Ballina AC runner Scott Walkin completed the Berlin marathon last weekend in a personal best time of three hours three minutes and three seconds. It marks the culmination of many months’ preparation that paid off on the day. Scott is an integral member of the collective training sessions on Belleek track that have contributed in no small way to the improvement in running times for many club members. These training sessions continue every Thursday starting at 7pm, even in the dark winter months when the track lights come into operation. With Scott having achieved the qualifying time for the world famous Boston marathon with this run, there could be a sizeable contingent from the club travelling to Boston next April.
Mayo AC Ladies are top three in Ballina 10k
Mayo AC Ladies swept the boards at the recent Ballina 10k. First home and for the fourth year in a row was Mary Gleeson finishing in 37.09, second was Ann Lennon in 39.25, with Cathy Connolly running a personal best and an outstanding race to be just behind Lennon in 39.33. In the men’s Gerry Ryan, Craughwell, finished first in 30.36, John Byrne, Mayo AC, was second in 32.54, and Roger Barrett, Ballina AC, was in third place in 33.17.
Dromahair four mile
Three Mayo AC members made the trip recently to the annual Dromahair four mile road race held over a testing course this popular event attracted some 150 competitors to the scenic Leitrim town. Michael McGrath finished in 27.22 while Christy O’Malley (running his 48th race of the year ) finished in 30.02 showed no after effects of the half marathon he had run in Dublin the previous day. Una McGrath (35.35 ) was second in over 50 category behind Bernie Kelly of Galway City Harriers. Michael Courell of Ballina AC finished in 30.18 and took the o60 prize, while Ballyhaunis based Sean Dooner (South West Vets ) was first over 70 finisher in 47.11.
Mayo cross country
The Mayo men’s and women’s cross country championships and trial will be held in conjunction with the Mayo underage championships this Sunday October 3 in Ballina. It is intended that Mayo will be entering strong teams in both AAI national inter counties in November and national novice in December. Part of those teams will be selected from the Mayo championships while the remainder will be selected based on form nearer to the events
Ballina four mile
The Ballina four mile on Sunday October 10 at 3pm will be race number seven in the Mayo AC road race league. All proceeds will go to the Terry Fox Foundation as in previous years.
