Rhode 5k 2023 (21st July)
The penultimate round of the 2023 Offaly Race Series, the Rhode 5k, was staged on Friday evening 21st July. It proved a bit of an adventure to even get to the venue given the temporary closure of the R400 from Rochfortbridge which is the main artery of travel from Mullingar and North Westmeath to the Offaly village. Undeterred and conscious of their podium place in the overall series a strong contingent from Mullingar Harriers made their way to the start line outside the local Primary School. On a wet and sometimes breezy evening, the big field of 304 runners took in sections of the main road towards Daingean as well as country roads and part of the Grand Canal Greenway on a circular route to the east of the village.
Jack Moran showed that he is getting back to his best, holding off clubmate Vinny Connolly over the last kilometre to win in 14 minutes 58 seconds, with Vinny taking second spot in 15:02. Alan Crowley continued his recent good form finishing second in his master category in 16:43, with Kieran Nolan also achieving second place in his master category, completing the course in 18:06.
Aisling Corcoran was third in her master category with 20:14, with Linda Cunningham (22:27) and Caroline Mullen close behind (22:35). The ageless Brigid McCabe proved superior yet again in her master category by winning in 23:39. Patricia Broderick on her second outing in 48 hours was pleased to knock over a minute off her mid-week time by finishing in 24:19. Ray Smith was also delighted to cut almost a minute off his mid-week time, this time recording 24:29. Nuala Moran was a happy finisher as word had filtered through to her of her son Jack’s success in the race, recording 24:33. Nicky McCabe finished second in his category (24:38) with Martin Mullen also improving and dipping under 25 minutes with a time of 24:51.
In the team event for non-Offaly teams our women team of Aisling, Linda and Caroline secured 2nd Club ahead of our men team of Jack, Alan and Ray who made the podium with a 3rd Club place.
