Last Friday saw the running of our annual 5 mile road race. 200 runners and walkers took to the line in what were ideal conditions after the recent bad weather. With some notable entrants from around Munster and beyond, a top quality race was expected. First home was Julio Castro who has been getting great results in the Ballyhoura series to date. Bilbao duo of Declan Moore and Mike Cunningham followed closely behind to claim the prizes.
The top ten saw runners from Clare, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick, one of whom Adrian Hennessy was the first club runner home followed closely by Mike McAuliffe, Greg Ryan, Pat Irwin and Ruairí O Callaghan, a very strong showing from our top athletes. First home for the ladies was Caroline Conroy from West Limerick AC closely followed by Loretta Duggan and it was great to see local runner Grainne O’Callaghan back to top form in 3rd position. Another club runner Pat Collins took first place in the over 70s category.
It took a lot of effort and time into getting everything set up for the evening. Great credit must go Pat O’Sullivan, Siobhan Colclough, Edel Hennessy and Vinny O’Donnell for all their hard work on the evening and in particular to Liam Healy from West Limerick AC who managed race timing to perfection. Thanks too to the large number of volunteers who helped out at registration, marshalling and catering at the end, it would not have been possible to host a race without their assistance.
Finally it was fantastic to see so many local and club runners taking part. 5 miles is a tough challenge for any runner and to complete it is an achievement at any level. Well done to all who took part and best wishes in upcoming races in Dromcollogher, Fermoy and Mitchelstown amongst others.