The Achill Half Marathon and 10k took place on Saturday last with more than 1,300 runners from a record 22 different countries taking part in the event. The early morning mist cleared by the start of the race to bring almost perfect racing conditions.
The Half Marathon was won by David Murray in a time of 1 hr 16 mins and 23 seconds just 29 seconds ahead of Christopher Peck who finished second. In a hard fought battle for second place he edged out Patrick Lyons by a mere 2 seconds.
The ladies race was won by Catherine Thornton with a time of 1 hr 32 mins and 36 seconds, almost 3 mins ahead of Charlotte Kearney in second and Yvette Leahy in third.
The 10 k was won by Ray Hynes with a time of 33 mins 39 seconds, Sam France was second with 35 mins 57 secs and Joseph McDermott was third in a time of 36 mins 43 secs.
The ladies 10K was won by Clare Sullivan with a fantastic time of 39 mins and 7 seconds which also placed her 6th overall. Adrienne Jordan was second but also in the overall top 10 with a time of 40 mins 59 secs. Caroline Crowley crossed the line in 43 mins and 14 seconds to secure third place.
The oldest competitor to complete the Half Marathon was Thomas Kelly of Pollagh, Achill. Thomas has completed several races since reaching 80 years of age a few years ago and amazingly knocked 10 mins of his personal best since becoming an octogenarian.
