The Achill Half Marathon took place in breezy conditions with more than 1,000 finishers. The excitement was tangible and Keel was awash with colour and crowds last Saturday. Congratulations go to Michael Shannon, who set a new course record at 1 hour, 11 minutes, 56 seconds in breezy conditions. The first woman to cross the finish line, and this was not her first win in Achill, was Fionnuala Doherty in 1 hour, 29 minutes, 43 seconds.
Noel Scanlon, chairperson of Achill Events Management, which runs the event on a community non-profit basis, said, “As always, the half marathon was a great success, helped in no small part by the team of 150 local volunteers and the support of the local community and landowners, who welcomed more than 3,000 visitors to Keel Sandybanks on the day.”
Results: Men: 1 Michael Shannon (Kilnaboy AC ) 71:55 CR; Julio Cesar Castro (Kilmurry Ibrickane AC ) 75:10; 3 John Byrne (Mayo AC ) 75:27. Women: 1 Fionnuala Doherty (Clonliffe Harriers AC ) 89:43; Tara Whyte (Clonliffe Harriers AC ) 93:12; 3 Sarah Syron (Mayo AC ) 94:36.
Armstrong performs well in Euros
Hugh Armstrong of Ballina Athletic Club finished in 18th place overall in the European Mountain Running championships in Turkey last weekend. He was the second Irish runner home helping the Irish team to fifth place overall. This is the first year that an Irish team beat the British in these championships. Armstrong will compete in the World Championships in Italy in September.
Tuohy takes Headford 8k
Mayo AC's Colette Tuohy had another brilliant victory when she won the women's race at the Headford 8k in 30:58. Clubmate Ann Lennon finished second in 31:40, and Brendan Gill was the club's top finisher in sixth place in an excellent time 27:49. Other finishers included: Brendan Hession 30:11, Owen Mongan M55 34:06, Christy O'Malley M45 36:11, Martin Crehan M50 39:47. The race was won by Michael Shannnon (26:16 ) who stopped off on his way back to Clare after his win in Achill. There were 270 finishers. Full results at www.mayoac.com
