The beginning of March heralds the start of the road running season and over the next few weeks there are plenty of races for those preparing for the National 10k Championships on April 26 at Navan.
Five Mayo AC runners checked out their form in sunny Adare on Sunday, among a record 400 runners and walkers. Adare is a recognised tough one lap 10km course with several hills, but conditions were good with a slight cooling breeze on the outward section. A revised start point meant that the distance was measured by the Garmin brigade at about 35 yards longer than last year. Cian Murphy (Iveragh AC ) was the clear winner in 32.37 but the Mayo performance of the day was TJ McHugh's excellent race finishing third in 33.43, proving he is in good shape already this season. In 24th place was Dave Huane with a top form PB in 37.22 and he will be in confident mood heading further south for the Ballycotton 10 next Sunday.
Tom Hunt ran his first road race of the year finishing second in the over 60 in 40.05. Caroline Conway was 14th senior woman finisher in 45.49, a good stepping stone on the way to Navan. Christy O'Malley had run the Calry handicap nine mile race on Saturday in 66 minutes and still had plenty in the tank to get round Adare in 46.39. Anto Devaney also ran the Sligo race finishing in 54 minutes. Meanwhile, in the National Senior Inter Club Cross Country Championships run over 12k at Santry Demesne on Sunday Mayo AC's Robert Malseed finished in 43rd place and was one of only three athletes from Connacht taking part among the 86 competitors. Athletes preparing for Navan have plenty opportunities to spring into action in next few weeks: Ballinrobe 8k, Snugboro Fun Run 5k, Tubbercurry 10k, Bupa 10k, Quilty four mile, Carney 10k, Kilnaboy 10 mile.
Castlebar fun run
Compháirtíocht Spóirt Mhaigh Eo (Mayo Sports Partnership ) is continuing its programme aimed at getting more people involved in the sport of running with a 5k fun run on March 15 at 3pm in Castlebar. The race is open to all club and fun runners, walkers, beginners — people of all abilities. There will be prizes for participants and a certificate for all children who take part. Entry is €5 for an individual or €10 for an entire family. Look out for more details next week. Contact Anne or Ray at 094 9047025 or [email protected].
There is an 8km road race in support of Ballinrobe Town AFC on Sunday March 8 at the soccer pitch registration from 12.30pm with water stops en route, and refreshments after the event.
Be in with a chance to win tickets to Ireland v Bulgaria international soccer match.
Entrance fee adults €12, Children and OAPs €5.
