DESPITE the constant drizzle, more than 30 runners went to the line for the 39th running of the annual Holland Cup. Regarded as one of the classic races on the club's calendar, is a sealed handicapped event which gives everybody a chance of landing the silverware.

Martin Kelly has been in excellent form all winter as he clocks the miles in preparation for the Vienna Half marathon at the end of April. He has been consistently posting personal bests during the Winter League and his devotion of speed work is reaping a rich dividend.

It all came together tonight when he fashioned another PB of 16.05 to finish 13th on the road, but first in the handicapped race to become the new holder of the Holland Cup. An expert golfer, he is doing particularly well on the handicapped racing circuit as well. He is also the current holder of the Jim Wall Cup for the club's other handicapped race which is held during the summer.

Second in the handicap was Dave Hooper while his first cousin Caitriona Hooper was third. 

The actual race itself it turned into a battle between U-23 internationals Mick Clohisey and Mark Kirwan. For once, the latter got the better of the his rival finishing in 13 minutes flat, six seconds ahead of Mick. Bernard Roe was third in 13.59 while junior Carl O'Sullivan ran a great race to claim 5th spot in 14.11.

Caitriona Hopper was the first female over the line in 17th place, just ahead of Denise Ryan. Many thanks to the stewards who braved the conditions (and the traffic)  to ensure that the race went off safely. Details in RESULTS section

The Top Ten in the Handicapped Event were:

1. Martin Kelly 12.05  

2. Dave Hooper 12.13

3. Caitriona Hooper 12.16

4. Tony Wesby 12.17

5. Denise Ryan 12.20

6. Simon Reede 12.25 

7. Sean McGoldrick 12.35

8. Mark Kirwan 12.50 

9. Carl O'Sullivan 13.01

10.  Tom Loftus 13.03