Mullingar 10 Mile 2018 (28th July)
Mullingar 10 Mile deemed a great success
Less than a week before the Mullingar 10 on Saturday morning 28th July the organising committee were debating moving the start time an hour earlier to avoid the worst of the summer heat in the interest of safety of the runners. However, heavy rain on Friday night and more rain on the morning, right up to thirty minutes before the race meant that, in contrast to the oppressive heat and humidity of the days and weeks before, conditions on the day were perfect for running. A huge amount of work by the organizing committee went into preparation for the race in the weeks and months before the race and it paid off with a great event that built on the success of last year. While they obviously couldn’t take credit for the opportune break in the weather on the day, the organising committee certainly welcomed it anyway.
The Club really got behind the event, so there was plenty of help at registration, plenty of water stations, plenty of marshals out on the course and at junctions, and lots of food and refreshments for the runners after the race on the quiet country roads around Dalystown. A 10 mile road race in late July fits perfectly into the schedule of those training for the Dublin City Marathon in October, so, attracted by the chance to run a quality race on quiet country roads, the event drew entrants from Clubs, running groups and keep fit groups in Counties near and far. There was representation from Offaly, Longford, Meath, Kildare, Laois, Dublin, Mayo, Galway, Louth, Roscommon, Cavan, Leitrim, Wexford, Tipperary, Cork and Fermanagh, as well as a huge number from Westmeath of course, including 36 from the Club alone, to give a total of 314 finishers, proving the growing popularity of the fixture.
Last year’s winner, Freddy Sittuk (Raheny Shamrocks AC), returned and won again in 54:49, but the margin of victory was a much closer three seconds this year and in second place was his club mate, Michael McMahon in 54:52. Paddy O’Toole (Westport AC) was third with 55:15, just getting the better by only two seconds in a sprint finish with first local man Andy Nevin (Mullingar Harriers AC) who had a terrific race and kept himself right in contention up to the final stages. First woman to finish was Jane-Ann Meehan (Athenry AC) in 61:09, Aine O’Reilly (Mullingar Harriers AC) was second in 62:53 and Alma Hanevy (Crusaders AC) was third in 66:51.
Apart from Aine O’Reilly and Andy Nevin, other Club members that won prizes were Eddie Newman (57:57) first in master category, Gerry Duffy (62:19), second in master category), Nollaig McEntegart (67:54) first in master category, Michael O’Sullivan (second in master category), Breda Daly (third in master category), Christy Creagh (second in master category) and Sean McMullin, who race walked the distance (third in master category).
Also running well was Patrick Muldoon (60:55), James Keegan (61:37), Alan Crowley (63:26), Eoin Clarke (66:49), Brian Collentine (68:02), Paul Ginnell (68:09), Joan Flynn (69:30), Gerard Gavin (69:57) and Enda Seery (70:42), Ollie Gaffney, Mervyn Kennedy, Robin Jackson, Emer O’Hanlon, Aidan Rafferty, Liam McGlynn, Ann McDonnell, Declan Costello, Criona Reid, Lisa Duffy, Eamonn O’Reilly, Kevin O’Brien, Jude Whelehan, Ger Langtry, John Bannon, Marna Groenewald, Anna Redmond, and PJ Ballesty. Full results are available HERE.
The rain cleared just in time for the race, so spectators could enjoy it and cheer the runners on to the finish at Wallace’s Pub in Dalystown, where they could take water on board and when sufficiently recovered to tuck into the refreshments, which could be enjoyed outdoors thanks to the fine day. Thanks to the many friends of the Club that dropped food from early morning and there was more than enough food and treats to be eaten and enjoyed.
An event that caters for such large numbers doesn’t just happen and special thanks is due to the army of volunteers who helped on the day with parking, registration, stewarding, water stations, post-race refreshments and all the other components needed to help make a success of the event. First aid cover was provided by Westmeath Civil Defence to whom we are very grateful. We’re very grateful too to our sponsors, including Irish Tar, David Smyth Catering, McDonnell Property Partners, Outdoor Escape, Wallace’s Pub, Westmeath County Council, Doyle’s Lawnmowers, Allied Irish Bank, Grange Motors and O’Brien’s Centra. Of course, the greatest thanks are due to everyone who took part and we hope they’ll return again next year and help make the event an even bigger one.
Post-race feed-back has been very positive and many are already looking forward to making a return journey next year. Coming in for particular praise were the facilities at Wallace’s Pub and at Dalystown NS, which provided great bases for the event and Wallace’s in particular was perfect for the post-race refreshments. Many thanks from the Club to Paul Fox of Wallaces’s Pub and to Dympna Alford and the Board of Management of Dalystown NS for allowing us the use of their excellent facilities.
