Cloudy skies make for some great times at half-marathon
It might not have been great weather for a day out with the family or an excursion with the kids, but, as the mist descended and the skies clouded over, those taking part in the Pettitt’s Supervalu Wexford half-marathon and 10km race praised the heavens.
‘ The weather was perfect for running,’ confirmed race organiser Eoin Ryan. ‘ The mist cooled everyone down and made for some very fast times.’
With two thousand participants this was the biggest race yet and the streets of Wexford came alive with the sound of determined amateur athletes out to get those valuable personal bests.
Winner of the the half-marathon was Padraig Quinn with a time of 1hr 14, in second was Mark Poole of Croghan Athletics Club, David Mahon finished third. The first-placed female runner was Shirley Coyle in a time of 1hr 23, Charlotte Kearney was next across the line, with Benvon Lyons coming home in third place.
The 10km race was won by Paul Doran of the United Striders club in New Ross with a time of 34:11. Adam Porter finished second, while Sliabh Buidhe Rovers runner Paul Gibbons was third. In the women’s 10k, Clodagh Kelly was first home in a time of 40:15, Nuala Carroll finished narrowly behind her and Kate O’Halloran took third place.
‘ The feedback on our Facebook page and the comments from participants are all very positive. It takes a big team effort to get it right and we were all passionate to deliver our best,’ Eoin said. ‘ The half marathon course spans a 21km loop that requires a lot of co-ordination and manpower. Central to this is the DMP Athletic club and the Second Wexford Scouts. They are assisted by the Gardai and the Civil Defence. Behind the scenes there are many more helpers that assist in the race so it’s best to say a blanket ‘ thank you’ to all involved.’
Now in its eleventh year, Eoin said the enduring popularity of the race is down to its organisers’ ability to provide a consistently good experience for those who compete in the event annually.
‘People come back because we put on a good event, they know they’re going to be looked after when they come here. We’ve been doing this for eleven years now. They also know they can make good times on the course, and achieve personal bests,’ David confirmed.