The Claremorris 5k proved to be a magnificent finale to the 2024 Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k Series.

On Tuesday evening (June 11) the curtain came down on a very successful and enjoyable 12th edition of the popular series.

The five series locations at Castlebar, Westport, Foxford, Ballinrobe and Claremorris provided a range of different challenges, enabling all who ran to reach new levels. Apart from a drenching at Lough Lannagh at the first race, the weather conditions were very favourable amid an unsettled summer.

One of the key objectives of the Series is to provide an opportunity for all runners, whether you are a complete beginner or a regular jogging/runner is to enable participants achieve improved levels of fitness and wellness within the  five race series in a fun, sociable environment.

Claremorris was blessed with a wonderful sunny evening, and excitement buzzed in the air as 206 eager runners assembled outside CBE. The sense of anticipation was palpable.

The one lap Claremorris course has a long climb up Claremount Manor after the 3k mark, but the final section at Claremorris Athletics track is a fast and exciting 400m circuit to the finish line.

 

Racing conditions were ideal  – sunny and dry 13°C with a light breeze.

Westport AC runners had dominated the four previous series races, and they finished off in style at Claremorris with Eamonn Staunton winning his fourth series race in 16:46. David Hickey Westport AC has had a great series too, and he was second home in 17:01.

Francis King Castlegar AC won a three way battle for the line in third place in 17:13. He was just ahead of Mayo AC’s first finisher John Byrne 4th in 17:15, and Sean O’Brien 5th 17:20, Tadgh Hanrahan Mayo AC 6th in 17:25.

In the women’s race Hillary Hughes Westport AC claimed her third win in the series in 19:09. She finished second in the other two races and ran brilliantly in all five. 

Michelle Needham Westport AC was next home in 20:17, with Paula Donnellan Mayo AC third in 20:37.

Maura Ginty Sportsworld AC was a close 4th in 20:42, followed by two Mayo AC finishers- Colette Tuohy 5th in 21:13 and Lorraine McNulty 6th 21:25.

 

There was a record total of 875 finishers in the five races, with 54 runners completing all five.

There was 206 finishers in Claremorris – a record for the 2024 series. 

Finishing times show that the standard of running was high, as it had been throughout the previous four races. 20% of the Claremorris field finished in under 20 minutes, and 68% under 25.

There was a huge contingent of 51 runners from Mayo AC,  and  impressive numbers from Westport AC. The race was also well supported by other athletics clubs – Clare River Harriers, Castlegar, Swinford, Ballina, Milltown, Lake District, Tuam, Castlerea Crusaders, GCH to name a few – and an excellent number of individuals, all looking to ending the five race series on a high note.

Congratulations to all prizewinners and well done to all finishers.

At the After Party and prize presentation, Mayo AC club Chairman John Byrne thanked everyone for coming and for taking part the 5k Series. He thanked Intersport Elverys for their generous sponsorship again this year.

Also the Series partners Mayo Mental Health Association, and other sponsors: Shaw Commercials, Matt Bidwell Fitness Analytics, and Tony O’Malley.

He said special thanks go to the 5k Series race organisers : Colette Tuohy Castlebar,  Kevin Hastings Westport, Joan Walsh Ballinrobe and John Timothy Claremorris.

John added "Sarah Byrne was the main driving force of the series. She did enormous work and was ably assisted by John Gordon and John Timothy, who was also the main organiser of our Claremorris leg and after party. Colette Tuohy and Ann McDonnell, as ever, were the first port of call when extra help and guidance was needed and again they were not found wanting."

He thanked John Heneghan Core Timing for his excellent service with results and general support – especially getting everyone to the startlines on time!

John Byrne emphasised said the huge support from a total of 105 volunteers – including members, their families and friends  – all ensuring the Series ran safely and successfully.

 

Prizes:

Series Overall (Asics trainers vouchers) were presented by Brian O’Neill Intersport Elverys to

Men:

1st Eamonn Staunton 2nd David Hickey – both Westport

Women:

1st Hillary Hughes WestportAC, 2nd Maura Ginty Sportsworld AC,

3rd Series Overall prizes were presented by Matt Bidwell Mayo AC and Fitness Analytics to

Men: Sean O’Brien Westport AC

Women: Paula Donnellan Mayo AC

Top three Most Improved athletes in Series prizes were presented by Leanne McManamon, Mayo Mental Health Association to

1 Madeline Hunt: improved from 30:42 to 28:07.

2 Mark Fitzgerald: 26:34 to 24:09.

3 Aidan Beirne: 30:45 to 28.21 –l  

In appreciation of the 105 volunteers who ensured the Series was held safely and successfully:  Intersport Elverys vouchers were presented by Tony O’Malley Mayo AC to two raffle winners: Padraic Gallagher and Damien Finnegan.

John Timothy (Mayo AC) led the Claremorris race organising  team once again and they put on another super event.

Thanks to all volunteers and members who supported John on the evening and also to those who provided and served refreshments at the After Party.

Claremorris 5k Results and more are at www.mayoac.com