Week ending Saturday 10th November

Leinster Marathon title for Joan Flynn

The recent Dublin City Marathon incorporated both the AAI National and the Leinster Marathon Championships and the results were published last week. In the AAI National Championship, it was bronze for Joan Flynn in her master category but in the Leinster Championship, she took gold, winning the title with just over four minutes to spare. Congratulations to Joan on her National bronze medal and on her Leinster title making all the pain of running a marathon worth it.

Mullingar go on the hunt for more Cross Country glory

This Sunday our underage athletes will make the long journey to Adamstown in Co. Wexford for the second round of the Leinster cross country, seeking more cross country glory and looking to qualify for the All-Ireland Finals in Navan in December. We have teams in all ten underage races and the Westmeath teams will be reinforced by athletes from Athlone IT AC and North Westmeath AC. For many on our under 11 teams, this will be their first experience of Leinster Championship racing and we wish them well and encourage them that no matter what, it’s only a race and they should relax as best as they can and enjoy the experience. Club officials will be on hand to provide encouragement and to settle any last minute nerves if necessary. Parents and supporters are asked to get behind all our athletes and encourage them, as usual, but particularly our young under 11 teams.

An important change to the programme is that the first Championship race will be the girls u/19 at 12 noon, followed by the boys u/19. The programme then reverts to the usual format of u/11, 13, 15, 17 and senior races. The names of those entered on teams for Adamstown are on the notice board in the Clubhouse. If for any reason you can’t compete, please let Club officials know as soon as possible so we can arrange a substitute.

Travelling to Adamstown

Many have indicated that they will drive themselves but if anyone needs a lift please let Club officials know at training this Tuesday or Thursday evening. When planning your journey, take note that the venue is about two and a half hours away, so leave in plenty of time and allow extra time for traffic delays entering the venue in order to arrive early and get to know the course. Aim to get there by 11am at the latest and head for the Club tent and banners to collect your race number. No matter how you travel, bring a change of clothes, a packed lunch, water or sports drink, rain gear, Club vest, four safety pins for your race number (most forgot the pins last time!) and check that you have suitably long spikes. Parents and adults are advised to bring rain gear and proper footwear. Newcomers in particular are reminded that they must wear a Club vest (buy one at training or borrow one).

For the latest results, news and details of all upcoming fixtures check the Club’s website at www.mullingarharriers.com.

PRO