Strandhill packed for Run

THE 33rd annual Warriors Run took place on Saturday with 890 runners taking part, making it one of the biggest races in the event’s history.

Brian McMahon stormed to victory with Sarah McCormack also in impressive form, winning the ladies race.

Micki Murray, Warriors Run PRO, said it was a brilliant festival.

“We had 890 doing it, which was one of the biggest.

“We are absolutely delighted with how it went.

“The race ran smoothly with some inclement weather at the beginning but it didn’t have that much of an effect.

“There was a bit of mist on the mountain but there was still good visibility. The athletes did really well and there were some brilliant times from the winners.

“Brian in 52: 51 is probably one of the quickest we’ve ever had.

“Brian won it three years ago and was also second another year, so he is a Warriors regular and a previous Mountain running champion.

“Martin Brennan of Strandhill was the first local lad home, he pipped Turlough Conway to the finish line,” Micki added.

“Sarah McCormack, who was the ladies winner, did fantastic too and she came in under the hour which is a great time.”

John Travers, a teacher in St Brendan’s, was second with St John AC‘ s Jake O’Regan third.

Seamus Somers of Sligo AC was fourth in a time of 56: 49, another fine performance from him, with Aidan McMoreland in fifth place.

Micki said: “There were so many taking part which was great to see.

“There were a lot of teams too running it and a lot did it for charity which is brilliant.

“There were children’s races on Sunday and they were good fun with the kids delighted to get goodie bags.

“From a committee’s point of view, it went really well.

“Thanks to Core Timing too for doing the race times.

“We will start planning for 2018 from November onwards,” a delighted Micki said.