The 10th Annual Mayo AC Road League, which concluded with the ninth race at Westport recently, was the most successful so far. Increasing numbers are taking part in running related events and the Fit4Life programme has become another opportunity for people of all ages to get involved. During the course of the 2008 League 104 men and 100 women won individual points through finishing in the top 25 in at least one of the races.
Although a good number of athletes ran in all the races, only two won points in all of nine of them - women's league winner Mary Gleeson and Kathy Connolly (both Mayo AC ). In fact Mary Gleeson won a total of 218 points from a maximum of 225 — a formidable achievement. She won five races, Claremorris 5k, Balla 10k, Ballyhaunis 8k, Ballina 10k, and Ballina Terry Fox 4k. Regina Casey (GCH ) won the Carramore 10k and the Swinford 8k, and Catherine Conway (Mayo AC ) won the Hollymount 3k.
Men's League winner John Byrne ran in eight races for a total of 183 points. He won at the Carramore 10k, Ballyhaunis 8k, Ballina 10k, and Terry Fox 4k. Robert Malseed (Mayo AC ) won the Claremorris 5k, Robert Matthews (Dunshaughlin AC ) the Balla 10k, and Ballina man Declan Fahey (Tullamore Harriers ) the Swinford 8k. The final two races, Hollymount 10k and Westport 5k, were won by Martin Conroy (Sligo AC ). All four provinces are represented in the 30 plus clubs listed. The 2009 League will once again be sponsored by C&C Cellular and will be supported by Mayo Sport Partnership through the Fit4Life programme. Many thanks to all who helped organised the races in 2008 and best of luck to all for a fit and healthy road race season in 2009.
Westport 5k
Westport 5k was the final race in the C&C Cellular Mayo AC Road Race League organised by Mayo AC with Mayo Sports Partnership. There was a fine turnout of 137 on a perfect day for running, cold but clear. Martin Conroy (Sligo ) finished in 15.40 and was the clear winner of the race showing the excellent form he displayed in winning the eighth race — Hollymount 10k — recently. Robert Malseed was the best of the Mayo AC runners finishing in second place.
Caitriona Jennings (Rathfarnham WSAF ) the 2007 race winner, won again in fine style improving her time by three seconds to finish in 18.00. Mayo AC's Mary Gleeson, who decisively won the Race League title for the second year, was second in 19.30 just ahead of Ann Lennon in third 19.52.
Mayo AC's John Byrne retained the men's Road League title.
Athenry 10km
