Freddy and Norah clear winners at Balla 10k

Balla 10k Women’s race top 3, l-r: Colette Tuohy (Mayo AC) 2nd, Norah Newcombe (Ballina AC) 1st, Sarah Syron (Mayo AC) 3rd

It was a glorious sunny evening at the 22nd running of the Balla races. The 10k is the most keenly anticipated in the Mayo calendar and the tough course has provided challenges for all comers and all levels over the years. It was the third race in our Move2Improve Series sponsored by C&C Cellular. Freddy Keron Sittuk from Raheny Shamrock AC returned to retain the title he won last year and was the clear winner in 33:01, though well outside his 2013 course record. Clubmate Ian Conroy was second and with Bernard Roe 4th and David Grange, Raheny were winners of the team prize. In his prolific career John Byrne (Mayo AC)  has featured at the forefront of Balla 10k finishers and he came home 3rd in 34:09.
Norah Newcombe (Ballina AC) was also a clear winner of women’s race and 9th overall in 37:24. Following her return to her native Ballina she will be a leading contender at races in the West. Colette Tuohy displayed formidable consistency to claim second place 39:37,ahead of Sarah Syron who is back to form with a string of excellent 10k times. Ann McDonnell ran a stormer and was delighted with her pb 45:41 and win in the o35 category. Angela O’Connor continues to perform at the top level
with a great time 41:58 to win o45 from Chris Gallagher 2nd in 44:34. Angela, Colette and Sarah combined to win the women’s team prize for Mayo AC.
There was keen rivalry throughout among the field of 277 runners and
walkers. Anto Devaney 2nd o35, edged out John Nolan who was rewarded with a 36:43 pb.
There were many others profiting from the recent 5k series and stepping up to record their best 10k times. Mayo AC were well represented throughout as is reflected in the prizes summary. It also gave many their final test ahead of the National Half Marathon next week when the club has a record fifty plus members competing.
There were presentations of National medals to a number of members for various competitions in recent times. Mayo AC’s Aine Gallagher from Ballindine was also recognised with a presentation for her recent Irish record achievement in the Energia 12 hour women’s event in Belfast.
Brendan Conwell (for the 22nd time)  thanked his 37 strong team who helped organise a great event and he recognised also the assistance of Michael McGrath and Marion Mattimoe.
Move2Improve points will be awarded at all 3 levels based on the race results and tables will be updated shortly.
The next race in the series is the Charlestown 10k on Sept 6th.

Prizewinners 22nd Annual Balla 10k  (277 finishers), results Balla10km_2014

Men:
1 Freddy Keron Sittuk (Raheny Shamrock AC) 33:01

2 Ian Conroy (Raheny Shamrock AC) 33:38

3 John Byrne (Mayo AC) 34:09.

M35 :

1 Robert Malseed  (Westport AC) 35:01

2 Anto Devaney (Mayo AC) 36:29

M50:
1 Paul McDonagh (Maree AC) 40:04:

2 Dominic Regan (Mayo AC) 40:10

M60:

1 Tom Hunt (Mayo AC) 43:49

M70 1 Tom Waldron (Mayo AC) 74:30

Junior Men:
1 Padraig Normanly 43:06

Women:
1 Norah Newcombe (BallinaAC) 37:24
2 Colette Tuohy, (Mayo AC) 39.37
3 Sarah Syron(Mayo AC) 40:52

F35 1 Ann McDonnell (Mayo AC) 45:41
2 Anne Heaney (Mayo AC) 46:37
F45:

1 Angela O’Connor (Mayo AC) 41:58

2  Chris Gallagher (Mayo AC) 44:34

F50:
1 Pauline Moran (Mayo AC) 45:03
2 Monica Joyce (Mayo AC) 40:36

F60 1 Livelie Beltman 61:28, 2 Ann Sweeney 80:21

Junior Women: 1 Lucy Brennan 75:09