Over 150 take part in Ballyhaunis 5k
The second race in the Mayo AC 5k series took place last Tuesday evening in Ballyhaunis. It was another rain-free event and over 150 people took part, 75 per cent of them women. The men’s race was won by Timmy Glavey with Brendan Gill in second place and Cian Mulrooney third. The women’s race was won by Sarah Syron with Ann-Marie Egan second and Laura Langan third. The third race in the series takes place in Claremorris next Tuesday evening.
Big turn out for guess your time event
The fourth annual Ballindine guess your time four miler in aid of Western
Alzheimer's took place on St John's eve. Over 80 participants predicted their finish time in advance of the start, were not allowed wear any time recording device, and set out on a cold damp evening - a few bonfires along the way would have been welcome.
The winning 'guessers' were Stephen Finnegan (Sligo AC ) who predicted 24:27 and was right on the button at the finish. Second went to Michael Walsh (Ardrahan ) third was Ann Marie Staunton (Mayo AC ), fourth TJ McHugh (Mayo AC ) and fifth Patrick Murphy (Claregalway ) The furthest-away-from-predicted-time winner was Ryan Misiak from Canada who was over twelve minutes out. First to finish were Ian Egan (GCH ) 22:12, and Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC ) 24:01. It was another successful event for popular local and race organiser Dave Huane (Mayo AC ) who was presented with a surprise birthday cake to celebrate his new athletics age category. Dr Ken Egan from Western Alzheimer's thanked all the participants, and Dave and his crew for their valued support. Dave confirmed that €1200 has been donated, and thanked sponsors Health West Community Pharmacy, Hennigan's, Borderline, Stagg Betting, Jackie’s, Muriel Costello, Tony Gleeson, Costcutter, Ellie Maguire's, McWilliam Park Hotel.
Mayo AC to the fore in Galway 10k races
Mayo AC athletes were to the fore in two recent 10k races in Galway. Ann Lennon was the first woman finisher in the Great Race 10k at Galway racecourse. She ran an excellent 39:37, in a field of 284 finishers. At the Solstice 10k in Annaghdown on Thursday last week, Mayo AC's John Byrne was back to his best 10k form – his first 10k race since Carramore in May 2011. He was up with winner Matt Bidwell all the way and finished just eight seconds behind the Galway City Harrier. Sarah Syron ran another fine race to finish second in the women's section.
Mayo AC half marathon launch
The AAI National Half Marathon 2012 which is being hosted by Athenry AC may be still 10 weeks away, but Mayo AC have just launched an exciting plan which aims to see the club having both its strongest and largest team ever competing at a national event. The race takes place on Sunday September 2. It is one of the major fixtures in the annual road racing calendar and is being held in the West of Ireland for the first time in a number of years. Hundreds of runners and joggers of all levels from athletic clubs all over Ireland are expected to compete. Michael McGrath, chairman of Mayo AC said, “We aim to have as many members as possible there on the day- elite runners, club runners, fit4life members. We are also setting a target of winning team medals in all six categories - senior men and women, men and women over 35 and over 50.”
