St Anne’s park, Raheny was the venue last Sunday for the National Race Walking Championships of Ireland. In the 10k event John Laste put in a sterling performance in what were very wintry conditions. He went off at a strong pace, going through 5k in 29 mins 57 secs. At this stage he had a good rhythm going and so over the final 4k he increased the pace to win the over 55 title very impressively in 59 mins 22 secs. 2022 has been a fantastic year for John, with him winning National titles on the indoor and outdoor track as well as on the road, he also scored on two Irish medal winning teams at the European Race Walking Championships. To date John has won 9 National titles and no doubt he is looking forward to 2023 when he will compete in a new age group, watch this space. This event also had a Juvenile Programme which was very well supported. In the Girls under 14 Niamh Clarke put in a very good performance when finishing 6k in the 2k walk in a time of 12 mins 39 secs. In the girls under 16 3k walk Ivy Rhatigan also performed well when finishing 4th in 17 mins 58 secs. In the 5k walk, Sam O Sullivan underlined his good form when winning in 23 mins 24 secs and he can look forward to 2023 with great confidence.
