Newmarket set to welcome large field for Duhallow 10-mile
IRELAND’S fastest 10 mile Road Race is sure to attract a big and representative field for the Duhallow 10 on Sunday next. With a new level of running drawing enthusiasts, there is no denying that organisers are catering for big race fans with quality runners such as defending holder Hiko Tonasa (DSD), Sergiu Cionbanu (Clonliffe Harriers), Alan O’Shea (Bantry), James McCarthy (East Cork) and Michelle Finn (Leevale) chasing highly attractive prizes to the Newmarket hosting.
Ethiopia native Tonasa clipped a terrific 49.10 minutes for the distance at the inaugural race last spring. The new race lived up to its billing, the fastest witnessed from a long season, Tonso driving forward with pace to shade the outcome by a three second margin from Muldovian native Ciobanu.
Such was the pace, the timing posted by both Tonso and Ciobanu were the quickest recorded on Irish soil during 2018 to confirm the status of the Newmarket staging.
Duhallow AC Chairman Donie Shine relates the upcoming 10 mile race is generating great attention from both competitive and leisure runners from far and wide. “It promises to be a classic race again along a great route in and out of Newmarket, a level course is adding to the interest and the level of queries from participants is hugely encouraging. That augurs well for a massive entry and makes for an impressive staging in Newmarket with many groups and individuals promising to lend their support,” he said.
Of course Duhallow AC haven taken up a free date on the calendar following the demise of the 40 year old Ballycotton 10 in East Cork.
“In time, we hope to repeat a marvellous Ballycotton showpiece that captured the imagination of the wider public, a classic run on becoming one of the best road races in Ireland. And it attracted athletes from all over the country and abroad in addition to initiating a road-running boom in the process,” said Donie.
“Ballycotton was at all times a truly professional race and a benchmark for others to follow, the community embraced the race year on year, hopefully, Duhallow AC and Newmarket can replicate that enthusiasm for all involved for this staging in years to come,” he said.
Many participants are well acquainted with Newmarket’s 5km run on a flat course each December. And Duhallow organisers are preparing for a big entry, attractive prizes for the top ten finishers including €500 for first male and female.
There is an assortment of prizes, the club with the most athletes participating will receive €250 with additional prizes for the next two clubs.
The big race starts at 1.30pm just outside town on the Kanturk road near race head quarters at Safari’s with a finish outside the Boys National School. Participants can sign on Saturday afternoon at the big race sponsors base Ayrton between 2pm and 3.30pm or on Sunday from 10am to 12.30pm.
The public can get involved, a 4km walk incorporated, proceeds from our staging go towards the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, the cause is deserving, the IMNDA can alleviate the feelings of isolation and improve quality of life.
“They strive to ensure that each individual receives the care and support they require enabling them to live as active independent citizens in their own homes for as long as possible,” said the Duhallow club chairman.
Full d etails on the race are available from Donie Shine at 086-8149970 or from any Duhallow AC member.