John Byrne (Mayo AC ) finished second on Saturday in the National 50k championships hosted by Donadea Running Club. Marathon Mission member Barry Minnock (Rathfarnham WSAF ) who was second behind John last year was the clear winner of the Irish 50k title in 3hrs 5:02. John finished in 3:07:40, an excellent result with a typically resilient performance in another ultra race. He was rewarded with a personal best by 10 seconds. Conditions for the 107 starters in the forest park setting were quite different from 2012. The mainly gravel trail course (10 laps of 5k ) had sections of sticky mud after a wet winter and compounded by the effects of logging vehicles which prevented water running off the track in places. From the start Minnock showed the pace that brought him a 2:17 marathon in 2012 and had opened up a 0:27 lead by the 7k mark. Although he was well within John’s sight at that point, as the laps went by he gradually extended this to 1:13 by halfway 1:30:22/1:31:35, and to 2:42 by 40k – 2:25:55/2:28:37. As they both tired over the remaining 10k John clawed back a few seconds but by then Barry Minnock was well in control and a deserving winner in 3:05:02. In the circumstances it was a brilliant effort by both athletes. Third place went to Peter Mooney (Unatt ) in his first run over this ultra distance in 3:17:45, with his brother Rory (Raheny Shamrock AC ) fourth in 3:18:40. The top four finishers were all under the 3:20:00 qualifying time to compete internationally.
KILMOVEE RACE
The Annual Kilmovee race takes place on 30th March 2013 @ 1pm commencing from the GAA Grounds in Kilmovee. The race now in its fourth year, is being organised by Kilmovee Shamrocks with proceeds to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Specialist Palliative Care Service.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice is looking for volunteers to participate in this years event on their behalf. Sponsorship cards are available by contacting the Hospice Office on 094 9388666 or email [email protected].
Entry fee for the race is €20 and you can book online at www.kilmoveerace.com before the race takes place or you can pay a fee of €30 on the day.
The race is aimed at runners, joggers and walkers of all categories and a race clock will be in operation so that all runners' times will be recorded. Refreshments will be served after the event in the Community Centre.
For more information you can email [email protected].
The Kilmovee race has brought in nearly €20k over the last three years and your support for this years event would be greatly appreciated.
