Eamonn and Kathy reign supreme in 5k Series
The final race in 2016 Mayo AC Vodafone C&C Cellular 5k Series took place at Castlebar this evening. The Lough Lannagh circuit is recognized as probably the most challenging in the 5k series, with subtle gradients and short sharp shocks above the lake. However, by now this popular course will be familiar to many.
Eamonn Staunton and Kathy Gleeson went into the final series race with three wins, John Byrne and Catherine Conway were the other winners. This evening Eamonn and Kathy underlined their domination of the series with their fourth victories, though Eamonn was pushed hard by young Thomas Devaney and Sean Murphy 16 seconds faster than last year in third. Sean has had a brilliant series including a 5k pb.
Kathy Gleeson has been in excellent form and she showed strength and resilience in the way she won from the front.
There were 126 finishers, down on last year as was the case in the preceding four series races. There’s lots of statistics from the five races and they’ll provide evidence of a wide range of improving competitors.
Well done to Ann McDonnell who led the organisation of the race and to all the volunteers who helped.
First three: (Mayo AC unless stated)
Men: 1 Eamonn Staunton (Westport AC) 17:23, 2 Thomas Devaney (Parke) 17:36, 3 Sean Murphy (Mayo AC) 17:38
Women 1 Kathy Gleeson (Claremorris) 19:23; 2 Angela O’Connor 20:56, 3 Julie Kearney (Mayo AC) 21:24
Apart from the Series races winners other prizewinners were recognised at after party and we’ll publish the list soon.
Results: www.myrunresults.com
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On Saturday, new member Helsinki based Andrew Newby was back on a visit and ran his second best time for 10k – 49:48 at Strokestown. He reckons wearing the club vest in Roscommon is worth a few seconds. The race was organised by local club Sliabh Bán AC.
Results at www.popupraces.ie
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A big reminder to all : the Irishtown 8k which is on Sunday next June 26 is also a Mayo AC 2016 Vodafone C&C Cellular Club League race . Details on events calendar.