The annual Charlestown 10km run/jog/walk which took place on Saturday, September 19, was an outstanding success with upwards of 160 runners and participants taking part.
The weather was glorious and added immeasurably to the occasion with a large number of families taking part which only added to the feel good factor on the day. The race was jointly hosted by the CBD Sports Complex, Charlestown, and the ever growing and popular East Mayo Athletics Club and the club were out in force on the day with many of their members taking part and recording some very good and notable times in the process.
There was a large number of volunteers and course marshals in evidence at various vantage points on the run and their help and support was very much appreciated by the twin organisers who were fulsome in their praise of the many people who helped out in so many ways which really aided the organisers and ensured everything ran smoothly in the event management. Thanks to Murray’s Bar, The Square, for their very kind and generous sponsorship of the race and thanks to St Attracta’s Nursing Home, Hagfield, Charlestown, for sponsoring the water and to Reggie’s Veggies (Tubbercurry) who kindly sponsored and supplied the bananas at the finishing line.
Thanks to Brian McDermott Principal of St Attracta’s NC, Charlestown, for his support in allowing the organisers to use the car parking facilities around the school, the assembly and waves worked perfectly on the day. Thanks to Beaumont Private Ambulance Limited for their continued support which is very much valued and appreciated. Pop up races ensured a seamless start and finish line experience and thanks to Brian, Anthony and Emma for all their help in this regard. Well done to Donal, Padraig and Ray of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA social media department who provided a live-stream finishing line viewing and commentary which went viral by all accounts and was commented upon in all corners of the globe and beyond even.
Special thank you to all the runners and competitors who took part and supported the race and adhered to all the social distancing guidelines and regulations which underpinned the event and without their cooperation on this matter it would not have been possible to participate. There are lots of pics to be viewed on the East Mayo Athletics Facebook Page with the event a marvellous success on and off the course with everything running to a tee.
Well done to all involved and the following were the results in the various categories of runners on the day. The men’s and ladies races were extremely competitive and well contested and here are the finishing positions in the two categories:
- MEN’S RACE: 1st Seamus Sommers, Sligo AC- 32.32; 2nd Paddy O’Toole, Westport AC – 34.17; 3rd David Tiernan, East Mayo AC – 34.34.
- LADIES RACE: 1st Norah Pieterse, Mayo AC and Sara Doohan, Corran AC, tied with both having chipped times of 36.12; 2nd Caitilin Hughes, Swinford AC 39.48; 3rd Paula Donnellan Walsh, Mayo AC 42.16.
The East Mayo Athletics Club were strongly represented in the race with super times being clocked by all who took part under the club’s banner. There were plenty of personal bests recorded with some excellent debut times also being posted as the numbers joining the club continues to surge and grow. The following were some of the best Charlestown performances and times.
The first Charlestown man to cross the finish line was David Tiernan in a mind blowing 34.24 with Alan Dunne hot on his heels in an impressive 36.10 with Alan Tiernan following his illustrious brother across the finish line in a very credible 39.09.
The ladies too were no less impressive with Trina Donohue first to hit the tape in a superb time of 43.27, with Rita Casey next to cross the finish line in a very good time of 45.30, with Miriam Colleran third to hit the straps as she sprinted through the finish line in a new personal best of 46.04. The ladies are in terrific shape judging by the quality of the times they recorded and it was a real family affair for several of the competitors with the three Tiernans, Alan, David and Trina all making the podium with their spouses also taking part as indeed did a number of other families namely the Dohertys, the Munnellys, the Harringtons sisters, Sharon and Imelda and Jimmy and Moira Haran completing a wonderful day all round for families, the local East Mayo Athletics Club and the community at large.
All proceeds from the race go to the afore-mentioned East Mayo Athletics Club and CBD Sports Complex who wish to thank all who contributed so generously and selflessly.