4th Run for Boylo – a great success
Edel Feeney (left, Mayo AC) 44:26 one of many PBs at Foxford
There was a brilliant turnout at Foxford today for the 4th Annual ‘Run for Boylo’ 10k/5k. A total of 360 runners and walkers took part in a highly successful and well organised event, in excellent conditions despite a couple of brief showers mid race. For many it was an opportunity to improve on performances at Kilmovee a three weeks ago. It was the second race in Mayo AC’s 2015 Vodafone Move2Improve series and a chance to add to the points won there, or get in the top twenty finishers in the three levels.
Kilmovee winner Matt Bidwell (GCH) was in fine form again and led from start to finish in a new course record 31:53, delighted to dip under 32 minutes. John Byrne followed him home again improving on his time at Kilmovee 32:35 , and his new clubmate Stephen Donnelly – 40 seconds faster than Kilmovee – came home third in 35:39.
Anto Devaney was 4th and first o40 in 36:18 having finished 6th (86:)in the Defence Forces half marathon last Wednesday in hot conditions in Clare in 86:38, a good preparation in marathon pace for next week-end.
Norah Newcombe was the clear winner of the women’s race 37:02 – a minute faster than her 2nd place at Kilmovee and looking in great shape ahead of her first West of Ireland women’s mini-marathon next Sunday. She’ll be joined on the start line at the Mall by Colette Tuohy, second today in a consistent 39:15 finish time. it was good to see Breege Blehein McHale back competing and she’s still a formidable strong presence on the road, and third place today in 41:43. Ann Murray continued her comeback from injury with a great 43:54 to win the o50 section. Right through the field there were brilliant performances by a strong Mayo AC contingent. Our trainer Matt Bidwell was delighted to see so many of those attending the club’s Thursday track training sessions achieve pbs. Among those known are Mags Glavey F60 winner, Edel Feeney, Donal Tighe, Ann McDonnell, Mairead Cafferkey, Ann Marie Clarke, Maria Nolan, Mags Connell, Patricia Carty, Mary Moylett and newcomer John McNamee. Well done too Greg Barry, also on the injury comeback trail with a 53:29 finish. It was both a privilege and an inspiration once again to see Jerry Forde on the roads of Mayo. The Blarney Iniscarrig AC wheelchair racer is in the M60 category and finished in 67:35. Jerry completed an amazing 300 marathons by December 2014.
Well done to all those involved in organising Run For Boylo – so many stewards, lovely course, and a welcome great spread afterwards in the Foxford Sports & Leisure Centre event HQ. A significant number of local charities will benefit once again from the funds raised. The next race in Mayo AC’s Move2Improve series is the Irishtown 8k on Sunday 28th June at 12pm
Paul Gilligan and Sandra Coen
Breege Blehein 3rd woman, Ambrose Gaughan approach 7k
Aoife McDonagh goes through her home village Belgarrow, with Joanne Carolan