The 20th Balla 10k will take place on July 28 at 7pm. It is the third race in Mayo AC C&C Cellular 2012 Road League. This traditional race has an established place on the calendar and has always attracted runners from the top clubs in the west and further afield. The 10k course has a reputation for being tough but fair, and the same runners come back year after year. As well as the ups and downs, there are straight flat stretches and a fast downhill main street finish. The race open to all. Full details are on www.mayoac.com This year clubs will compete for team prizes. The combined times of the first three men and women club finishers will count. There will be medals and high viz jackets for all finishers. Refreshments will be served in the Community Centre, while showers will be available in Balla GAA club. Entry costs €20 through www.runireland.com or on the day from the Community Centre from 5pm, the race will start at 7pm sharp. For more information contact Brendan on 087 2941227.
Ballinrobe 5K brings summer series to an end
The Ballinrobe 5k last Tuesday was the final race in another successful Mayo AC Summer Series. Once again the weather was good, against the odds in this unsettled summer. There were 182 finishers (114 women ) over this flat fast course and many achieved personal best series race times.
Cian Mulrooney led the field home again as he did at Claremorris in a fast 16:48. Brendan Gill 16:50 was close behind in second place just ahead of Noel Gibbons 17:18. Castlebar based Angela O'Connor, running in the W45 category, returned to her home parish to win the women's race in a great time 19:47. Laura Langan, a top three finisher in all four races, was second in
19:57 her fastest time of the series by 90 seconds, with Kathleen Barry third in 20:17.
