The National 10k championships are just over two weeks away and a number of Mayo AC athletes checked out their form over the weekend. The BUPA 10k in the Phoenix Park attracted 11,000 runners. Among them TJ McHugh finished in 37th place overall in 34mins 10sec and Catherine Conway maintained her consistent current form to finish an excellent third in the main field in 37mins 02sec. Ann Lennon showed that she is back in top gear with a great time of 39mins 23sec to be the first over 40, and Caroline Conway finished in 45mins 14sec. These performances give Mayo AC a big boost of confidence as the 10k championships approach.
As will the form shown by the five Mayo AC men who travelled to Quilty in Clare for the 39th running of the Michael Egan Memorial four mile race at this seaside venue. Local club man Seamus Power (Kilmurry-Ibrikane AC ) came home comfortably to win in 21mins 20sec. John Byrne declared himself very happy with his fourth place in 21mins 48sec after struggling with injury since the Dublin Marathon. Anto Devaney was eighth in 22mins 27sec , and David Huane was second in the over 35s in 24mins 45sec just two weeks after the marathon in Connemara. Tom Hunt finished in 26mins 03sec and Christy O'Malley in 29mins dead. Mayo AC were the third placed team over all.
There are a couple more opportunities over Easter to get a race under the belt before Navan on April 26 . On Sunday the Kilnaboy 10 miles in Clare is a popular race and will test out strength and stamina, while the Carney 10k near Sligo will be a good course to run over the championship distance. Mayo AC athletes are reminded to ensure they inform club secretary Padraic Cullina on 087 6992086 by April 12 at the latest of their intention to run in the National 10k so that teams can be selected and travel arrangements organised.
