We're excited to celebrate Joe Roche's first event win with us! Discover his inspiring running story and how he achieved victory.
A Gaelforce 10K Bray Testimonial
What is your running story?
Growing up with very bad asthma, I was never really a sporty kid. I started running by chance back in 2012. A good friend of mine became unwell the day before a 4x10km Relay Race in the Phoenix Park and his team needed a ringer. Despite being full of late night pizza, I agreed to run. I finished the race in 43 minutes and thought "there might be something here!" I ran casually for years after that, participating in a few races here and there, typically finishing in the top 5%. When I began working in Dublin City Centre, long congested commutes were doing a number on my mental health and overall mood. So, I started running home – or most of the way home to beat the traffic – improving my speed and my distance with every step. That's when I recontextualised running as a form of meditation. Lace up and switch off.
What led you to sign up for Gaelforce 10K Bray?
My mam, is always pushing me to race. She is quite an accomplished runner having won a couple of Gaelforce events. She cannot, for the life of her, understand why I do not use timing apps or technology more. I tell her I'm more Rocky than Drago! Once me and my partner bought our first house in Bray in 2024 – less than 2km from the starting line – my mam said I had no excuse and insisted I enter. So I did.
What were the challenges you faced in training for the event and how did you overcome them?
Every day is a training day when you build running into your lifestyle. I don't drive, so my legs are my main mode of transit. As a result, it is very rare you'll see me without a pair of running shoes and little shorts on, rain or shine. I am one of the oddballs who loves hills – whether it is on foot or on the bike – so the only real challenge was understanding energy output at different points of the climb, and keeping a positive mental attitude. The mental side was a real challenge. First race after 5-years you think: "what if I'm slow?", "what if I burn out in the heat of competition (and the sun!)" but that washed away when the buzzer sounded.
What did it feel like to win your first ever event and how has it inspired or motivated you?
It was validating. To cross the finish line first in front of my beautiful girlfriend and my family was a wonderful feeling. I am inspired to enter more races without letting the competitiveness compromise the meditative side of running. I have been bouncing ever since the race and I'm looking forward to next year's event.
What stood out to you at Gaelforce 10K Bray compared to other events you have taken part in?
I think races in general have a brilliant atmosphere and everyone is so supportive. Trail runners even more so, perhaps it's from the zen achieved in nature. Gaelforce 10K Bray had a fantastic team of people organising the event. Belmont as a start / finish zone had a festival atmosphere and was a great day out for families.Finally, the climb. The Little Sugar Loaf has amazing views – once I cleared the sweat from my eyes!
"Winning Gaelforce Bray 10K was one of the proudest moments I have had in a pair of running shoes. Well organised, a beautiful challenging route, and a fantastic festival finish line. I would recommend to anyone, whether you're a casual runner or seasoned trail conquerer."
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