Mayo runners excel across the province

Athletics: Mayo AC has enjoyed some great success in a number of recent events.

The Streets of Sligo 5k returned on June 2 for the first time since 2019. There was a slight drizzle as starters lined up between WB Yeats’ statue and Hyde Bridge. Conditions were good for running, 18°C overcast but a bit humid.

It was an exciting race with spectators and supporters lining the town centre streets to see the field pass by twice before the loop out to Cranmore.

Conán McCaughy of North Belfast Harriers was the clear winner in a fast 14:50. Lucas Lyons of North Leitrim AC was fourteen seconds behind in 15:04 to finish second overall and first junior men’s, with Sligo AC’s Matthew McMeekin third in 15:33. Clubmate Seamus Somers finished fourth and first over 50 in an impressive 15:42.

Alexandre Joyce, a young Tuam AC athlete, was first woman across the line in an excellent 16:31 to finish in seventh place overall. Her clubmate Niamh McWalter made it a great evening for Tuam coming home second in 18:36 and first junior woman.

She was followed by the first of Mayo AC’s eight finishers Jo Hughes, who was third woman to finish in 18:55 – brilliant running which saw her a well deserved winner of her W50 category. Jo was a top finisher in all five of the recent Mayo AC 5k Series races.

The threatening drops of rain that fell at the start preceded a heavy downpour as the race finished with many taking refuge in the alleyways off Stephen Street.

There was an excellent turnout (427 finishers) with good representation from clubs in the Sligo and border areas as well as further afield.

Host club Sligo AC did a great job organising the event, a challenging task given the town centre course and race time. They were helped by a huge team of volunteers and club members as well as the local Council.

Meanwhile, there was great running by eight Mayo AC members in Roscommon on Saturday, June 28 as they competed in the Roscommon Harriers AC 10th Annual 10 Mile. The race is part of the Peugeot Race Series in conjunction with Pop up Races, with a start and finish at Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon Town.

In a field of almost 500, the overall race winners were Hugh Armstrong of Ballina AC in 49:28, and Ann-Marie McGlynn of Strabane AC in 56:39.

Well done to Mayo AC’s first finisher Dan Charlton who ran an excellent time to finish in sixth place overall and third M40 in 56:21. He was closely followed by Matt Bidwell who showed his brilliant recent form in Ballinrobe 5k to finish thirteenth overall and third 59:20. Tadgh Hanrahan was back in his happy hunting ground where he ran a 10 mile pb last year, and was further rewarded with a 59:57 finish – 30 seconds inside his 2024 time.

Gerry Kirrane was next in 1:02:28, followed by Colette Tuohy ninth overall and first F50 in 1:09.41, with Lisa Lally next 1:18.16. Mags Glavey (F75) had an amazing run when crossing the line in 1:19.52 which was over a minute faster than last year and good enough to place second in the F60 category. She was followed by Erika Ryan in 1:24.43.

Congratulations to all Mayo AC’s prizewinners in Roscommon and to the mixed team of Dan, Matt, Tadgh, Colette, Lisa and Mags, who finished second of nine competing teams in the Peugeot Race Series behind winners Galway City Harriers AC. Congratulations also to Mayo AC's Dan, Matt and Tadgh who won the men's team prize.

The IMRA (Irish Mountain Running Association) 2025 Connacht League Benbulben race took place on Sunday, June 22. The route is about 9k in total length with an elevation gain of around 400m – defined as moderately challenging.

The first man home was Swinford AC’s Alan Dunne in 48:50. David Dinsmore of Mayo AC finished 42nd in 1:10.27. Mayo AC’s other finisher was Donna Gallagher who was tenth in the women’s race in 1:12.40.

Elsewhere, the Biofreeze Irish Runner 5 mile race took place on Sunday, June 29 in the Phoenix Park. It is one of two imperial distance road race events adapted from the Irish Runner Summer Series that have been given Athletics Ireland National Championship status.

Mayo AC’s Mary Browne won silver in the W65 category in 37:51, having also won silver in 2024.