Welcome return for competitive racing among Wicklow Athletics

JUST under 150 runners took part in the Wicklow Athletics 5k Road Race Championship last Thursday.

Clubs from the Garden County were represented after many months of no competitive racing and road race events.

The starting point was at Jack Whites with the runners taking off in colour paced zones from 7.15 p.m. This was an out and back course with the race start and finish line located near Jack Whites pub just off the N11.

The facilities were ideal to host such an event in the current Covid climate. Runners had ample space to warm up and a long stretch of road to keep moving when finished to get back to their cars.

The men’s race proved a tightly contested affair, with Neil Wiktorski of Bray Runners crossing the finish line first. Derek Crammond of Parnell Athletic Club was second and Brian Geraghty of Greystones and District Athletics Club was third. Parnell Ac were the team winners.

The Women’s winner was Catherine O’Connor from Parnell Athletic Club. Fellow Parnell AC member Sile Byrne finished second and Suzanne Foot of Bray Runners was third. The team event was won by

Parnell AC.

The Masters Women was won by Annmarie Kenny of Parnell AC, with her club mate Hannah O’Connor finishing second. Parnell AC were the team winners.

The Masters Men event was won by Alan Dalton of Parnell AC, with Mark Redmond of Ashford AC in second place and Paul O’Brien of Bray Runners AC finishing third. The winning team in the same category was Parnell AC.

Mark Duncan Dolores Gilliland and Aisling Ennis of Bray Runners.

A lot of nervous and excited athletes line up for the 5K race.

Debbie Griffin and Catherine O’Connor of Parnells.

They are off for the first road race since March.

Rachel Flanagan and Ann O’Byrne.

Danny Green and Desie Shorten.

Joe Dowd and JJ O’Byrne.

Athletes