Mayo AC's 2008 Road Race League, sponsored by C & C Cellular, begins its 10th consecutive year on Bank Holiday Monday next May 5th with the Ballyhaunis 8k. A record number of athletes participated in the various races last year, and included a welcome number of people new to running, testing their fitness and progress at races from 5k to 10k.

Mayo AC again heartily welcomes runners at all levels to the nine League races at various venues throughout the county between May and December. The League will be run on similar lines to last year, with the top 25 men and women finishers in each race being allocated points, with the best points total from 6 races determining the prizes at the end of the series.

Prizes will be: 1-3 senior men, women; 1st 2 men 040, o50; 1st 2 women o35, o45; 1st junior man, woman. Each of the nine races will have separate prizes also in this format.

The Ballyhaunis 8k will be run over a new mainly rural one lap course finishing in the main street. Registration from 11.30am in the Race HQ at Parochial Hall. The 8k will start at 1pm. There will be an under 16 boys/girls race at 12.30pm. Refreshments and prizegiving afterwards in race HQ. Contact: Michael McGrath 086 8534729.

The race is expected to be highly competitive, with top club athletes in contention and should be an exciting event for spectators. Many of Mayo AC's men and women have shown great form in races already this year, evidenced by the number of top finishes, personal bests, and national medals. John Byrne (second last year) will be leading the way and trying to win back the League title, and Mary Gleason will be hoping to retain her place on the winners podium in December. Age category sections are always keenly contested too, so there is an opportunity there for everyone to achieve, and more important to enjoy.