Duleek duo trim PBs at road race
THE strong Duleek & District AC contingent revelled in the sunshine as they contested the Trim 10-Mile Road Race in a field of 1,400-plus on Sunday.
The race, which doubles up as the Meath 10-Mile Road Race Championships, is in its third year and is increasing in popularity.
This year’s event started in sub-zero temperatures, but the near-perfect conditions fully showcased the very scenic route and well-organised event.
Peter Hearty was first home for the Duleek club in a fine time of 1:02:10, all the more impressive because of an injury-affected build up which resulted in far from ideal preparation.
Derek Reilly followed up his recent half-marathon PB of 1:27 with a very impressive 1:05 and in doing so notching his second major PB of the year even though the season is still in its infancy.
Paddy Lennon picked up where he left off in 2016, with another impressive outing and a large PB to boot, finishing in a time of 1:17, which augurs very well for the upcoming season.
Susan Walsh opened her account for the year with a very solid 1:25, with Susan Gleeson just behind her in 1:26. Derek Sheridan put an injury-ravaged second half of 2016 behind him with a very steady 1:25.
Olive Wall continued her preparations towards her first half-marathon in Bohermeen in early March by completing the distance for the first time, while Anita Lenehan (1:30) continues to go from strength to strength and there were equally impressive performances from Graham Byrne and Mary Murray. •Duleek native Keith Marks has made a brilliant start to 2017 after missing last year’s outdoor season because of a hamstring injury.
Marks, formerly of Cushinstown AC but now competing for Clonliffe Harriers, won the long jump with a best of 7.12m to help Clonliffe won the team competition in Saturday’s Irish Life National Indoor League meeting at he new National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.
The week previously he marked his return by winning the Under-23 National Indoor long jump title with a leap of 6.95m in his final jump, at Athlone IT.