team prize. Another team gold for Ireland!!
The women's event wasn't over yet, with Sareen Walsh pushing herself during the 9.2km race to allow the Irish team to again take a second place podium position for the o50 team prize. The Irish o50 team claimed a silver medal.
The men’s race included Jim St. John and John Corry in the o65 event, with a very fast time for both athletes. Jim was a few minutes quicker allowing him to place for the bronze team medal. Another medal for the Irish team, the bronze o65. John narrowly missed out on the podium spot, and we know this will only drive him on to continue with his fantastic run of form he has been having this year.
This was a enormous opportunity for this group, they embraced the challenge, they trained hard, stayed focused and planned the year out with this event as their target. A wonderful crew of dedicated athletes that Clonmel Athletic Club are very very proud of. The support from their friends and families allowed them to take part, and enjoy the event. It’s a trip this remarkable bunch will never forget. Many club mates will be looking forward to a catch up and to put the wheels in motion for the World Mountain Running World Championships 2024.
Huge congratulations to you all.