The ninth DecareDental/Claremorris five mile run and walk which took place recently was again a great success attracting competitors from all over the west of Ireland. The event, which was in aid of Mayo Cancer Support, was held in dry but windy conditions ensuring that personal best times for the five mile distance were hard to achieve. Pre-race favourite John Byrne finished strongly to take the men’s title in a time of 26.50, just six seconds ahead of team mate Robert Malseed, while TJ McHugh continued his recent good form coming home in third in 27.26. Roger Barrett finishing fourth in 27.34 was first of a number of Ballina AC runners who performed well on the evening.
In the age categories Ian Egan from Galway City Harriers was first in the o40 followed by Tommy Neville, from Ballina AC. While in the over 50 age group Mayo AC runner Billy Gallagher took the top prize from team mate Ronnie Naylor.
Barry Gill from Moygownagh was first to finish in the u19 category.
Mayo AC leading ladies Catherine Conway and Mary Gleeson took the top two finishing places in the women’s race. Conway came home in 30.20, closely followed by Gleeson in 30.23. Third place was filled by Colette Tuohy from Castlebar in an excellent 32 minutes. Tuohy was a prominent under age athlete in the nineties but has only made a successful return to competitive running recently and continues to improve. Derval Devanney of Mayo AC finished in fourth in 32.23, Kathy Connolly took the o35 prize ahead of her sister Chris Gallagher, while Anne Murray took the o45 prize ahead of Mary Naylor. The focus now turns to the next run/walk in the series the Westaro Mini Marathon also known as the Balla 10k on Saturday evening July 24.
Mayo Fit4life 5km summer series gets off to a flying start
The Fit4life 5km summer series being organised by Mayo AC and Swinford AC supported by Mayo Sports Partnership got off to a flying start on Wednesday last in Castlebar when more than 120 participants braved the wet weather. Fit4life members from Castlebar, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Westport, and Ballina took part to make this a very enjoyable and entertaining evening.
First home was Mayo AC’s Robert Malseed followed by Castlebar native Tom O’Dowd, with Mayo AC and Fit4life member Andrew Lynkey in third place, and Daniel Murray was in fourth. Castlebar woman Colette Touhy was first home in the women’s section with Mayo AC’s Derval Devanney following very close behind and club mate Ann Murray finishing in third place.
