Irvinestown runner Edel Monaghan made her senior international debut for Ireland in the inaugural European Off Road Championships held on the spectacular Canary Island of La Paz at the weekend.
Edel was selected after finishing third in the Irish trials in her first ever ‘mountain’ race held over 10.5km in Wicklow a little over a month ago.
More than 20 countries were represented in the senior women’s race, which comprised a challenging, hilly out and back course.
The race’s distance – measuring 17.6k and climb of 1,700m – was new to the Fermanagh runner, who is more accustomed to much shorter races.
She stuck bravely to the task, finishing a commendable 41st place just behind team mates who placed 13th, 38th and 40th respectively.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here