A busy few days of events began at the Royal Canal loop in Longford on Wednesday last for the opening 5k of this month’s trail run series. A very enjoyable evening with lots of PBs recorded among the almost 200 finishers who were led home by 13-year-old Rian McCaffrey in 17:53. Many club members took part, from Little Athletics up to more experienced runners, as the series got off to a great start. The trail aspect of it all will pick up a bit when the action moves to Corlea Bog on Wednesday (entry link below).
Friday’s Streets of Athboy 5k saw plenty of fast times set with Ross Gannon first home from the club in just under 17 minutes. Fiona Gettings and Donal Mulligan followed seconds later with both achieving first place age category finishes. Strong runs also by Adrianna Mulligan (2nd in her age category), Declan Newman, Gary Brady, Michael O’Hara and Edel Nolan.
Edel wasn’t finished there and took to the start line at Saturday’s Breffni Challenge for her third race in four days. Those undulating Arva hills once again provided a stern test but didn’t deter Edel as first lady home in the 10k with a new PB. In the half marathon, Colin Beades also claimed the win with a time of 1:23 to defend his title. John Scott soon followed to claim second while Enda Coffey also ran strongly on the tough course. Ed and Ollie Beades both ran quick times in the 5k in plenty of time to see Dad cross the line first in the half. At the Kilbeggan 10 mile on Sunday, Barry Sheil recorded a top-ten placing for eighth.
There was racing on the track too as Ben Quinn made the trip to the Morton Stadium for last Wednesday’s Dublin Graded Meet and clocked a good time over the seldom run mile distance. Adam Mulleady warmed up for the upcoming Community Games with fast runs on the track in Ballinasloe at the Tribal Running event on Saturday running quick in both the 100m and 200m.
Well done to all.
Trail Run Series: The remaining 5k’s are Corlea Bog (Aug 9), Derrycassin Woods (Aug 16) and Newcastle Woods (Aug 23). All those entered under the multi-race bundle must wear the same race number for each event.
