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Castleknock runner gets first for Europe

Saturday, 12 December 2009

A RUNNER from Dublin 15 did not just his area but the whole country proud when he became the first European to finish the Great Ethiopian race. Medal winner Niall Sherlock (25) was the first from Europe to cross the line in the race that was held in Addis Ababa at a dizzying altitude of over 8,000 feet in the blistering 30-degree heat. With close to 40,000 participants, the race was the largest ever race on the African continent. The Castleknock local completed the 10k race in aid of charity, Orbis Ireland, in a respectable time of 34 minutes and 50 seconds given the challenging conditions. “My time was a lot slower than what I’d do 10 kilometres here in Ireland but I was delighted to be the first person from Europe to cross the finish line,” Niall told Northside People. “There were over 40,000 competitors in the race so I didn’t really think I’d come home with a medal or such an achievement. “It really was an amazing experience and the support we got from the millions of spectators that lined the course was incredible. It was only when the crowd really started to cheer me on near the finish line that I realised that I had a good time.” He added: “And to top it all off, the famous Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselaisse and Paula Radcliffe presented me with my medal at the finish line. I nearly had to pinch myself.” But Niall couldn’t celebrate his achievement for too long as he had to get back to his day-job here in Ireland the following day. “I’m a teacher so I had to get back to work the next day as we’re in the middle of term,” he explained. “It was a long way to go to run 10 kilometres but it was well worth it.” Niall was one of 100 people who travelled to Africa from Ireland for the race in aid of Orbis Ireland which runs eye-care projects to cure blindness in Ethiopia. By organising a series of table-quizzes, Niall managed to raise over e3,000 for the charity. “I really want to thank all those who supported and donated to the cause for their generosity,” he explained. “We visited some hospitals which was a really humbling experience. “It’s really unbelievable to see such poverty and deprivation in those African regions. “It certainly puts things in perspective.” The 25-year-old, who is a member of the Clonliffe Harriers Athletic Club, said he fully intents to return to Ethiopia next year for the Great Race. “Hopefully I can manage to drag a few friends with me the next time,” he concluded.