Over 300 complete Avondale challenge to help the hospice
OVER 300 runners and walkers tackled the latest edition of the Wicklow Hospice 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, which took place on Saturday at Avondale House and Forest Park.
It was a bright but slightly chilly morning but the low temperatures were soon forgotten once as the walkers and runners set off on their respective distances. The course was altered slightly from previous years and the consensus was that it was an improved and nicer course.
This was reflected in the results as a significant number of people managed to improve their times this year.
Organisers have sent their thanks to a number of people and groups, who helped to make the event such a success. These include: Coillte and Norman who ensured that the park was ready; Michael Richardson and the wonderful Wicklow Civil Defence; ML Security systems who provided a van for the event; and all the stewards who assisted on the day.
Thanks were also extended to Wicklow Rural Partnership for providing the water and to all those who baked or brought along goodies for the refreshments afterwards.
The top three in each category were: 5K – Wayne O’Driscoll, John Kavanagh, Will Phelan, Sarah Diamond, Gráinne Macklin, Aoife Sullivan. 10K – Ronán Wogan, Derek Crammond, Declan Robinson, Laura McDonnell, Ann Marie Kenny, Rhona McHugh; Half-marathon: Kieran Little, Mark Poole, Scott McCann, Catherine O’Connor, Ciara Lynch, Suzanne Keane.
Timing was provided by mrunresults.com and the full list of finishers is available on their website.
Organisers are staging a one-day festival of running Avondale on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9 a.m. when there will be a choice five, 10, 15 and 20 miles or a full marathon distance on offer.
The course is the same as the much-loved Wicklow Hospice four-day July festival of running. The only difference this time is that all proceeds go to another worthy cause: Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Entries are limited to 200 people. To secure a place go to www.sportszone.ie and follow the link. Entry online is €25 and on the day (provided the entry is not full up) is €30.