Curtain falls on a cracking 5k Series
Runners get going at the start of the fifth and final leg of the Mayo AC Intersport Elverys 5k Series which was held in Claremorris last week.
Athletics: The Claremorris 5k proved to be a magnificent finale to the 2024 Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k Series.
Last Tuesday evening, June 11, the curtain came down on a very successful and enjoyable twelfth edition of the popular series.
The five series locations at Castlebar, Westport, Foxford, Ballinrobe and Claremorris provided a range of different challenges, enabling all who ran to reach new levels. Apart from a drenching at Lough Lannagh at the first race, the weather conditions were very favourable amid an unsettled summer.
One of the key objectives of the Series is to provide an opportunity for all runners, whether a complete beginner or a regular jogging/runner, to achieve improved levels of fitness and wellness within the five-race series in a fun, sociable environment.
Claremorris was blessed with a wonderful sunny evening and excitement buzzed in the air as 206 eager runners (the series’ biggest field of the year) assembled outside CBE. The sense of anticipation was palpable.
The one lap Claremorris course has a long climb up Claremount Manor after the 3k mark, but the final section at Claremorris Athletics track is a fast and exciting 400m circuit to the finish line.
Racing conditions were ideal – sunny and dry 13°C with a light breeze – and with Westport AC runners having dominated the four previous series races, they finished off in style at Claremorris with Eamonn Staunton winning his fourth series race in 16:46. David Hickey has had a great series too, and he took second for Westport AC in 17:01.
Francis King from Castlegar AC won a three-way battle for the line in third place in 17:13. He was just ahead of Mayo AC’s first finisher John Byrne, who was fourth in 17:15, while Sean O’Brien was fifth in 17:20 and Mayo AC’s Tadgh Hanrahan sixth in 17:25.
In the women’s race, Hillary Hughes of Westport AC claimed her third win in the series in 19:09. She finished second in the other two races and ran brilliantly in all five. Her clubmate Michelle Needham was next home in 20:17, with Paula Donnellan of Mayo AC third in 20:37. Maura Ginty of Sportsworld AC was a close fourth in 20:42 and she was followed by two Mayo AC finishers, Colette Tuohy in 21:13 and Lorraine McNulty in 21:25.
There was a record total of 875 finishers in the five races, with 54 runners completing all five.
Finishing times in Claremorris showed that the standard of running was high, as it had been throughout the previous four races. 20% of the Claremorris field finished in under 20 minutes, and 68% under 25.
There was a huge contingent of 51 runners from Mayo AC and impressive numbers from Westport AC. The race was also well supported by other athletics clubs – Clare River Harriers, Castlegar, Swinford, Ballina, Milltown, Lake District, Tuam, Castlerea Crusaders, GCH to name a few – and an excellent number of individuals, all looking to ending the five race series on a high note.
At the after-party and prize presentation, Mayo AC club chairman John Byrne thanked everyone for coming and for taking part in the 5k Series. He thanked Intersport Elverys for their generous sponsorship again this year, also the Series partner Mayo Mental Health Association, and other sponsors including Shaw Commercials, Matt Bidwell Fitness Analytics and Tony O’Malley.
Byrne expressed particular thanks to the 5k Series race organisers, Colette Tuohy (Castlebar), Kevin Hastings (Westport), Joan Walsh (Ballinrobe) and John Timothy (Claremorris).
“Sarah Byrne was the main driving force of the series; she did enormous work and was ably assisted by John Gordon and John Timothy, who was also the main organiser of our Claremorris leg and after party,” explained John Byrne.
“Colette Tuohy and Ann McDonnell, as ever, were the first port of call when extra help and guidance was needed and again they were not found wanting.” He thanked John Heneghan (Core Timing) for his excellent service with results and general support – especially getting everyone to the start lines on time. Byrne also emphasised the huge support from a total of 105 volunteers – including members, their families and friends – who all ensured the Series ran safely and successfully.
John Timothy (Mayo AC) led the Claremorris race organising team once again and they put on another super event. Thanks to all volunteers and members who supported John on the evening and also to those who provided and served refreshments at the after-party.
Series Overall – Men: 1, Eamonn Staunton, Westport AC; 2, David Hickey, Westport AC. Women: 1, Hillary Hughes, Westport AC; 2, Maura Ginty, Sportsworld AC. (Asics trainers vouchers were presented to all four by Brian O’Neill of Intersport Elverys).
3rd place – Men: Sean O’Brien, Westport AC. Women: Paula Donnellan, Mayo AC. (Prizes were presented by Matt Bidwell Fitness Analytics).
Most improved: 1, Madeline Hunt (30:42 to 28:07); 2, Mark Fitzgerald (26:34 to 24:09); 3, Aidan Beirne (30:45 to 28.21). Series prizes were presented by Leanne McManamon, Mayo Mental Health Association.
In appreciation of the 105 volunteers who ensured the Series was held safely and successfully, Intersport Elverys vouchers were presented by Mayo AC’s Tony O’Malley to raffle winners Padraic Gallagher and Damien Finnegan.
