Busy month across the country for Mayo AC runners

Athletics: The month of August was particularly busy for Mayo AC competitors, beginning with Ronnie Naylor’s victory at the Castlepollard 5k on Wednesday, August 12. The Ballina man clocked a brilliant time of 21:22 to take first in the M60 category.

In the Ballina 10 miler on August 16, Una Mayock finished fourth woman while Donna Gallagher was first in the O40 category and Ann Lennon was ninth woman overall and first O60.

Lorcan Murray was Mayo AC’s first finisher, taking sixth place overall in 1:02.18. He was followed by David Browne, who was 13th in 1:06.56, Ray Clarke (1:13.50) and Dee Corcoran (1:18.54) who was also first O50.

On August 22, the Claregalway 8k was hosted by Clare River Harriers AC and saw Mayo AC’s Johnny Cribbin finish in 34:42. On the same day, the 40th Warriors Run was held in Strandhill, Co Sligo where Darragh Healy was the club's first runner home in 1:14.55. Next back to sea-level was Padraic McVann (1:17.54) followed by John Reilly (1:23.52), Eimear Fitzmaurice (1:26.27), Ruth Carney (1:27.16) and Donna Gallagher (1:28.12).

On August 27, in the All-Ireland Backyard Ultra in Fermanagh, Mayo AC’s Adrian McNamara completed 167.65 kilometres in 25 hours, which equates to 6.7kms per hour. He finished 13th overall and second in the M40 category, which is a brilliant achievement.

Meanwhile, Mayo AC’s three runners in the Tullamore Bord Na Móna half-marathon on August 28 were Michelle McAlpine (1:46.42), Carol McAlpine (1:54.42) and Dorothy McHale (2:06.05).

Finally, bringing the curtain down on August were a trio of Mayo AC runners who took part in the Longford half-marathon on August 29. The club’s fastest finisher was Michelle Heneghan who was also the third woman finisher overall in an excellent 1:29.57. Also crossing the line with impressive times were Helen Hopkins and Mairéad Bristow. Castlebar-based Helen ran a time of 1:40.29 and was followed closely home by Mairéad Bristow in 1:42.28.