Galway's Matt Bidwell continued his winning ways on the track, taking the Lust for Life 5k at Ballybrit Racecourse on Saturday.
Organised by Athletics Ireland and Vhi, the event attracted more than 300 runners for the two-lap race around the famous track. Bidwell took an easy win, clocking 16.48, to finish well clear of Fergal Walsh of Athenry AC who ran 17.23, and Brian O Connor of GCH who took third in 17.32.
The first woman home was the consistent Niamh Hennelly of Galway City Harriers, who ran a time of 19.17 to take the honours from Mary Kealy of Athenry AC in second and Sinead Costello in third.
In other news Shauna Bocquet of Craughwell AC placed a fine sixth in the U20 wheelchair 400m at the recent Zurich Diamond League athletics event, and set a new PB in the process.
In Connemara, Brian Joyce from Recess was the overall winner of the Cashel Sports Challenge, finishing third in the swim, first in the cycle in a time of 44 minutes 10 seconds, and third in the 5km run, giving him a winning total of seven points. The swim was won by Iseult O'Connell and the 5km run by Shane McDonnell in a time of 20:45.
Matthew Nee won the junior run in 10 minutes, while Linda Joyce took the honours in the ladies' cycle race in 61:50, and Mary Louise Conroy was the first to cross the line in the 5km run in 27:06. The proceeds were donated to the Feileacan charity.
Fixtures
A busy weekend of road racing lies ahead with Clarenbridge hosting a series of races. A 10k, half marathon and full marathon will mark the Oyster Festival on Saturday at 9am. Barnaderg is holding a 10km at 5pm also on Saturday, while Sunday sees the Clifden 10km take place at 2pm.
