Week ending Saturday 6th November

Fit4Life returns to Mullingar

Mullingar Harriers AC will facilitate a Fit4Life training programme over the coming weeks. From our club grounds at Grange, participants will be led through an 8-week programme aimed at beginners or people who wish to take up jogging or running again.

Facilitated by qualified coaches each night, the participants will be assisted in developing their running techniques and to reach personal targets. Commencing on Monday 8th November, the programme runs on each Monday night at 7pm up to mid-December, and following a break for Christmas, will resume in early January for the final 2 weeks. Registration is €30 and can be completed on the opening night. An opportunity as we head into dark nights to get out in the flood lit, all weather facilities of Mullingar Harriers and work to some personal goals for jogging or running.

Underage membership closed

The numbers of boys and girls attending our 6pm groups of 8, 9, 10, and 11 years of age have grown so large that we’re now at full capacity, so unfortunately we’ve had to close membership for these ages until further notice. The situation will be reviewed in the New Year.

Mullingar goes on the hunt for more cross country glory

This coming Saturday, more than 90 Mullingar athletes will travel to Avondale House in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow for the second round of the Leinster cross country, seeking cross country glory and looking to qualify for the All-Ireland Finals in December. We have teams in every race from under 11 years to senior and some of the underage Westmeath teams will be reinforced by athletes from Athlone IT 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 do their best to 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.

Athletics Wicklow will hold non-Championship races for girls u/9 at 11.10am and for boys u/9 at 11.20am. There is no entry fee, simply go to the start line when the race is called, and there will be medals for the top 12 finishers in each race. The first Championship race will be the girls u/11 at 11.30am, followed by the boys u/11 and the rest of the programmes in succession. We had a very high number of underage athletes that did not show up in Kilkenny two weeks ago, which is very disappointing given the cost of entries and the negative impact on some team results, so if for any reason you can’t compete in Avondale, please let Club officials know as soon as possible so we can arrange a substitute.

The car parks in Avondale itself are closed during construction works, so temporary car parks will be in use, which are a 15 to 20 minute walk from the course. The timetable for the day is on the Athletics Leinster website and Facebook page. When planning your journey, please allow extra time for traffic delays entering the car park and the long walk from the car park in order to arrive on time and get to know the course. Aim to be at the course at least one hour before your race and head for the Club banners to collect your race number. 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).

Sympathy

The Executive and members of the Club extend sincere sympathy to Linda O’Driscoll and the entire O’Driscoll family on the recent death of her father, David. May he rest in peace.

Check the Club’s website at www.mullingarharriers.com or its Facebook page for all the latest news.

PRO