‘Spirit of Knock’ 5k/Round-up
Any village with ‘Cnoc’ in the name gives race organisers a bit of a problem. However, fair play to the organisers of the ‘Spirit of Knock’ 5k in providing a decent course – officially measured and permitted. The one lap loop of the village included a few gentle ups and downs as it snaked through the shrine area between 3/4k, and finished with a welcome downhill near the roundabout. Conditions were cool but good, given recent weather, and a nice breeze held off the rain. The event was excellently managed by Joe Neylon and a substantial local team in support of Knock National School, and a great turnout of runners and walkers took part in this inaugural race. Full results file expected in a couple of days. Brendan Gill (Mayo AC) was the clear winner in 17:39. It was his first race since.the National Masters Cross Country in February. There was a battle for second with Cathal Curry (u19 Claremorris AC) 17:51, just edging out Brendan Hession (Mayo AC) who was rewarded with a PB in 17:52.
Knock native Siobhan Lennon (Ennis Track AC) was first woman home in 20:47. She had completed an early morning 15 miler before the start in preparation for the Cork Marathon next weekend. Marcella McDonnell (Kiltimagh) was 2nd in 23:33, with Christine Regan (Kiltimagh) 3rd about a minute behind.
Well done to our Ballyhaunis Meet&Train man Jim Donnelly, who brought a group of 10 plus to the start and led them to personal achievement and improved confidence. One of them was Mary Waldron who completed her first ever 5k ..well done.
There were a few other members in the field including Paddy Walsh, Owen Mongan, Christy O’Malley, and we will update here as and when results/pics are received. Our Chairperson Michael McGrath was on hand to help out at the finish line.
On Tuesday evening last (20th) Gaway Series 4th race: Timmie Glavey had another top placing finishing 3rd in the Claregalway 5k in 17:02. Colette Tuohy was 3rd woman home in 18:53.
Sat 24th Paula Prendergast has probably run more races than any one else in the club this year so far, and her odyssey took her to the Burren where she had another triumph – first woman in the Marathon in 3:27:34, She was fifth overall behind racewinner who ran 3:06:04, and with just 31 of the 170 finishers coming in under 4 hours the open Burren terrain proved a tough test.
Sat 23th parkrun Castlebar
Clive Lavelle 21:05
F