High standard continues in Mayo AC 5k Series

The 2024 Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k Series continued with the third race at Foxford last Tuesday evening (May 28).

After the first two races at Lough Lannagh Castlebar and Westport House, the Foxford course was at another lovely location nestled between the Ox Mountains and the Nephin range with the River Moy meandering through the town. Race 3 was another ‘no frills, plenty thrills’ event in the well-established series now in its twelfth year.

The winner for the third consecutive week was Eamonn Staunton who ran a fantastic time 15:51 and led Westport AC to another series success with five of the top six finishers.

Last year’s Foxford winner Shaun McLaughlin (in 15:59) was second in 16:11, with Brendan Conway third in 16:27. Club mate David Hickey was next home in 16:48.

Darren Flanagan was the first Mayo AC finisher – fifth in an excellent 16:57 and an improvement of almost a minute on his Castlebar time. He was followed by Westport AC’s Sean O’Brien who came sixth in 17:19, with a Mayo AC trio next Tadgh Hanrahan in 17:20, Michael Rocke in 17:23, and Thomas Reilly in 17:24.

Last year’s winner Norah Newcombe Pieterse (Mayo AC) ran brilliantly to cross the line first in the women’s race in 18:09. Hillary Hughes (Westport AC) who won the first two series races came second in 18:24 – her fastest time so far.

Michelle Needham (Westport AC) finished third in 19:42. She was also a podium finisher throughout the 2023 Series and came home in second place in Foxford last year in 19:22.

Nicola Lenehan of (Sportsworld AC) was fourth in 19:52, followed by Laura Langan (Westport AC) fifth in 20:21, and Maura Ginty (Sportsworld AC) sixth in 20:38.

There was an excellent turnout with 161 finishers, including another big contingent from Mayo AC and good representation from local and regional clubs – Westport AC of course, Lake District AC, and others from Sportsworld, Castlerea Crusaders, Ballina Swinford and North Leitrim as well as local fitness groups.

There was a very high overall standard again with over 25% of runners finishing in under 20 minutes. And for many there were some significantly improved times across the three races so far and quite a few of them ran personal best times.

Thanks to the Mayo AC series Foxford 5k organising team who were led by Andy Neary and John Byrne. Their crew included club members, their families, friends, and a number of other volunteers. They put on a great event and everyone got around the course safely.

Race 4 in the 2024 Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k Series is at Ballinrobe Town AFC (F31T993) today (Tuesday).