200 RUNNERS ROCK THE ROADS
MORE THAN 200 runners and walkers tested themselves in the 10km Pink Rock run on Sunday in blazing sunshine.
After months of planning and preparation, the Pink Rock 10km organised by St Josephs Athletics Club was a great success with over 200 runners and walkers testing themselves over the course beside the river Barrow in gorgeous sunshine. With athletes drawn from clubs throughout the southeast, the race, now in its sixth year, has firmly established itself on the summer road racing calendar.
The race winner was Brian Maher from Kilkenny City Harriers in a course record time of 31.40. Second and third across the line were Ruairi O Donnell from Ferrybank AC and James Kelly from Castlecomer AC. Sally Forristal from St Josephs was the first women across the line in 38.15 followed by Adele Walsh, St Senans AC and Elaine O Donovan from St Josephs. The first St Josephs athletes home in the men’s and women’s race were Patrick Bookle in a time of 38.38 and Sally Forristal as already mentioned.
Fiona Donovan was the first lady over 40 with John McGrath first O40 male, both representing United Striders AC. Stephanie Johnson and David Keaney, Galway Triathlon Club, won O45 category prizes with Cathy Millet, Kilkenny City Harriers, and Edwin Keville, all the way from Rathfarnam WSAF, winning at O50 level. Winners at over 60 were Patsy Foskin, St Senans AC and our own Larry Leacy. Chloe Richardson from St Josephs won the junior women’s category.
Winners in the women’s team category were St Josephs AC with United Striders winning the men’s team prize. In the county Kilkenny 10km championship run in conjunction with the race, a super strong St Joseph’s womens squad won gold, silver and bronze with the men’s team finishing in third position. The twelve St Joseph’s women sweeping the boards at county level were Sally Forristal, Elaine O Donovan, Anne Watkins, Mairead O Donovan, Caroline Murphy, Sinead Croke, Susan Lanigan, Hanora O Connor, Breda Hennessy, Alma Barron, Oriel Glennon and Mary McDonald. The St Joseph’s mens team consisted of Patrick Bookle, David Larkin, David Lanigan and Peter Duggan.
There was a carnival like atmosphere in Rosbercon Parish Centre afterwards with an amazing selection of food. The organisers wish to thank the army of club volunteers who helped with the massive organisational task on the day, and the club members who planned the event for months beforehand. A special thank you also to all the local businesses who sponsored the event.