4th Annual Kilmovee 10k Road Race and Walk

2012 start…in the absence of three times winner Martin Conroy (1025), who will be first to cross the line this year?

After Tubbercurry the action moves south via the N17 to the 4th Annual Kilmovee 10k Road Race and Walk which takes place next Saturday 30th March starting at 1pm.This popular event attracted over 400 runners, joggers, and walkers last year. It has an AAI permit issued through Mayo AC and is organised by Kilmovee Shamrocks GAA Club. It is a joint fundraiser with Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and Kilmovee Shamrocks. The Hospice is the main beneficiary  – with €19,000 raised for them in the past three years and it is appropriate that part of the course goes into Co.Roscommon.   This is the first big road race in Mayo this year. Race Organiser, John Roddy and his team are busy putting final plans in place for what is expected to be the biggest version of this event to date.

The race starts beside the GAA pitch and finishes beside the Church. The course is rural and flat with just one testing hill in the last kilometre. The race week-end is a great  example of a local community working together.  Every year, many Kilmovee natives return specially to either run, jog, or walk or just to help out on the big day.

Due to some changes in other race fixtures, the race is not part of the 2013 Mayo AC Road League which will begin in July. As in previous years the Kilmovee 10k is set to attract  leading runners from around the West and further afield. There is a full cash prize fund on offer:  top 3 men/women, top 2 men/women over 35 and 50 and Junior m/w under 19.

There are specially designed t-shirts for all participants. Chip timing will be used and there will be a finish line clock. Last year Martin Conroy (Ballina AC) won for the third time in 32.45, with Mary Gleeson Mayo AC (36.34) first woman – both went on to achieve National success in 2012. There will be a new men’s champion this year as Martin Conroy is currently injured.

The event will also provide an ideal opportunity for those competing in the AAI National 10k/Great Ireland Run (April 14th) or the West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon in Castlebar to test their fitness levels. People of all ages who have taken up running, jogging, or walking in recent times through Fit4Life or in other ways will have the chance to be part of a great day.

Online entry at €20 is now available at  www.kilmoveerace.com . Due to safety concerns the number of participants is limited and people are advised to enter early online.  However, some entries will be taken on the day at the GAA Centre. On the day entry is also €20 and not €30 as was published earlier in error. After the race refreshments will be available in the Community Centre close to the finish line, and prize-giving will also take place there. Full results and photographs will be published on www.kilmoveerace.com and www.mayoac.com shortly after the event