Despite the wind and torrential rain of Storm Darragh, the annual Jingle Bells 5K, hosted by Donore Harriers AC, went ahead as planned on Saturday, in The Phoenix Park with several Drogheda and District athletes rising to the challenge.

The weather, while not as cold as last year, still posed a significant challenge, yet it didn’t dampen the spirits of the 1,300+ runners and many spectators who turned out for the race.

The atmosphere at the start line was upbeat, with race jitters quickly replaced by enthusiasm as the runners set off at a brisk pace.

The early leaders were from local clubs such as Donore Harriers, Raheny Shamrocks, and Clonliffe Harriers, ensuring a high standard of competition from the very beginning.

Among the standout participants were Christopher Keenan, who was aiming for a top spot, Eimear Knowles and Olivia Reilly, both pushing for personal bests, and Nuala Reilly, who is always very competitive in her category. Meanwhile, Katja O’Shea and Lorraine Reilly set out in good spirits.

As expected, it was a gritty, tough race due to the elements, but the flat course with its fast, downhill finish was a welcome challenge for those well-prepared. The organisers’ decision to proceed with the race in such conditions was a bold one, but it proved successful, with participants showcasing remarkable resilience. Spectators were treated to a high-energy event, despite the weather, with many cheering on from the sidelines.

Christopher Keenan had a strong performance, finishing 18th overall with a blistering time of 15:31, securing 6th place in the Junior Male category.

Eimear Knowles ran an impressive race, finishing just 5 seconds shy of the 20-minute mark, a performance she can be proud of.

Olivia Reilly improved her personal best, completing the race in 25:40, a great achievement. Nuala Reilly finished 6th in her category with a time of 26:58, a solid result in a competitive field.

Katja O’Shea crossed the line with a time of 26:48, while Lorraine Reilly completed the race in 29:18, both showing determination and grit in the challenging conditions.

The Jingle Bells 5K is always a well-organized event, offering participants a fast and rewarding course, especially for those who come prepared. Despite the weather, the spirit of the race was alive, and it once again proved to be a memorable event for all involved.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that this event will remain a favourite among local runners, with its festive atmosphere, competitive edge, and strong community spirit, second only to the Waterwipes Drogheda Christmas 5k which this year will take place at Newtownstalaban on Sunday 22nd December.