Drogheda & District AC athlete Ciara O'Reilly ran a phenomenal marathon in Valencia last Sunday morning on streets devastated by flooding just a few weeks ago.

As the mercury rose into the twenties, she was among a group of Drogheda’s finest athletes who joined almost 40,000 others from around the world, supported by boisterous crowds, to reclaim the streets in the name of running.

Ciara, who has been selflessly devoted to improving the lot of local athletes for years recently discovered that she has more fun and got fitter and healthier when not pushing so hard, and in Valencia she knew how to pace herself, starting out conservatively, and getting faster in the second half of the race. Ciara accomplished the classic distance in some style, finishing in 3:34:25, good enough to qualify for the Boston marathon.

Bryan Harvey, who has been applying the same formula, also carried out an admirable run despite the stifling heat. Bryan personifies the way of the athlete; to return to the struggle, to start over again, no matter how difficult or solitary, and the Valencia race is his favourite, this time completing the run in 3:29:03.

Legendary athlete Pat O'Grady showed real steel to secure another wonderful marathon (2:55:45) and Siobhan Hanratty magnificently also (3:20:14).

Hard as nails Carmel Keenan and Barbara Lowth Byrne braved the hilly course and relentless wind at the Waterford half marathon on Saturday. Both were happy to finish this tough race in good times - 01:44:24 for Carmel and 01:56:25 for Barbara.

Several D&D athletes were to be found in Parkruns over the weekend, although maximum credit must go to the utterly dynamic Nuala Reilly, daughter Olivia Reilly and Pat Maher. Only 24 hour after strong performances in Navan and Ardgillian, Nuala and Olivia left their opponents standing as they won first ladies team at the Revenue BHAA 6k Country Race in 31.00 and 33.54 respectively.  Pat Maher also showed that he's in good condition finishing in 31.43.

Trio Martina O' Connor Dyas (26:38), Katja O'Shea 27:10 and Jane O'Callghan (28:03) enjoyed a lovely Parkrun at Poolbeg. Shane Larkin is going from strength to strength - he hit a seasons best at Ardgillian, (19:35), taking 2nd place. No doubt he'll he chomping at the bit to take on the fight at the upcoming Leinster masters in January.

At Oldbridge, the run of the day went to Jon Perkins, who finished 8th in 21:20. The parkrun is great training for forthcoming WaterWipes Drogheda Christmas 5km. The hotly anticipated race which will start and finish at D&D Club Headquarters in Newtownstalaban.  It promises to be a fun filled day for all so make sure you're there!