The 2024 Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k series got off to a great start (on Tuesday evening May 14).
Lough Lannagh Castlebar was the setting for the first race in the 12th edition of the club’s ever popular summer series.
The Castlebar race also heralded the start of the club’s annual fundraiser. This year there are five races – ‘no frills’ events open to all running levels.
The Castlebar course was newly measured last year. The only significant uphill gradients are in the first kilometre, then it’s twice anti-clockwise over the bridge, before the finish within the park near the Blackfort Manor entrance.
Racing conditions were good initially -14°C with a light cool breeze off the lake, but as the leaders began the second lap the heavens opened as a heavy shower drench the runners.
Course records were set by last year’s winners: John Courell Ballina AC in 16:33, and Norah Newcombe Pieterse Mayo AC in 17:59.
Eamonn Staunton Westport AC was the clear winner in a new course record 16:18. Coincidentally he also won the first race in the Mayo AC series at Ballyhaunis back in 2016 in 16:24 – so he’s still going strong.
He led a Westport podium with Anthony Murray Multisport Westport second in 16:47, and David Hickey Westport AC third in 17:15.
Declan Ryan Roscommon Harriers AC was fourth 17:27 followed by Mayo AC’s first finisher John Byrne - fifth in 17:30. Sean O’Brien Westport AC was next across the line in 17:45.
it was a clean sweep by Westport AC who supported the event in numbers. It will make for an interesting second series race next week on their home territory.
John Byrne led a strong Mayo AC performance with nine members finishing in the top thirty.
The clear winner of the women’s race was another Westport AC athlete Hillary Hughes, 16th overall in 18:57. She was over two minutes ahead of second placed clubmate Laura Langan in 21:02. Paula Donnellan Walsh Mayo AC was third 21:03, and just pipped clubmate Helen Hopkins on the line both given the same time.
New Mayo AC member Lorraine McNulty was fifth in 21:20 ahead of Maura Ginty Sportsworld – sixth in 21:43,
It was a wonderful start to the race series.
Groups of excited but very wet runners gathered at the finish area and created a fantastic buzz as they had at registration and around the race start- although much dryer at that time!
It was good to see a lot of new faces and first timers taking part - it's a vital part of the series that all running levels get an opportunity to compete.
All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy the event despite the tough conditions.
Many will welcome the opportunity to improve their 5k times over the next four races in the series.
Well done to the Castlebar 5k race organiser Colette Tuohy, and to all the volunteers and club members who helped her to manage a very well organised event in difficult conditions.
Thanks to Series sponsors Intersport Elverys, Shaw Commercials and charity partners Mayo Mental Health Association.
The next 5k Series race is at Westport on Tuesday evening May 21 at 8pm.
It is a new addition to the Series this year – hosted by Westport AC.
The Westport course features two out and back sections and one short loop. It’s almost entirely within the grounds of Westport House.The surface is mostly tarmac with a short gravel section – reported to be quite flat, so fast times are predicted.
Race HQ is Gracy’s Bistro F28 EK83
Full results, photos and series registration details are at
www.mayoac.com