Irish well represented in the 88th Sella Descent

The 88th International Sell Descent took place yesterday, 8th august in Asturias, Spain. For those unfamiliar with it, the Sella Descent is a legendary Classic Marathon race which is among the biggest races in the world with over 1300 participants, uniquely all starting together in a Le Mans style start where they run down the bank to their boat and jump in to paddle form Arriondas to Ribadesella.

As usual a large number of Irish Marathon racers travelled to take part with representation from clubs across the country, including Thomastown Paddlers, Kilcullen Canoe Club, Celbridge Paddlers, WWKC and Salmon Leap Canoe Club.

The racing started on Wednesday with Ollie Brennan from Thomastown and Danny Cooper from Celbridge paddlers competing in the 21st Mini Sella. This is a race for under 14’s and had more than 400 boys and girls between the ages of 5 & 14. Both done fantastic on the day. Definitely a race worth checking out if younger paddlers are over with their family a few days before the main race.

On Saturday the main event ran with the 88th running of the Descenso Internacional del Sella. Congratulations to those who completed the race (which is not to be taken for granted!!). The stand out results are listed below.

• Déaglán Ó Drisceoil – 1st place Masters 60-> 70 K1
• Éabha Ní Drisceoil – 2nd place U23 Women K1
• Gary Mawer & Simon Van Lonkhuyzen – 2nd place Master 50+ K2
• Michael O’Farrell – 3rd place Masters 70+
• Ben Higgins – 4th place U23 Men K1
• David Francis & Aisa Cooper – 4th place Master 50+ K2
• Pat Blount – 4th place Master 70+
• Donnacha Brennan – 5th place Masters 35 -> 50 K1