The 21st Balla 10k takes place tomorrow, Saturday, July 27 at 7pm. This event has been organised by the same committee led by Brendan Conwell since its inception. The Balla 10k is the first of six races in the 15th Mayo AC C & C Cellular Road League. The Balla 10k has attracted hundreds of runners, joggers, and walkers to the village from all over Ireland over the past 21 years, many of them raising funds for various worthy causes in the process. The course is over a testing one lap AAI measured and permitted circuit. The start and finish line is just a few metres away from race headquarters which is located in the community centre in the middle of the village.
Brendan Conwell ahead of the event said: "This is an event that has something for everyone - from the elite athlete to the fun runner and walker. It also provides an ideal opportunity for the hundreds who took part in the recent successful Mayo AC Summer 5k Series to test their fitness over a longer distance. Features of the race include a €2,000 cash prize fund, chip timing, a well marshalled course, dressing and shower facilities, street entertainment, and plenty of refreshments. All participants will get a goody bag and finishers’ medal. The Balla 10k is recognised as a low cost low budget event but with all the trimmings of a top quality promotion."
For the younger athlete the Sheebeen 2k for u16s will take place at 6.30pm with prizes for the top three boys and girls. You can enter online up to tonight, Friday July 26, at www.runireland.com, while registration will be open on site from 5pm on race day at race headquarters. The cost of entry is €20.
Walsh takes double gold in Tullamore
Young Mayo athlete Michaela Walsh (Swinford AC ) was in record-breaking form at the Woodies DIY National Juvenile Track and Field Championships in Tullamore last weekend. Walsh, fresh from her top 10 finish in the girls’ shot putt at the European Youth Olympic Festival the previous week, took double gold in Tullamore when she won both the u16 shot putt and hammer competitions. Walsh threw 13.48m in the shot putt to break the u16 national record and also threw a very impressive 47.51m in the hammer event.
Armstrong puts in another strong showing in Europe
Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC ) ran a great race in Rieti, Italy, last weekend in the 10,000m race at the Junior European Athletic Championships. Armstrong came 11th out of a field of 25 elite athletes from around Europe.
