The fifth annual Mayo AC Summer 5k Series sponsored by C&C Cellular
commences on Tuesday, June 17 in Ballyhaunis (contact Martin on 087 2455989 for more information on this race ). All races in the series will start at 8pm. Entry for the five races is €30 or €7 per race. The series will move on to Castlebar on Tuesday, June 24 (contact Ann on 086 8635534 ) then Ballinrobe on Tuesday, July 1 (contact Joan on 087 6726029 ), Brickens on Tuesday July 8 (contact Ambrose on 086 2558383 ) and will conclude on July 15 in Claremorris (contact Sean 087 7472830 ).
As usual the summer series is open to all, but with an emphasis on Fit4Life runners, joggers, and walkers. Many have taken their "first steps" in these events in previous years. Local athletic clubs and fitness groups are very welcome. This year the series will complement the 2014 Mayo AC Move2Improve events, also sponsored by C&C Cellular, which are also open to all. All courses are AAI measured/permitted, well marshalled with finish line time clock. The five races provide a variety of courses and challenges. A great opportunity to record a better time each week so you are encouraged to participate in all five. The emphasis is on fun for all.
Good turn out or ‘guess your own time’ in Ballindine
Saturday evening turned out grand in Ballindine after some thundery showers swept through the area. There was bright sunshine as a huge turnout of runners and walkers lined up at the start for Dave Huane's unique annual fund raising event. The Mayo AC club man has led the successful organisation of the 'guess your own time' race for a number of years. No timing devises are allowed - watches, headphones, phones are all banned - and each participant predicts their finishing time when they register. In addition, there are no mile markers along a tough mainly up and down four mile officially measured course, with a sapping final mile along the N17 hard shoulder. Once again it was a tremendous success and well done to Dave who had the excellent support of the local community. His team were well supported again by Alan Burke and Maire Treasa Beatty of Athenry AC who looked after entry, timing and results, with TJ McHugh and many more helpers on and off the race route. Almost €5,000 was raised and will support both the Patient Comfort Fund, St Joseph's Oncology Ward, UHG and Rock Rose House, Castlebar. There were joint winners - Tommy Joe Whyte (Tuam AC ) and Helen McNamara (Claremorris ), who were both just one second off their predicted times.
Gary Thornton was the race winner in 21:29 and Catherine Conway was first woman finisher in 24:38. The stats show that of the 125 runners, 30 finished within 30 seconds of their predicted time, and of these 17 were slower, 13 quicker. All in all, an enjoyable and well supported event where athletics and community come together to support those in need. Full results at www.mayoac.com
