Running into Autumn

Michael McNeela in Balla 10k – 18:10 pb in Foxford 5k

The racing season shows little sign of quietening down as we head into autumn and cross country events. The XC  dates are set for Mayo, Connacht (3 legs) and the Open Autumn XC which will serve as Masters Trial. Look at the events calendar for details as known.
Locally, the Run West Ballyhaunis 8k is just over a week away, Charlestown 10k is scheduled for 3rd Oct – details to follow – and Breaffy 10k is on Oct 11th.
The popular annual Harvest Series of Wednesday evening races organised by Swinford AC concluded on Wednesday  evening with the Foxford 5k. It’s the fastest course in the series as starter Alan Bracken reminded the field  assembled on the Swinford Road. His son Shane won the race in 17+. Well done to Michael McNeela who wasn’t far behind recording a pb 18:10. Consistently improving Padraic McVann came home in 19:56, thirty seconds faster than his best parkrun 5k. He was followed closely by Clive Lavelle, who ran 1:36 recently over the tough Clonbur half marathon circuit.
Next Mayo AC finishers were Tom Hunt 20:44, Ann Murray 20:48, and Mary Moylett  24:00.