"You're running downhill? Down Djouce? What for?" came the enquiry.

"For fun, for crack, a lark, a little jollity in a depressing world, to see if it's possible, many reasons…."

The only downhill mountain race of the year had managed to attract a few sheepish lunatics - including myself. Like some others, I was attracted by the positive nature of the race. In a downhill race, its very nature dictates that you don't have to run up. This aspect is a tremendous benefit to those of us who are sylphically challenged. Mind you, like the rest of the field, I had to walk up the 5 kilometres of distance and 400 metres of vertical height to get to the start.

And what a start it was too. The view was outstanding. 65 miles to the east, the mountains of Snowdonia peeked over the horizon of the Irish Sea. Behind us, the sweep of mountains that make up the Wicklows pressed against a thunderous sky of glowering clouds. The flitting cloud shadows made an ever-changing pattern to the light and dark shapes of field and heather. Wheezing stertorously, I summitted to find these earthly delights. Mountain running? You can't beat it…

Vivian shouted go. We thundered the 50 metres of flat going past the trig. point and then plunged down the steep side of Djouce. Barely on the edge of control, the steepest part of the course was covered in a thrice. At the bottom, Ross Alexander held the lead from American runner, Mark Baker with Kevin Grogan battling for third with Simon Walters. As the descent changed from vertical drop to the merely challenging, Mark got the upper hand on the former Junior International and pulled away to win. Kevin did the same to Simon, taking third overall and first vet spot.

And myself? I discovered that you can run the first 400 metres of descent flat out from memory, but memory is **** all use for the rest of the race. I never thought that I 'd have to walk in a downhill race. Mental note - must try training next time.

DJOUCE DROP 28/05/00 Dry

Run on the same day as the Djouce Drop, the 6 kilometre course used as a trial for the Irish Women's team for the European Trophy had two severe climbs up Djouce. Edel Mooney who had only two weeks training since her recent exams proved to be the best of the small field. Edel who won the Nagles the previous weekend proved that her descending ability has improved, easily defeating another renowned descender Majella Diskin who still holds the record on the infamous Croagh Patrick course.

Majella and Edel along with third placer Eva Mulleady were picked to represent Ireland at the Europeans at Miedzygorze in Poland in early July.