Ardagh Challenge Road Races 2024 (28 Dec)

Over 160 took on the challenging hilly course in the Ardagh 10 Mile Challenge around the picturesque Longford village on Saturday morning 28th December. The first two miles took the runners on a scenic route around the village before a tough climb for about half a mile up the mountain. Once off the mountain, the course was quite rolling with some fast downhills before a final uphill climb over the last half mile to the finish, so not a course for the faint hearted.

Well up for the challenge was Claire Fagan who powered to 4th overall, the 1st woman to finish in 59:19, a new course record. Following Claire in was Val Bohan (1:10:01), Maura Dervin (1:13:19) and Paul Ginnell (1:15:06), all happy with their results.

Opting for the shorter 5k distance, which took more than 140 runners on a fast course until the final climb to the finish, was Enda Seery who was very happy to finish 4th overall in 18:12, his quickest 5k of the year. Also competing was Claire Ross (22:50), just ahead of young Katie Bohan who finished well up in 22:55, 1st u/16 girl.

Finally, there was a Mile race for National School children where Mel Bohan led the field home in 1st place, and Robert Bohan finished a fine 4th place.