Run with Mayo AC in the Park

We are just four weeks away from the first National Road race championships of 2013. The Spar Great Ireland Run which incorporates the AAI National 10k championships will be held on Sunday April 14th, starting at 1pm in the Phoenix Park. Ireland’s European Cross Country champion Fionnuala Britton has committed to lead the Irish women’s team and many other International athletes will be taking part in this race which will be televised live.

This glamour event has grown in popularity in recent years, and while very competitive with top club athletes involved, it is also open to all levels and attracts up to ten thousand runners, joggers and walkers to the famous Dublin venue. This year we plan to have our largest contingent ever participating, with a broad spectrum of members, ranging from elite to experienced club runners and Fit4Life participants. It is a unique occasion and a great opportunity to wear the famous green and red vest on the big day.

We plan to have strong teams competing in the six National categories – senior, +35 and +50 for both men and women. Many will also be challenging for the various individual age category medals. Mayo AC have a successful history in this particular national event in recent times. Last year Mary Gleeson finished 7th overall, leading the senior women’s team to bronze medals, while our women +35 and +50 and men’s +50 were all team medallists. In addition, a number of members won age category medals. In the 2011 race Catherine Conway also finished 7th and led the women’s senior team to silver medals

An event like this gives people who may be starting out, like many who have joined through Fit4Life in recent times, the opportunity to be part of the Mayo AC team. Our club secretary and Fit4Life Leader, Ann McDonnell,  says “this type of event really demonstrates the change in the perception of athletic clubs over the last number of years. All athletes regardless of ability or experience are members of a bigger team, and it’s a great day out with a real friendly atmosphere despite being a championship event”.

All members planning to take part should confirm by text to Ann at 086 8635534 by Sunday March 17th,  so that team registration can be finalised. All representing Mayo AC must be AAI registered and paid up members for 2013.

More information on entry procedure will appear here in the next few weeks.