Ten mile road race is a runaway success
The numbers in this year’s The Wild Atlantic 10 Miler were well up on previous years.
Ballina Athletic Club hosted the fifth ‘Wild Atlantic 10-mile road race on Sunday, August 20 last and numbers were well up on previous years.
The 10-mile (16km) route saw runners start at 11am on the Belleek Road, head up towards the Belleek Arch to run through the woods, down Carrowkelly and towards the Killala Road. Participants returned to the woods, onto the Greenway and ended with a sprint finish on the track.
Walkers set off from the track at the earlier time of 10am. Conditions were favourable with a mix of sunshine and clouds and some light showers.
There were trophies and cash prizes (sponsored by Trevor Morrow Ltd) and vouchers (Connaught Whiskey Company) for the top three male and female finishers.
In the male category, the top three places were closely contested. First prize went to Dara Mulconroy (Tulla AC) in a time of 1.00.34. Paul Nagle (Dublin) came second with a time of 1.01.05 and local star Ivan Kelly came third (1.02.00).In the female category, Aileen Devlin (Donegal) was the first home in a time of 1.09.46. Caroline Coulter (Tireragh AC) was second and Rihanna Heneghan (May AC, 1.14.52) was third.
Also up for grabs was a cash prize for any runner who broke the course record of 55.44 mins. This time was set last year by local athlete Dessie Burke and the record was not broken this year.
The Mary Morrow Memorial trophy was awarded this year to the first local female runner home. This year’s recipient was Ballina AC athlete Michelle Traynor.
All participants received a specially commissioned medal reflecting Ballina’s 300th anniversary.
Ballina AC would like to acknowledge the huge support of local people and clubs in Ballina in ensuring the event ran smoothly. The club would also like to acknowledge the generous sponsorship it received from local businesses: Trevor Morrow Ltd., Mocha Beans, Maloney’s SuperValu, Molloy’s Pharmacy, Ballina Manor Hotel, O’Hara’s Foxford, Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo North, Carrabine Joinery Ltd, Raymond Masterson Mechanical Services, Hollister Ulc Ballina, John Irwin Associates Design Group & Coleman Electronics.
