The Ballyhaunis 8k takes place next Saturday, September 29 at 4pm. This is race number seven in the Mayo Road league. Last year three former Irish Olympians took part, Jerry Kiernan, David Matthews and Noel Berkeley, who won the race in a fast time of 25:54. The women’s race was won by Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC ) in 29:16. A large attendance is expected again this year.
The 8k course starts and finishes in the town and takes in a lovely rural route. It starts adjacent to Caulfield’s shop in Upper Main Street. The course is AAI measured and times are recorded on the day.
The race headquarters are at the Ballyhaunis Rugby club. Prizes in all categories seniors, juniors to M70/W55. Entries (€20 Adult, €5 children ) are open online at www.runireland.com and there is also a race website www.ballyhaunis8k.com
Conor and Mary win at Mayo AC/Kenya 5k
The third annual Mayo AC /Kenya 5k was held in ideal conditions on, Saturday morning September 22. The event was organised in association with Mayo AC and supported by Claremorris AC, to help fund Claremorris woman Janet Hinchion's great work in Kenya. The race winner was Conor Dolan who just arrived at the start line just in time, having had to hitch a seat from Tuam after his car broke down. Mayo AC's Brendan Hession and Patrick Walshe finished second and third respectively. Mary Gleeson was invited to officially start the race in recognition of her many successes in recent times. She was first woman finisher followed home by Paula Prendergast, with Aileen McNamara (Athenry AC ) third . Football fever was certainly in the air that morning and Marathon fever was also around with a number of members who are running next month's Dublin/National Marathon including the 5k in their Saturday morning training. Chris O'Connell ran to the 5k from his native Kiltimagh and ran home afterwards. Paula Prendergast did
likewise from her family home in Ballybrehoney. After the event Janet thanked all who took part and contributed to this worthy cause and said she is already looking forward to next year.
