5k Series: A successful start at Castlebar – moving on to Claremorris

Race winner John Courell led across the bridge and across the finish line

After a very successful start to our 2023 Intersport Elverys 5k Series last evening – thanks again to organiser Colette Tuohy and her Castlebar support squad – the Series moves on to Claremorris terrain next week, with the added incentive and  excitement of a flat 400m finish around the track.

2023 Series co-ordinator Ann McDonnell was delighted with how well the Castlebar race went and how it fitted in with the development of the Series over the years .

“Following the introduction of Fit4Life nationally in 2008, the Mayo AC series was developed to encourage those new to running to participate in road races.

The series emphasis has always been on the less ‘elite’ of the running community.

Considering all runners finished in under 37 minutes last night, it’s a testament to how running has become so popular in the community in recent years.

Delighted to see Paddy Murray one of Mayo AC’s greatest road runners back on the road at Lough Lannagh

It’s inspiring to see the likes of John, Dan, Norah et al knocking out class times. At the finish line after grabbing a cup of water everyone is equal, everyone has pushed themselves to their max whether they did 16 or 36 minutes!”

“…the atmosphere was fantastic “

Mayo AC Lough Lannagh masterclass l-r Michael Sweeney, Noreen McManamon, Mags Glavey, Joan Walsh (Ballinrobe 5k organiser), Angela O’Connor

And Club Chairman John Byrne added:

“Mayo AC are grateful to everyone who turned out to run or help out with our first Intersport Elvery’s 5k Race Series event in Castlebar. The atmosphere was fantastic despite the weather, and it was heartening to receive such great support from our neighbouring clubs as well as our own members. We look forward to welcoming you all to our 3 remaining events in the series”

Indeed the idea behind the series and the experience of participants in 2014 is still as pertinent today as it was back then as evidenced by this website post from July of that year:

https://www.mayoac.com/i-hoped-to-be-part-of-it-and-now-finally-i-am/

In addition to Greg Barry’s photos you may have seen on facebook, there’s a few more in the album attached below.

Castlebar 5k album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HnhRzmm6AqKUktFE6