AAI National 20k Race Walk & Supporting Events 2021 (12th June)

Mullingar Race Walkers to the fore in Tuam

The AAI National 20k Race Walk Championships & Supporting Events were held in mild but very humid conditions in the lovely grounds of St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam, Co. Galway on Saturday morning 12th June. The Open 10k was held in conjunction with the 20k Championships and so was judged by the panel of mainly International race walking judges, which was a great experience and test of technique for all the 10k competitors. The course was very demanding and included a 160m long steep gradient, which had to be overcome on each of the 17 laps in the 10k.

Oisin Lane took all of this in his stride, coming home first in 44:39, over a minute inside the European Junior qualifying standard and is the second time he has achieved the standard during the qualifying period. Saturday was Oisin’s birthday and the performance puts him in line for team selection, an ideal birthday present! Matthew Glennon, who has also already achieved the European Junior qualifying standard, was matching Oisin stride for stride but unfortunately, the steep incline began to affect his hamstrings, so as a precautionary measure, he withdrew just after the half way mark to avoid an injury. Aisling Lane had planned to attempt the longer distance but instead settled for a new PB for 3km. Andrew Glennon too attempted the 10km for the first time and was very happy with his third place finish in 51:39, an excellent performance for a youth athlete, and was a good confidence booster for him ahead of the National Junior Championships. It was good to also see Sarah Glennon back in a distance race again and she was pleased to be the first woman home. This is good preparation for the upcoming AAI National under 23 Championships.

The Club’s master race walkers have been flying the flag at home and abroad and Colm Walsh showed why he is the current Irish National Masters Champion with a clear gun to tape victory over all competitors and age groups in a fast 25:41 in the Open 5km. Our seasoned competitor Sean McMullin walked strong and solid throughout to finish fifth overall leaving behind several others who are a fraction of his years. So, on a day of distance race walking, the maroon and white of Mullingar Harriers was clearly to the fore.