Rhode AC 5k 2024 (5th July)

Round 7 of the Offaly 5k Series, the Rhode AC 5k, took place on Friday evening 5th July. Local showers did not reach the Offaly village, and runners were treated to a dry and at times sunny evening with a light breeze. A looped course to the south of the village brought runners over Rhode Bridge and followed country roads before turning over Toberdaly Bridge just before 3k and down onto the Grand Canal Greenway before emerging back at Rhode Bridge for the last 800m dash to the finish line opposite the local primary school. The scenic route was well marshalled and with all roads closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the race, this gave all 267 runners a safe and pleasant course.

Mullingar Harriers had nine representatives. Eddie Newman was first home and won his category with a time of 18:28. Next in was Orlaith Flanagan delighted with her personal best of 19:54, her first sub-20-minute 5k. Caroline Mullen again showed steely determination to place third in her master category with 22:35. Michael O’Sullivan with 23:34 and Liadan Gavin with 23:40, were just ahead of the fast-finishing Brigid McCabe on 23:41 earning her second place in her master category. Claire Lennon (23:45), Michael Purdue (24:10) and Martin Mullen (24:37) completed the Mullingar group. The women team of Orlaith, Caroline, Brigid and Claire finished 4th Club, just missing out on a podium spot by only a few places [MO’S].