The 4th flatline Athlone half marathon and 10km took place yesterday Saturday 12th September 2015 at St. Aloysius College. The event is run by runners for runners and they pride themselves on being one of the best organized and best value for money races in the country. They did not disappoint us!
On Friday night we were all keeping a very close eye on the weather which was shaping up to be cold and wet. When packing their gear bags people were preparing for every kind of weather - do I bring my runners or wellies?? Thankfully over night the wet weather abated giving perfect running conditions (we cannot complain about the heat!). Approx 46 athletes from Athenry Athletic Club took part in the 10km or half marathon.
The route for the half marathon started at St. Aloysius College and travelled along the banks of the river Shannon out to Clonown before turning and coming on to the Ballinasloe road and back in to Athlone. As advertised the route was flat, there was a total elevation gain of just 79 metres! A number of PB's were expected and they were delivered. The half started at 11am with 920 runners starting off in glorious sunshine. 127 athletes followed shortly afterwards in the 10km race.
The half was won by Sergiu Ciobanu from Clonliffe Harriers setting a new course record of 1.06.19. With a gap of just over 5 mins Celbridge AC's Martin Hoare finished 2nd in 1.11.40. Mick Fogarty, Athlone Tri Club took 3rd place crossing the line in 1.14.07. Lyall Guiney, Athenry AC was first home from the club and 8th overall with a chip time of 1.16.53. Fellow club member Gearoid Rohan was 2nd Athenry man home in 1.19.52 (PB) aswell as claiming 3rd MS! Adam Leadbetter was the third Athenry man to complete the distance in 1.20.11 (PB).
Our very own Jane Ann Healy took the honours for the ladies finishing in 1.20.20 (PB) just over 7 mins ahead of Deirdre Kenna who came in second place in 1.27.37. Close on her heels was Siobhan Egan clocking 1.28.17. Mary Kealy was the second Athenry lady home winning F50 in 1.33.54 and her fellow club member Caroline Moore was 3rd Athenry lady home finishing in 1.37.13. Congrats to all!
Others from the club who ran the half include
David Meehan 1.22.08 (PB), Frank Burke 1.26.22, Jim Leahy 1.26.59 (PB and first sub 1.30), Kieran Guiry 1.27.16 (PB), Chris Deakin 1.27.36 (PB), Pat McDonagh 1.29.22, Rodney Bell 1.30.07, Mark Mitchell 1.30.45, Colin Duane 1.32.16, Michael Duane 1.32.47, Brendan Galvin 1.33.18, Martin O'Hara 1.34.23, Ronan McCarthy 1.36.36, Mary Rohan 1.38.52, Patrick Forde 1.39.51, Paul Daly 1.43.51 (PB), Mairead Blake 1.45.18, Maeve's Noone 1.45.59, Esther Leahy 1.46.53, Orla McCluskey 1.48.27 (PB), Janet Clancy 1.49.18, Marie McCarthy 1.49.41, Lorna Freeman 1.51.21 (PB), Kevin Devane 1.51.24, Brian Burke 1.51.48, Donna Lane 1.51.52, Marguerite Wilkinson 1.51.51, Anne Lyng 1.52.18 (PB), Marian Donhoue 1.54.55, Kenneth O'Hara 1.54.48, Sinead Keogh 1.56.58, Jane Mangan 2.01.41, Majella Cummins 2.05.53, Jacquie Lynskey 2.09.51, Pearse Hunter 2.12.15, Cheryl Winston 2.15.21, Caroline Freeney 2.14.34, Anne Hunter 2.20.20.
Athlone 10km saw David O'Connor (Celbridge AC) win the race clocking 32.42. In second place only 3 seconds behind was John Dunne of Donore Harriers finishing in 32.45. Gerry Gavin from Mullingar Harriers took third place in 35.32.
Drogheda & District AC took the honours for the ladies as Ciara O'Reilly was first to cross the finish line 43.14. Brenda Duffy, Castledaly FitClub took second place 47.05 with Martina Beirne finishing third just under a minute behind in 48.00.
Our very own Deirdre Quinn and Frances Leahy took part in the 10km and completed the distance in 54.17 and 57.29 respectively well done to both of you ladies!
A great event which was very well organised and produced a number of PB's and some great running. Definitely one for next year's running calendar!