Fionnuala backs fundraising event for Wicklow Hospice

THE second Fionnuala McCormack Kilomarathon (26.2km) and 10K races in aid of Wicklow Hospice took place recently with participants setting off from The Beehive.

The weather was pleasant enough for the duration of the event and even though the wind picked up during the later stages of the kilo it did not seem to take from the participants’ enjoyment.

There was a wonderful atmosphere on the day and plenty of cheers for each of the 250 athletes who crossed the finish line.

The first three men home in the 10K were Myles Gibbons, David Leonard and Darragh Flynn while the first three ladies were Claire O’Callaghan, Elaine Howard and Annemarie Kenny. The first three males in the kilomarathon were Anthony Flannery, Mark Horan and Ronan Wogan, and the first three ladies were Sandra Lynch, Sorcha McCann and Catherine O’Connor.

There was also a fun event whereby groups of three of four wwere able to complete the course as a relay team. All participants received a technical T-shirt at registration and a commemorative medallion at the finish. Triple Olympian and patron of Wicklow Hospice Fionnuala McCormack (née Britton) mingled with participants and spectators alike, presented medals and prizes and posed for numerous photographs.

The organisers wish to thank everyone who made this year’s event possible includin Pat Doyle of The Beehive, Wicklow Local Sports Partnership, Michael Richardson and Wicklow Civil Defence, Ashford Gardaí, Athletics Timing - where the full results can be viewed, ML Security and Ludo for the physio services.

Such was the success of this year’s event, it looks as if the Fionnuala McCormack Kilomarathon and 10K will be returning in 2018.