Brendan clocks in on time in Ballindine

On Saturday evening in Ballindine, over 100 runners and walkers took part in the annual 4 miler “Guess Your Own Time” race organised by our very Own Dave Huane, in aid of Western Alzheimers. Dave had shown great resilience all week in the face of calls from EUFA, Fergie, Platini, Sky, Bill O’H and Co to change the time of the race. Super injunctions were threatened but Dave did not flinch. Many probably regret they didn’t run and spare themselves the armchair pain. In fairness, as they say, Dave and his team did a great job. 

It was cold, blustery and grey as we lined up at the start, feeling naked without a watch. The man from Western Alzheimers thanked everybody for their support and told us that the it was an exciting day for them as the President, Mary Robinson had paid a visit.. there were quizzical looks all around but nobody knew what time, day or year it was!
So 3-2-1 from starter Alan Burke and we were off on the one lap rural course. The downhill start helped everyone get warmed up. Soon we were into an undulating section, racing down, panting up, before emerging on the N17 hard shoulder with a mile to go – we learned this later.

Anto Devaney was in the lead as the finish approached, but was just beaten for first place by fast finishing young Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) in 22.11. Dan O’Rourke (Tuam AC) ran a great race to come in third, 23.12, and 34 seconds faster than his 2010 time. The first women to finish were Mary Gleeson and Colette Tuohy who ran the race together as a training run (and completed two circuits afterwards). Angela O’Connor continued her Carramore form finishing third in 25.20.

The predict v clock battle adds a novel and exciting dimension to the event. Tuam AC’s Brendan Monaghan was just a few seconds off his predicted time last year.. This year he was spot on. Una McGrath was joint second with Ambrose Gaughan – just a fraction outside their prediction. Ann Marie Tiernan from Claremorris Fif4Life was 4th. Breege Staunton ran for the third time and pushed seventeen month old daughter around the course – which as Dave Huane says, means that Aoibhínn has also completed three GYOT runs.

There was a good turnout of from all the local clubs and lots of Fit4Lifers with many improving their race pace. 77% of finishers were ‘quicker’ than their predictions, and 50% finished within a minute of predicted time.
Hospitality in the Community Centre was first class and the tea-kettles were busy. Numerous spot prizes were presented. Kathleen from Western Alzheimers thanked all who helped at the race and at the centre.
Well done, Dave Huane and team which included great help from Máire Treasa Beatty and Alan Burke of Athenry AC. 
 
 
Guess Your Own Time Winners: 
                                                  predicted time    clock time   offset
1 Brendan Monaghan (Tuam AC)         26.15             26.15        00.00
 
2 Una McGrath (Mayo AC)                  32.04             32.03        00.01
2 Ambrose Gaughan   Foxford             29.30              29.31       00.01
 
First to finish
Men
1 Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC)  22.11
2 Anto Devaney (Mayo AC)   22.12
3 Dan O Rourke (Tuam AC)   23.12
 
Women
 Colette Tuohy, Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC) 25.05
3 Angela O’Connor (Mayo AC) 25.20

Full Results Clock –>[Download not found]

Full Results –> [Download not found]