Matt Bidwell and Mary Gleeson further underlined their status as leading runners in this year's Mayo AC Road League on Saturday in Claremorris. It was the 10th running of the De Care Dental sponsored 'Sport a Smile' five mile event and brought a fun atmosphere to the town centre with puppet shows, face painting, music etc. It also served as a focus for Mayo Cancer Support through participants and street collections.
Conditions were good with a slight breeze out on the loop section of the course off the N17. As in the previous league race, Swinford 8k winner Matt Bidwell (GCH ) had Roger Barrett for company up to the two-mile mark but then stretched out over this more testing hilly course to win easily in 26.04. Michael Canty (Ballina AC ) was one of the few who improved their Swinford time to finish a strong third. Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC ) was on home ground and had Tommy Neville (Ballina AC ) and Gerry Carty (GCH ) for company for most of the race. She ran her fastest time over this course and finished over a minute clear of Regina Casey (GCH ) in second. Cathy Connolly (Mayo AC ) 32.18 in third, was one of a number of club athletes sharpening up ahead of the National Half Marathon next Saturday in Waterford. Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC ) looked impressive again winning the junior men's race as he prepares to join the Irish team in the World Junior Mountain running championships in Albania next month. Michael Sweeney (Mayo AC ) continues to show a fine return to road running, finishing 2nd in the o50 category. Una McGrath is having a fine season and knocked a remarkable 1 min 47 off her Swinford 8k time in 40.30, and 14 seconds better that her 'Streets' time. While Matt and Mary have the Road league titles wrapped up, there are still vital points to be won for places and in the age category section in the remaining two races Ballina 10k on September 11 and Ballyhaunis 8k on September 24. Full results of Claremorris five mile and up to date information on the local athletic scene as always on www.mayoac.com
Ballina Athletic 10k
The 22nd Ballina Athletic Club 10k Road Race will be held in Ballina this year on Sunday, September 11 starting at 3pm. This is also race seven of the Mayo A/C road league so competition should be very keen. All of the adult and u19 competitions have cash prizes. There will also be a 2k race for u15s also so this is an opportunity for younger boys and girls to get out there and join in the fun. Entry fee is €20 for adults and €5 for u19s and u15s with many spot prizes to be won also.
Registration, assembly and changing facilities are at the Ballina Sports and Leisure Centre from 1.30pm.
Hugh to represent Ireland at the World Mountain Running Championships.
Hugh Armstrong, Ballina Athletic Club has been selected to represent Ireland at the 27th World Mountain Running Championships in Albania on September 11. This is a great honour for Hugh and Ballina Athletic Club. At trials recently in Wicklow, Hugh was again selected to represent his country at this prestigious event. He was also selected to represent Ireland in the British and Irish Junior Championships near Llanberis, Wales on September 24. Last June in Slovenia he led the Irish team home to 5th place overall in the World Mountain Running Youth Challenge.
Breaffy 10K results
The first ever Breaffy 10K run/jog/walk took place on Sunday, August 28 last as part of the Breaffy Blast Festival and was a resounding success with 197 entrants taking part in the scenic route around Breaffy village. It is hoped that the 10K will become an annual event and the organisers are extremely grateful to all who helped on the day and particular thanks have been extended to John Roddy from the Kilmovee 10K Race for all his help and advice in the running of the event.
Results are as follows, with times included.
Male Senior: 1st: Michael Canty, 33.27 ; 2nd: Conor Dolan, 35.06; 3rd: Andrew Lynskey, 37.09. Male Over 45: 1st: David Mullins, 39.10., Male u18: 1, Matthew Ruane, 1.10.13, Female Senior: 1st: Angela O’Connor, 41.10; 2nd: Rosemary Walsh, 45.03; 3rd: Lorraine Casey, 45.38. Female Over 45: Angela O’Connor, 41.10, Female U18: 1st Laura Burke, 58.22.
