The last Saturday in July looms again on the athletic horizon and in the west that means one thing: The 17th annual Balla 10k. It is race three of the 2009 C&C Cellular Mayo AC Road League. Love it or loathe it, this race is a landmark test on the summer calendar, and the demanding undulations are evident straight away as the one lap course leave town and climbs over the railway bridge. There are excellent viewing points for spectators in the last kilometre as the finishers head for a grandstand finish in Main Street.
This year participants in the Fit4Life programme running in Claremorris, Swinford, Ballina, and other centres will add a welcome new dimension to the race. Following the very successful Ballina 10k last week, many will look forward with confidence to the Balla race and there are spot prizes for Fit4Life finishers. Current league leaders after just two races are Catherine Conway and Robert Malseed. League results so far will be on display. There is €2,000 prize fund with prizes for the first six senior men and women, first three men and women over 35, first man over 50, 60, and 70, and for the first woman over 45 and 50. There will be a t-shirt and goody bags for all finishers.
There is a 2k race/walk sponsored by Sheebeen for under 16s at 6.30pmm with prizes for first three boys and girls and medals for all finishers. Registration will take place in Balla Community Centre. Entry on the day is €15 (available online at www.runireland.ie ). Showers will be available in local GAA clubhouse. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the community centre with prize giving at 9pm sharp.
