Saturday success in Burren and Ballina

It was another week-end of success for our members and women in particular. Well done to Paula Prendergast first woman in Burren Marathon in 3:34:03; one of the toughest courses on the Irish calendar with a gradual rise to 1000ft from sea-level start at Ballyvaughan to the 20k mark, then along the coast road return via Black head . Results of 10k and half also at www.precisiontiming.com

Ann Lennon on way to 2nd place at Ballina  (pic from Mary Moylett)

In Ballina Ann Lennon and Sarah Syron were in the top three in the Ballina Half with brilliant times. Ann is still setting the standard in distance running and it is remarkable that her considerable marathon achievements have not been emulated by Mayo women in over ten years. She was first Irish woman in Dublin Marathon in 2002 in 2:46:18 while in w35 category. Karen Alexander won in Ballina and equalled her 2008 pb time. Men’s winner Alan O’Shea stopped off in Oughterard on Sunday and won the Mayfly 10k in 33:45.

Ballina Half (unofficial, online results not made available by organisers until Monday lunchtime?) (Mayo AC unless stated, a number of our Fit4Life runners competed and their finishing times will be added when received)
Race won by Alan O’Shea (Bantry AC) 70:48, 2 M Canty (Ballina AC) 73:28, 3 Richard Gorman (Sligo AC) 73:35, 4 John Byrne, 2nd M35 74:06, Sean Murphy  84:56 3rd M40, Christy O’Malley 1:47:09
Women 1 Karen Alexander W35 (Sperrin Harriers) 83:05, 2 Ann Lennon W45 86:58, 3 Sarah Syron 88:50

Craughwell AC’s Gerry Ryan won the M45 title  for the 10k at the European Masters Non-Stadia Championships in Upice, Czech Republic. Gerry won in 32:03. and with Raheny Shamrock pair Mick Traynor 2nd M45 32:52,  and Damien Martin  6th M45 34:21, he also helped Ireland win team gold.  Ryan finished second overall in the race just behind the M35 winner.

At the Irish Milers Club meeting in Greystones, Roger Barrett (Ballina AC) finished third in the 5,000 metres in a fast 15:14