A Carra Classic 8k report
Women’s winners: l-r Monica Joyce 1st 50+, Colette Tuohy 3rd, Regina Casey 1st, Kathy Gleeson 2nd
Mags Donovan has once again this year provided us with details of the Carra Classic – pre and post the event. We have published basic results of the race.
Mags has as usual followed up with her own report of the 2018 event for local papers etc. Thanks to her sending us a copy which you can read here:
The 5th Annual Seamus Corbett Memorial 8k fun run & walk
Over the past five years the community of Carnacon has welcomed almost 200 participants to each annual event with each individual giving it their all and this year was no different.
Athletes of all ages and abilities swarmed to the local Community Centre for the 5th Seamus Corbett Memorial Carra Classic 8k fun run/walk which is a very successful event and has great Community spirit.
It was indeed special in that the event was being held as a commemoration to the late Seamus Corbett, Moorehall, who was widely popular and deeply respected across the region. The event was organised by a highly committed backroom team whose dedication to the cause shows no end.
It was also the first race of the Mayo AC series of runs which was hugely supported by their members.
One hundred and fifty five Athletes, joggers and walkers of all ages took part over an ideal course which wound its way around historic Castlecarra and the abundant scenery of Moorehall and Lough Carra finishing up where it started back in the picturesque village of Carnacon.
Weather conditions on the day were excellent for everyone.
It was a day when the local community put its best foot forward in what was a superbly organised event. Stewarding, water stations, photography, safety and catering were of the highest standard and deeply appreciated by all who participated.
The village was well marshalled at every junction all around the course to ensure everyone’s safety. Houses along the route left out tables of drinks. There is little doubt that this event is now an annual feature of community life for the householders of Carnacon.
For this year’s event the race committee added an extra prize of €100 cash for any participant to beat the men’s 1993 course record held by Jamie Lewis in a time of 24:15 and the women’s course record of the same year held by Frances Murphy in a time of 28:19. Unfortunately neither of these records were beaten on the day, but will still stand for the 2019 event.
After the race everyone was treated to a goodie bag and enjoyed plenty of home baking and good community spirit. Before the presentation James Donovan thanked everyone for their help on the day and in previous days getting things prepared for the day. He also thanked all that kindly gave sponsorship and he thanked all participants and welcomed everyone back for 2019.
Winners of the men’s and women’s event received the coveted ‘Seamus Corbett Memorial Shield’ along with a cash prize, a voucher and a Carra Classic top.
The first home for the men was Ger Harnett in 29:02, 2nd was Frances Cryan in 29:15, and 3rd was Brendan Hession 29:54. First home for the women was Regina Casey in a time of 29:15, 2nd was Kathy Gleeson in 31:22 and 3rd was Colette Tuohy in 31:42.
Other prize category winners included: Men over 50yrs, Kevin Hastings in 33:14, Women over 50yrs, Monica Joyce in 38:40.
Under 18 male, Josh Mahon in 42:19 and female under 18 was Hannah Burke and Emer Biggins in a time of 59:38. The boys under 12 was won by Matthew Corbett and the girls under 12 by Lauren Cunningham.
Soon after everyone dispersed and yet again, all were left talking about what was a fantastic day was had in the community and have plans in place for 2019