The 14th annual Athenry AC 5KM Handicap Championship took place last Tuesday, 30 August 2016 around the old 5KM Series loop in Athenry: the figure of 8 starting close to the level crossing and finishing outside the pitch in Raheen.  

Forty five hardy souls toed the line, ably marshalled by Race Director, Brendan Galvin.  There were club marshalls at all the junctions, including a tight spot just after the Raheen Woods where there is building works on-going.  The finish line was very busy too.

The handicaps were carefully calibrated to ensure that no one would be too far ahead, or behind, but it didn't stop some superior performances at the top of the field, resulting in two new winners of the two venerable cups on offer, Suzanne Morris (Overall Champion) coming out on top after a titanic battle with Caroline McLoughlin (Masters Champion) over the last two KM - rumours of secret high altitude and cross training abounded in both their cases afterwards.  The fastest runner on display was Fergal Walsh, who scythed through the field to finish almost exactly on his handicap time, officially recording 17:01!

A full race result is attached for completeness.  John O'Connor was on hand to take the snaps, see here.