On a sunny Sunday afternoon some 100 runners lined up for the 20th annual Fr Peter O'Brien Ballina 10k. It was also the sixth race in the Mayo AC 2009 C&C Cellular Road League. Winners of the previous five races made up the top three finishers. Gerry Ryan (GCH ) who holds the course record, had an easy win in a fast 30.59 to record his third league race victory. Robert Malseed, winner at Carramore was second, and Robbie Matthews who won at Balla and Swinford was third.
Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC ), winner at Swinford, won the women's race for the third time in succession and followed up her half marathon PB last week in Donegal with another in 36.30. She had 90 seconds to spare over recent Longford Marathon winner Lucy Brennan (Sligo AC ). Breege Blehein (Mayo AC ) survived a calf problem at 3k to finish third in 39.14. Mayo AC's Cathy Connolly improved her 10k time again — and with clubmates Angela O'Connor and Mary Naylor won category sections in over 35, 40, and 45 respectively. Dave Huane took the day off in preparation for the Berlin Marathon next Sunday. He is joining a Western Alzheimers group taking part — we wish them all good luck. Ballinamore AC hosts an open 5k road race tonight (Friday ) at 7pm, enquiries 071 9644207. Ballina will be the venue again for the seventh road league race — the Terry Fox four miles on Sunday October 11 at 3pm.
