The annual Tuam 8k road race which took place on Sunday was eagerly awaited by many athletes. Training has been frustrated and many races cancelled due to the weather. However, there was a good turn-out by Mayo AC among the 273 rusty and rested runners for the two lap race in Tuam. Gerry Ryan (GCH ) retained the title with a clear victory in 25.02. a few seconds outside his 2009 winning time of 25.10. Paul Buckley (Ferbane AC ) was second in 25.39 and Mayo AC’s John Byrne came home in third in 26.02. This was an excellent performance by the Straide man in his first race back after dislocating a shoulder in November.
Mayo AC had three finishers in the top 10: eighth Anto Devaney 28.24, 10th Timmy Glavey in 28.44, and they took second place in the team section behind Craughwell AC. Other Mayo AC finishers: Dave Huane in 31.52, Jimmy Feeney in 32.11, Dwayne Flynn a brilliant 32.36 in his first race, PJ Hall 34.45, Christy O'Malley 37.39, Chris O'Connell 39.51.
Ann Lennon won the women's race in 31.36, another excellent return to the road following injury in the Streets of Galway 8k last August, and she led the Mayo AC women - Angela O'Connor 33.24 (first in the o40 ), Caroline Conway finished in 34.47, and Ann Murray also in 34.47 -which gave them victory in the women's team competition. Anne Fahey (38.00 ) and Sarah Syron (38.49 ) also competed.
Next Sunday the AAI National Indoors Masters track and field championships take place at Nenagh. This venue belonging to Nenagh AC described as 'little more than a glorified hayshed' by Irish Times athletics correspondent Ian O'Riordan, is the best on offer and has served its purpose. It is not good enough for the senior indoors athletes however, they go out of the jurisdiction to Belfast for their championships on February 7. For Nenagh bring a flask, thermals and a duvet.
Ballinrobe in preparations for 8k event
Ballinrobe 8km Run/Walk, will take place on Sunday, March 21A , 2010, in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, at 2pm. Registration and start are in The Green, also known as Ballinrobe Soccer Club grounds. Entry fee is €12 for adults, €5 for the children and elderly. There will be water stops en route, plus showers and refreshments afterwards in the soccer club dressing rooms. For more information, contact Clare 087 2266023, or Joe 087 2123930.
Fit 4 Life
Mayo AC Fit4Life members are reminded that the 2010 season starts at Claremorris Track next Thursday January 21 at 7.30pm. New members can register then or on any Thursday evening. This is an ideal opportunity for people to enhance their personal fitness programmes for the New Year in the company of other like-minded participants, and guided by experienced athletes in a relaxed atmosphere. Contact Michael on 086 8534729 after 7pm. Mayo AC AGM will be held in early February on a date to be arranged.
