Claremorris native Aine Gallagher (Mayo AC ) took part in the fifth Energia Belfast 24-hour event last weekend. The event incorporated a 12-hour women's race. Aine was first to finish and completed a distance of 105k in the 12 hours - a personal best along with being a track record and a Irish record. Aine is no stranger to the ultra zone, as she has competed previously at Energia events and completed the Connemara Ultra marathon.
In other Mayo AC news, Patrick Moran competed in the Galway Track and Field Championships as a guest. In the o50 section he finished third in the 400 metres in a time of 69.20 and third in the high jump, clearing a distance of 1m 35cm.
The Roscommon Harriers AC 10 mile race took place in very warm conditions on Saturday last. It was a good opportunity to get into shape for the National Half Marathon. Mayo AC finishers included Tracy Durkan 78:45, Bernie McHugh 88:17, Tom Charles 72:46, Val P Glynn 81:78.
In Killarney, John Geraghty ran the marathon in 4:07:41 and Lorraine Toner finished the half marathon in 2:07;51. They will have a week to recover in time for Balla 10k.
Last Sunday, Crossmolina Festival held a 10k and 5k races. Mayo AC's Sarah Syron enjoyed lots of local Deel side support and was delighted to win the women's 10k on home turf in a fast 40:57. Claire O'Boyle came second in a time of 43:49 and Caroline Nealon (Ballina AC ) finished in third. In the men's race it was another 10k win for John Byrne, where he came home first of 124 runners in a time 34:38 in a well organised event. Tom McNicholas (Swinford AC ) finished second and Aiden O’Donnell (Crossmolina AC ) finished in third place with Pat Hughes (Ballina AC ) winning the 5k event.
Summer series comes to an end
The Claremorris 5k last week brought Mayo AC 2014 Summer Series to a successful end. The series was marked by excellent fields at all venues and good organisation by the various teams. This race was slightly different from the other 5ks in that it finishes with a lap of Claremorris track. Conor Dolan continued his winning form to claim five wins out of five starts. He was closely followed by James Ryan in second and John O'Brien in third. In the women's race Regina Casey took first place in a fantastic time of 18.12 followed by Mayo AC's Colette Tuohy in second and Pauline Moran in third.
Running events in Swinford
The Swinford Siamsa Straide running festival, sponsored by O’Connells Pharmacy, will take place on Saturday, August 2 at Meelick Community Centre. The event will kick off with a kids 2k race at 6pm, with an adults 5k or 8k afterwards. Registration opens from 5pm.
The Swinford Athletic Club Harvest series, sponsored by Swinford Motors, continues on Wednesdays at 7.15 pm with the Killasser 5k on July 30, the Meelick 5k on August 6, the Midfield 6k on August 13, the Callow 6k on August 20 and the Foxford on August 27. Entry for each race costs €5 for non-members, €2 for members and €2 for juveniles.
