Pat Finnerty Memorial 5k League 2024 – Round 2 (15th May)
Round 2 of the Pat Finnerty Memorial 5k League took place in Belvedere on Wednesday evening 15th May. Not everyone will take part in all three races, knowing that the best two times of three are all that’s needed to score in the overall results for prizes, so some skipped Round 2 but others registered for the first time, so the total number registered for the event continues to grow. It was another beautiful warm sunny evening, just like the first night, perfect for racing.
The winner of Round 1, James Keegan (Mullingar Harriers AC) led the charge from the start and slowly built a commanding lead. Coming out of the woods before the final uphill stretch towards Belvedere House around the 4k mark, James still had a good lead and using the final downhill sections to maximum advantage he stayed in front and went on to win in 15 minutes 17 seconds, a second faster that round one, showing great consistency. Dan Morriss (16:59) followed James home, ahead of Kedagh Geoghegan (Mullingar Harriers AC) third in 17:22, running significantly quicker than in Round 1.
Fiona Gettings (Longford AC) was one of those who didn’t run in round two, so we were guaranteed a new 1-2-3 in the women’s race and a new first woman, a place filled by Sinead Whitelaw (Mullingar Harriers AC) in 18 minutes 47 seconds, ahead of Emily Grennan (Tullamore Harriers AC) in 19:05, with Aine O’Reilly (Mullingar Harriers AC) running for the first time taking third in 19:40.
As in Round 1, there was great competition right through the field in the various master categories. Full results of the race are available on www.myrunresults.com. The final round on Wednesday evening 22nd May will be very interesting and while James Keegan looks to have the men’s race wrapped up, the battle is still on for second and third. In the women’s race, Sinead Whitelaw has the lead and only Fiona Gettings (Longford AC) who won the first round but didn’t run the second round can challenge her, but only if Fiona runs the final round. We expect to see another big crowd and we’re appealing for participants to come early, especially those looking to run just the single race. As always, many thanks to everyone who gave up their free time and helped out last week and we appeal to everyone who can spare a couple of hours to help out again this week. Thanks also to Westmeath Civil Defence for providing first aid and ambulance cover and to the ever obliging and helpful staff of Belvedere House and Gardens.
With two rounds over, it’s too late to enter the series but individual entries for the final night are very welcome, either online or on the night in the Courtyard Café. Finally, it’s really important to remember to bring your number with the timing chip for Round 3 or your place and time will not be recorded.
