Mayo AC runners were in action at various events over the weekend and had top three finishers at Roscommon, Killarney, and Crossmolina. John Byrne finished second in Roscommon Harriers' 10 mile race on Saturday. His 53:53 finish was a great time over this classic distance given his career span, it was just 45 seconds outside his 2010 Craughwell 10 mile personal best of 53:08. A tough windy stretch mid-race cost finishers a good few seconds. Mark Kirwan (Raheny Shamrock AC ) was the winner in 52:32. Well done too to Brendan Hession who had a great run to finish 16th overall with a personal best in 62:15.
Paula Prendergast was third woman home in the Killarney Half Marathon in a time of 88:29. That is a fine return to form for her and a great confidence boost ahead of the National Half Marathon Championhsip in two weeks where she will be part of the club's senior women's team. Prendergast will be joined on the East Wall start line by Sarah Syron who came through another test following return from injury, and was happy with her win in 41:15 on home terrain in the Crossmolina Festival 10k. It was Syron's first 10k race since Balla last year where she was third in 40:52. The Crossmolina men's race was won by Robert Malseed (Westport AC ), second place went to David Sands (Liquid Motion ), and third place to Ray McNamara (Ballina AC ) in a new personal best of 36:59.
Preparation on track for fiftieth running of the Hollymount International Road Race
With just four months to go until the big day, major planning and preparation is making strides to ensure the 2015 Hollymount Road Race is the best ever in its distinguished 50th year history. Sunday November 15 will see everyone from elite athletes to complete beginners descend on the south Mayo village to test themselves around the picturesque circuit. A 50th anniversary race committee under the chairmanship of Sean Reilly (the man who has organised the event every November since 1966 ) has been diligently working behind the scenes since the beginning of this year.
Plans for the anniversary include the unveiling of a commemorative statue reflecting a major contribution made to the event, and a plaque containing the names of all male and female winners will also go on permanent display. A pre-race function will be held the night before (Saturday November 14 ) to honour and appreciate all those who have left an indelible mark on the history of the event. Special guest on the night will be John Treacy, CEO Irish Sports Council and former Olympian silver medallist.
The event will include an underage race at 12 noon, a new women's 6k race at 12.20pm, and the men's 10k race at the earlier time of 1pm. New features will include a major cash prize fund, chip timing, and a limited edition 50th anniversary T-shirt to commemorate the occasion. All race winners since 1966 will be invited back to the village for the day. Likewise the organisers are issuing an open invitation to anybody who ever ran Hollymount to attend the race, be it as a spectator or to run and enjoy the camaraderie.
