Week ending Saturday 27th August
Mullingar out in force for Castlepollard 5k
Though the Castlepollard 5k returned last year after an enforced break due to Covid, the numbers had to be limited, but there was no such limitation last Wednesday evening and all the hard work put in by the organising committee at North Westmeath AC paid off handsomely and this ever-popular 5k proved yet again to be a great success with over 220 finishers completing the course that started and finished near the square in the village and took in the fabulous grounds of Tullynally Castle.
As usual, there was great racing and hotly contested battles in all age categories all through the field of runners. Competitors came from far and wide, and of course Mullingar Harriers was well represented and turned out in good number to support our near neighbours in North Westmeath AC, winning a good number of category prizes into the bargain.
Leading the Mullingar contingent with a fine third place finish was Vinny Connolly in 15 minutes 15 seconds, followed quickly by Diarmuid Fagan in fourth place (15:26) first junior man, then James Keegan fifth (15:27) and Andrew Nevin seventh (15:33). Ian McCormack (16:15) was next in, followed by Kedagh Geoghegan (16:36), Andrew Glennon (17:02) second junior man, Kris Foster (17:06), Conor Liston (17:15) third junior man, Eddie Newman (17:18) second in his master category, Johnny Morrissey (17:23), Adam Brady (17:26), Enda O’Carolan (17:28), Luke Greene (17:42), Niall Brady (17:45), Kieran Nolan (18:30), Michelle Bohan (18:31) third senior woman, Jenny Algar (18:50) fourth senior woman, Enda Seery (19:28), Patrick Muldoon (19:32), Mary Stuart (19:37) first in her master category, Maura Dervin (19:47) second in her master category, Richard Kelly (20:31), Linda Cunningham (22:09), Caroline Mullen (22:42), Terri Greene (23:00), Brigid McCabe (23:02) first in her master category, Aidan O’Donoghue (25:04), Nicky McCabe (25:59), Sean McMullin (26:00) and Callum Greene (34:57).
Well done to the local organising committee in North Westmeath AC on hosting such a good race, as always.
KIA Series team prize for Mullingar
The Cork City 10 mile race last Saturday evening was the final race of the KIA race series and it certainly finished the series with a flourish. Over 1,000 athletes lined up on the banks of the Lee for a flat, fast and very competitive race.
Several Mullingar athletes made the journey and enjoyed a great evening of racing. Timmy Murphy led the club home strongly with a fifth place finish in 54 minutes 20 seconds, taking second prize in his master age category. Jack O’Leary (58:32), Jamie Battle (60:29) and Colin Smith (61:17) were next to finish, using the race as part of their training session for the day. Sinead Whitelaw and Áine O’Reilly represented the ladies and finished in 64:11 and 65:00 respectively, both winning their master age category prizes. Pat Muldoon also ran and finished in 69:23. Kieran Nolan made the trip down for the run but unfortunately missed the start, as his train was delayed.
Mullingar Harriers have secured third place overall in the KIA race series, which is a remarkable achievement for our club. Nine men and seven ladies have scored on our teams in the races, which shows the quality of our athletes competing on the road racing scene in Ireland. Long may it continue!
Prize winning run by Stephen Naughton
On a lovely bright sunny evening last Friday, Stephen Naughton competed in the Rathkenny 5k, always a very popular race in the Meath calendar that offers a great evening out for participants and the 233 finishers were very happy to see it back after a 3 year absence. Settling quickly in to the race, Stephen dug deep and was rewarded with a sixth place finish in 18 minutes 40 seconds, to take first prize in his master age category. Well done to Rathkenny AC for another very enjoyable event, the latest race in the Meath race series, which is in back in full swing.
Week-end focus is the Tullamore Half Marathon
This Saturday, the Tullamore Half Marathon takes place and given the attention to detail put in every year by the organisers at Tullamore Harriers AC, it’s no surprise that once again it is a sell-out. The race incorporates the Leinster Half Marathon Championships, so there are individual and team Regional honours up for grabs. The timing of the race is perfect for anyone training for the Dublin City Marathon in October, so among the entrants is a number from Mullingar and everyone at the Club wishes them the very best of luck.
Check the Club’s website at www.mullingarharriers.com or its Facebook page for all the latest news.
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