Sunday 19th January 2014, the finish line of the 10th edition of the Tuam AC annual 8k race. 31.38 on the clock & Frank Burke crosses the line, pipped at the post by Kieran Guiry a second earlier in what was one in a series of great results for Kieran but what signalled the beginning of Franks ‘Annus Horribilis’ as one injury set back after another had Frank doubting he would line up at another start line again.
Fast forward one year, 32.49 on the clock & Frank Burke crosses the line, a minute slower but a run with a hell of a lot more meaning as it signals the end to his ‘Annus Horribilis’. Two successful races in two weeks & lofty targets ahead!
Today’s race saw a great turnout, just shy of 500, with Gary Thornton of GCH making a triumphant return to the Galway roadways, turning in a fantastic 24.34 (4.57min/mile pace). Matt Bidwell, also of GCH, was second in 25.53 with Adrian Smith in third.
The womens race was a tighter affair with Regina Casey of GCH & Jane Ann Healy of Athenry running side by side until the latter stages until Regina pulled away to give herself a 12 second gap at the end. Collette Touhy of Mayo AC was a further 20 seconds back in third.
There was a great turn out by Athenry as usual with some great times too. Siobhan Guinan posted a new PB with a 34.43 & starts into her Boston Marathon training in a good frame of mind.
As usual the race went off without a hitch & the spread put on my the Monaghans & Co was second to none.
Results available from Red Tag Timing via the link below.