Bogusboy reports from Costa Teguise

Newcastle Athletics Club swapped the winter chill for the Lanzarote sunshine as a determined squad took on the island’s famous endurance festival. When the trip was first mooted there was a lot of enthusiasm. In typical fashion this dissipated quickly with all but the stalwarts fading one by one. The club chairman was a definite to the bitter end until he realised that he had to source a diamond tipped spark plug for the Jag, thus rendering him unavailable. Others could not leave their underlings to manage change and transform lives and so they could not go, though the FOMO was hanging out of them!!!

With a strong Irish and British presence, the event delivered top-class racing and unforgettable moments, made better by two days relaxing and running (some more than others!) in the bearable winter sun.

Thursday 5k

While the travelling party was packing suitcases on Thursday evening, Jamie O’Flaherty was securing the first podium of the weekend with an excellent third place in the open 5k – he was forced to switch events at the last minute when the under 16 event was cancelled.

Half Marathon Success

The half marathon drew 1,463 finishers, with Italy’s Ahmed El Mazoury taking the overall win in 1:10:36. In the women’s race, Emma Taylor claimed victory in 1:21:22, while NAC’s Kerry O’Flahertystormed to an outstanding second place. Pat McDaid was first NAC home in a stunning 8th overall and David O’Flaherty rounded off the top 10 with a strong run. David is a regular in these parts and has enjoyed great success in this event in the past. With little racing over long distances under his belt, Brendan McQuaid’s 25th place was another stellar and stand out performance.

It was a tougher day for some with McIntosh threatening to quit and seriously questioning her decision to come. However stoicism kicked in and buoyed on by seeing her son as he waited for the 10k to start she demonstrated perseverance, resilience and determination that enabled her to get over the line, albeit not in the time she had hoped for. Her trauma was made worse by having to observe McCann stooped over a wall donating his breakfast to the local ecosystem!!!

10K Race

The 10K featured 919 finishers, with Jaume Leiva Beato winning in 31:56.Young McMullan showed Old McMullan a clean pair of heels and Miley, a man known for his mild manner and amiable demeanour, was left to babysit. They crossed the line hand in hand. The Young McMullan scythed through the field, passing those in the marathon and half coping with the searing midday sun. Hoping he would not have to overtake his mother, McIntosh ran strongly and comfortably beat the elusive

40 minute mark. Sam was first NAC female home uncomfortably comfortable in just over 45 minutes. Debbie recovered from the trauma of her pre-ordered sweatshirt being given to Hans from Hamburg and made it to the start line – she was looking for Hans to reclaim what was hers and used this as her motivation as the sun beat down.

Full Marathon

The marathon saw 1,019 finishers, with Dennis Prikulis taking the win in 2:33:02.

NAC Half Results & Times:

• 8th Patrick McDaid – 1:17:53 (chip 1:17:51)

• 10th David O’Flaherty – 1:18:20 (chip 1:18:18)

• 25th Brendan McQuaid – 1:24:22 (chip 1:24:18)

• 31st Kerry O’Flaherty – 1:25:32 (chip 1:25:30)

• 160th Ryan McDonald – 1:40:39 (chip 1:39:57)

• 249th Grace Kalinowski – 1:46:24 (chip 1:45:42)

• 338th Ernie Hall – 1:51:10 (chip 1:49:44)

• 370th Ronnie Horrox – 1:53:02 (chip 1:52:12)

• 406th Joe McCann – 1:54:28 (chip 1:53:38)

• 519th Catherine McIntosh – 1:58:38 (chip 1:57:52)

NAC 10k Results & Times:

• 6th Ethan McMullan – 34:21

• 24th Euan McIntosh – 39:20

• 91st Sam McNeilly – 45:11

• 104th Ciaran ‘Miley’ Morgan – 46:21

• 105th Martin McMullan – 46:22

• 434th Debbie Biggerstaff – 1:01:37

Behind the Scenes: Drama & Determination

The adventure began with a scare as Ernie Hall’s van limped to the airport with power steering on its last legs, leaving some wondering if the team would even make the flight.

On race day, Ernie’s competitive fire burned bright. At mile 10, he was overtaken by Ronnie Horrox, sparking a fierce battle. The 74-year-old, apoplectic with incandescent rage, dug deep, reclaimed his spot, and held off his rival—only to lose third place in his V70 category due to a technicality – he crossed the line after the third place finisher (though he continues to protest that his chip time was faster). Consolation came in the form of a different title: Champion of the Canary Island Snoring Contest, his thunderous performance echoing across the archipelago. So relentless was his nocturnal effort that Ryan McDonald was forced to sleep on the balcony, having failed to secure a separate room – there was no room at the inn, a story with a familiar ring.

Meanwhile, Kerry O’Flaherty, fresh from her podium finish, was abandoned by her erstwhile friends and left to parade through the streets of Costa Teguise alone clutching her oversized presentation cheque, wine and rapidly melting chocolates – a story she reminded teammates of more than once! The strong support and good wishes proffered by those sitting in the bars and cafes along the walk home went some way to lifting her mood.

A Weekend to Remember

When the racing done, there was time for biking, mountain climbing, karaoke, sea swimming, shopping and sunbathing. One member even took the opportunity to stay in the room and ruminate. From podium finishes to balcony banishments, Lanzarote delivered sunshine, strong performances, and plenty of laughs for NAC. All of this was made possible by the efforts of Sam McNeilly in gathering the troops and organising everything in advance. We look forward to more adventures in 2026 when some of those who stayed at home might be encouraged to go.