5k brings out the best in Boyne AC runners
WITH the wealth of local races on recently, Boyne AC runners have certainly been spoilt for choice and the 5k distance has proven the most popular.
All roads led to Ardee the weekend before last for the annual Seamie Weldon 5k and the Boyne contingent seemed to like the new route, judging by their fast times.
Andrew White was first home for the club in 17:34, finishing fourth in his category and second male in the Louth 5k Masters Championships, which were incorporated into the race.
Catherine Tiernan Bell ran yet another PB, finishing in 20:55, with Cormac Reilly crossing the line in 21:52. The fast course enabled Brian Byrne to also run a new PB time of 23:45.
Deirdre McTeggart made a great return to racing, finishing in 33:55, and Anna Marie Bolton from Boyne’s Couch to 5k group returned for more only a week after her first 5k, running a PB time of 36:17.
Sunday saw Rebecca Carolan take on the Lough Sheelin Challenge, a hilly, tough course run over 16 miles and through three counties around the lake, and she finished third lady in a time of 2hr 13min.
Saturday evening last saw another local 5k held in Dromiskin, where Boyne’s Couch to 5k group really came into their own. None of them seem to have put their feet up since their first 5k in Drogheda two weeks previously and all of them improved on their times.
With plenty of support along the course from their clubmates, the team spirit was noticeable within the club and was even commented upon by other spectators on the night.
Michael Black ran a super best time of 31:07, with Anna Marie Bolton doing likewise in 35:28. There were PBs too for Lisa Collier (35:23), Sherlie Ryan (36:30), Lisa-Marie Mooney (40:36), Helen Dowling (40:37), Charlene Byrne (45:42) and Yvonne Walsh (45:42).
Knocking a huge 12 seconds off her best time, Catherine Tiernan Bell ran a super 20:43 to finish among the top 10 ladies, with Brian Byrne clocking 24:08. Clubmate Louise Fagan also ran well to finish in 24:37 and Dominic Fagan gave it his all to finish in 31:13.
For anyone that missed Boyne’s Couch to 5k programme but is still interested in joining, come along and try out a session, or contact Boyne AC via Facebook or Instagram. New members are always welcome.