A BUSY WEEKEND!
Two events draw big crowds for worthy causes
IT was another busy weekend of action on the Wicklow athletics scene with a number of different events taking place.
The Sunbeam House 5 and 10km runs took place in Arklow over the weekend and was organised by Martin O’Rourke and all his crew. Overall there was a brilliant turnout with over 120 athletes taking part. The races started and finished at the Coral Leisure Centre, Arklow.
The four men events of the day saw the 5 and 10km events split up into the women’s and men’s sections. Derek Crammond of Parnell AC won the men’s 5km race with Tadgh McShane in second and John Macken completing the podium placings in third. In the women’s 5km Parnell AC occupied the top two positions with Síle O’Rourke winning, staving off the challenge of Roisín Daly in second and Alison Behan of the Inbhear Mór club in third.
In the 10km events Paul Gibbons of Sliabh Buidhe Rovers won the men’s event from Andrew Dowsey in second and Alan Duffy of Inbhear Mór in third.
On the women’s side Aisling Kirwan of Parnell AC won home with Laura McCann of Inbhear Mór in second and Belinda Keogh of Sliabh Buidhe Rovers in third.
The event was a great success and all credit should go to all those involved and the sponsors Ellis Wells Drilling.
Another event to take place over the weekend was the Wicklow Hospice Duathlon.
The race started and finished at the Beehive outside Wicklow Town and comprised of a 3km run followed by an 18km cycle and finished with another gruelling 3km run.
It was a fantastic day for all involved and there was a medal for all the finishers of the race.
The first male home was Brendan Buck in an outstanding time of 51:20 while Catherine Mahoney was the first lady over the finish line in a time of 60:09, so just over the hour mark. Beth Stevens and Colman Kelly were the first placed team and finished in a time of 59:40 and Ben Kinsella was the first Junior male, running a fantastic race in a time of 60:15. An honourable mention must also go to the youngest participant in the race Finn Buck.
Finn came home in 75 minutes and looks to have a bright future in athletics ahead of him.
For those interested in running local races mark your calendar for the start of July as Wicklow Hospice are running the Festival of Running from the 6th to the 9th of July. Four days of wonderful running await athletes and the festival caters for those of all ages and abilities with 5, 10, 15, and 20-mile long runs as well as a full marathon.
Registration is from 7:15 am and those interested in participating should visit the Wicklow Hospice website at www.wicklowhospice.ie.