Former Olympian and cross-country athlete Catherina McKiernan was the first woman home in the inaugural Conamara 10k.
McKiernan finished less than a minute behind overall winner Damien Ridge of Galway City Harriers, who won in a time of 36:34. McKiernan, who was at the event to start the race, made a last-minute decision to take part in the event, the first edition of the Conamara 10k, which was held in Carna on Saturday.
The race, which saw runners cross over onto Muighnis island, boasted a mixture of 174 runners, joggers and walkers.
“We are delighted with the number of entrants, and the feedback from runners has been overwhelmingly positive,” said race director, Rónán Mac Con Iomaire. “Our plan is ensure that 10k Chonamara becomes an annual event, providing a top-class race for runners in the west, and providing the Carna area with an off-season tourism boost.”
Results: Men, 1st Damien Ridge (Galway City Harriers ); 2nd Richard Farnan (RCSI Running Club ); 3rd Neil O Conaill (St Finbarrs ). Ladies, Catherina McKiernan; 2nd Teresa Tuohy (Bilboa AC ); 3rd Marie Boyle (TríSpórt ). M40, Seamus McCann (AIT AC ); M50, Martin O Donnell (Clare River Harriers ); M60, Paddy O’Hora (Ballina ). F40, Una Mac Dughbhaill (TríSpórt ); F50, Bernie Kelly (Galway City Harriers ); F60, Nora Cooke/Bridie Gorham.Team, Clifden GAA; Local, 1st Pat Dirrane (TríSpórt ); 2nd Sean Nee (Clifden GAA ); 3rd Niall Coyne (Carna Caiseal ).
