Seven Mayo AC masters athletes competed in the National Masters Indoors Track and Field Championships last Sunday in the arena at Athlone IT. It was the second big event in the club's 2015 National calendar, having had a good contingent competing in Tuam last month in the Masters Cross Country. The first events went off at 11am and continued until 7pm - a hectic schedule due to record entries.
Along the way there was the usual keen competition, with a big crowd enjoying some great finishes and records. The Mayo AC medal count was 14 - a remarkable tally - and testament to the club's continued success in National events.
In the F65 events, Mags Glavey won three golds in the 800m, 3,000m, and the 1500m races. Patrick Moran won four bronze medals in the shot putt, high jump, long jump, and the 400m. Pauline Moran won silver in the F55 3,000m and Ann Murray won gold in the F50 400m and 3,000m, and bronze in the 800m. Tom Hunt took home a silver medal in the M65 3,000m and bronze in the 1500m. Martin Peyton took bronze in the M65 shot putt while John Walkin set a new PB in the M35 60m sprint.
Top billing went to Mags Glavey who now has four national golds so far in 2015, having won F65 category last month in cross country. There will be more opportunities for medals in both seniors and masters at the next National championships on the roads of the Phoenix Park over 10k. The event takes place on Saturday April 11.
Tubbercurry 10k brings out the crowds
Conditions were perfect for the 42nd Annual Tubbercurry 10k hosted on St Patrick's day by South Sligo AC. It was cool but not chilly at the start, and warmed up for a very pleasant sunny afternoon. There was a record field of 320 in this traditional and popular race, including a separate 5k, an initiative to facilitate the host club's 'Couch to 5k' participants. This race has always been well supported by local clubs - there were 16 listed this year among the entries. Emmett Dunleavy (Sligo AC ) recorded yet another fine win in 32:23. The Mayo AC participants were led home by John Byrne who finished second in 35:21, gently easing his way through the field after his excellent win in the long course 37k Castlebar Duathlon on the previous Saturday. Brendan Gill was next home in seventh in 36:05, followed by Michael McNeela in 41:39, and Tom Hunt who won the o60 men’s in event in 42:22.
Ann Murray was first home in the female o50 in 46:12, Chris O'Connell 49:31 and Christy O'Malley 53:40. Mayo AC took bronze in the team standings. Sara Doohan (Corran AC ) easily won the women's race in 37:59. In the 5k, Catherina Diskin Hunt (Mayo AC ) finished in 29:08, and Kathleen Kennedy (Claremorris Fit4Life ) 30:07.
Mayo AC's 2015 Move 2 Improve seven race series begins with Kilmovee 10k on Saturday April 4, followed by the National 10k on Saturday April 11 - both listed on www.mayoac.com events calendar.
Balla 5k run/walk this weekend
The second Annual Balla 5k Run and Walk takes place this Sunday at 12.30pm, the event this year in support of the local Balla Secondary School is open to all levels of competitors who wish to run jog or walk the scenic route. Race HQ is at the school with entries taken there from 11.30pm with lots of parking space .The main event is preceded by an under 14 boys and girls 2k Bunny Run at 12.15pm, entry is free for this one, while entry fee for the 5k is €10, there are prizes for the top three male and female finishers in the 5k, refreshments will be served and prize giving will be at the school after the event. More information from Patricia on (094 ) 93 65007.
