It may be just coincidence that the Balla 10k is on the same weekend as climbing the 'Reek'. It just gives the penitents another choice, while some extreme sinners opt for both. The 17th Annual Balla 10k, which is race three in the Vodafone C&C Mayo AC Road League, took place on Saturday evening. Conditions were very good with a slight breeze freshening faces as the field turned for home after 5k. Brendan Conwell and his team of 35 once again put on a well organised event, with an extensive prize list; no mean achievement in these lean times. As usual the Balla course provided a real challenge. Some 250 runners and walkers participated. This year the better conditions produced generally faster times and as usual many tortured and triumphant souls had tales to share. 2008 winner Robbie Matthews (Dunshaughlin AC ) made it a double finishing first again in 32.05, 50 seconds faster than last year. He was 13 seconds ahead of Robert Malseed (Mayo AC ) who improved his 2008 time by a minute. John Byrne third (33.21 ), and TJ McHugh fourth (33.47 ), showed that they are in very good shape as did the whole Mayo AC team in the lead up to the National half marathon in just under six weeks time.
Catherine Conway (Mayo AC ) underlined her current superiority in Connacht winning the women's race in 37.09, two minutes faster than her Balla 2008 time. However she was pushed very hard by a great run from clubmate Mary Gleeson — second in 37.22 — over a minute faster than last year. Ann Lennon ran strongly in third place (39.36 ), she is consistently sub 40 minutes this season in her 10k races.
Down the field there were many outstanding performances and personal bests. Caroline Conway knocked 90 seconds off her previous best in 43.19, Yvonne Byrne was three minutes faster than last year in 45.43; Michael Canty (Ballina AC ) had a great run in 36.58, as had Ciaran Quinn (Mayo AC ) just ahead in 36.25. Gabriel Gardiner (Craughwell AC ) surprised even his personal trainer with a great pb in 40.38. Cathy Connolly found herself in new company on the road with an excellent 41.44. Almost 35 per cent of the runners were women, many of them from the successful Fit4Life programmes. PJ Hall, Ann Fahey, and Christy O'Malley warmed up for Balla by running the tough Cookstown half marathon on Friday evening.
