Ballyhaunis was the local setting for two days of road racing on Bank Holiday Monday June 4, and on the day after June 5.
The inaugural Run West Ballyhaunis 10 mile took place on Bank Holiday Monday ahead of the third race in Mayo AC Summer 5k Series on Tuesday evening The Rugby Club on Doctor’s Road was headquarters for both.
The 10 mile race was held over a one lap course of local roads – mainly single track and with the usual gradient challenges of rural Ireland. Conditions were good with a fresh breeze at times. There was excellent support and welcome sustenance from householders all round the course adding to the enjoyment of a well organised and marshalled event.
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The race winner was Michael Canty (Moy Valley AC ) who led from the start. He found the breeze and the middle section tough but came home in a good time 57:21. Adrian Smith (Roscommon Harriers AC ) chased all the way for second place in 59:47. Pat Morrison was the first Mayo AC finisher in an excellent third place 60:24. Tom Prendergast in 7th (62: ) was also part of a good turnout of Mayo AC members and they will all be listed when their club league points are calculated.
Pauline Moran (Mayo AC ) set a steady pace to lead out the women and maintained that well through the middle section to finish first in 73.02 Marian Murray Morrison ran strongly and came home second in 73:41, ahead of Jackie Fleming (Charlestown ) 74:36 in third. It was good to see the event supported by other local ACs such as Carrick, Milltown, South Sligo, Sligo, Drumshanbo to name a few.
Results
Men: 1st: Michael Canty (Moy Valley AC ) 57:21; 2nd: Adrian Smith (Roscommon Harriers AC ) 59:47; 3rd: Pat Morrison (Mayo AC ) 60:24 O50: Tom Prendergast (Mayo AC ) 62:02; o60: Michael O’Malley 68:36
Women: 1st: Pauline Moran (Mayo AC ) 73:02; 2nd: Marian Murray Morrison 73:42; 3rd: Jackie Fleming (Charlestown ) 74:36; O45: Susan Gannon 78:07; o55 Mags Glavey (Mayo AC ) 82:16.
