There was a lovely atmosphere at Castlebar Greenway as over 200 runners and walkers gathered for Mayo AC’s New Year’s Eve Remembrance Run. Despite the unsettled weather the event mainly took place book-ended (or bucket-ended!) between showers.

'Remembering those of our running family no longer with us'  was the event's theme.

All who gathered there brought personal remembrances. The sport of athletics gave them the platform and common ground when they assembled at the Greenway.

Many took the opportunity to blow away Christmas cobwebs and calories along the 5k out-and-back stretch of the Greenway. Some were delighted to mark the finish of their sporting year in a positive way and stride purposefully into the New Year. 

The event was well supported by Mayo AC and other local athletics clubs and fitness groups, and by the local community including many family groups and young runners. 

 

Shane Heneghan was first man back at Scoil Raifteiri in 17:40 and Martina O’Connor was first woman at the clock in 19:16 – both Mayo AC seniors.

 

Thanks to all who supported the event the Remembrance Run donations totalled €2,234 – a fantastic amount- which will go towards the provision of a defibrillator on the Greenway.

 

Huge thanks to Mayo AC’s Colette Tuohy who was the lead organiser of the successful event. She was well supported by an excellent group of volunteers all around the course.

 

A big thank you to Loretta Caulfield and Sarah Byrne who looked after registration and donations.

 

Thanks also to Castlebar Parkrun, Mayo Sports Partnership, and to Ann McDonnell for promotion material.

Many thanks also to Turlough Stores – Michael and Attracta Barrett and Kellie Garret – who supplied welcome refreshments for all after the run.

Mayo AC are very grateful to Scoil Raifteiri for use of their excellent facilities.