There was an excellent turnout for the third annual Charlestown 10k on Saturday. It was also the fourth race in Mayo AC's 2014 Move2Improve Series. The field of 194 was over 80 up on 2013, testament to great work by an enthusiastic local organising team led by Christina Duffy, who was ably assisted by Kilmovee 10k supremo John Roddy, and supported by a host of local sponsors.
Conditions were perfect for running and a light breeze helped cool the competitors on the well marshalled loop course, which is one of the best around and ensured many achieved personal best times. John Byrne (Mayo AC ) added to his substantial trophy cabinet and was a comfortable winner in 33:59, repeating his 2013 success, though well outside his course record.
The in-form Norah Newcombe (Ballina AC ), was also an easy winner of the women's race, and was less than 20 seconds off the course record in a great time 36:22. Twenty Mayo AC's distinctive red and green singlets were well sprinkled throughout the field and they dominated the prize winners list. With Noel Gibbons, Sean Murphy, Colette Tuohy, Angela O'Connor, Sarah Syron and Pauline Moran well to the fore. The local community were well represented by runners and walkers of all ages and the inaugural local team prize, the Michael Duffy Memorial Shield was won by the ‘Three Beauties and a Beast’ team.
There was more success for Mayo AC at four local events recently. Having won most of the prizes at the Charlestown 10k on Saturday 6th two groups from the club travelled on the following day to Louisburgh for Run for Rescue and to Loughglynn for the Ros go Run. Both venues had half marathon and 10k races. Mayo AC runners finished first in both 10ks and second in both half marathons. At Loughglynn in a very well organised, measured and permitted event run by the Eire Og club in aid of MS Ireland, John Nolan finished second in a time of 1:27:41. Tom Charles ran a great race and finished in 1:35:40, knocking a minute off his recent national half marathon time for a new PB.
Other finishers were Chris O'Connell, Justin McDonagh, Caroline Hession, Martin Fitzmaurice and John Roddy. Anto Devaney won the 10k in a time of 37:12, with Tom Hunt seventh. Claremorris couple TJ McHugh (80:29 ) and Catherine Conway (86:18 ) were winners of the men/women's Run for Rescue Half Marathon respectively. Mayo AC's Brendan Gill was second man home in 82:37, followed by Anne Heaney, Frank Cloherty and Carmel Cloherty. Paul Reynolds was Mayo AC's other winner at Westport, coming home first in the 10k in 40:48 on his local terrain.
The Mayo AC Move2Improve Series by C&C Cellular continues in east Mayo in less than three weeks with the Ballyhaunis 8k on September 28, followed two weeks later by the Breaffy 10k on October 12. These races are open to all - run, walk or jog, so come along and bring a friend. Details on www.mayoac.com event calendar.
