450 TAKE PART IN EPIC RACE
SOUTH Sligo AC hosted their 45th annual St. Patrick’s Day 10/5K race on Saturday. A total of 450 runners took to the streets in what was cold but dry conditions. The 5K kicked off at midday which included 62 members of South Sligo AC who have just completed the couch to 5K programme with the club. For many this was their very first 5K race.
It was a test of their true grit and determination to complete the race in such conditions. Fintan Whelan claimed first place coming in at 19:07 and Aoife Kilgannon won First Lady home at 19:51.
The 10k began at 12:10 and saw 178 competitors cross the start line to head out on this challenging course. There were many new faces as well as some familiar ones returning for another challenge. However it was John Travers from Donore Harriers, who pushed it from the start and maintained his advantage to come in first place at 31:36 just ahead of Jake O’Regan (St. John’s AC Co. Clare) who came in at 32:51. 3rd place was taken by Rossa Hurley Mc Carrick (Donore Harriers) at 33:07 which completed the top 3 for the men.
Teresa Doherty (Finn Valley) came in first place at a fantastic time of 35:49. She was followed by Sara Doohan (Corran AC) at 38:24. Heather Foley ( North Sligo) completed the top 3 in a time of 38:43. North Sligo who were as always well represented came away with both the female and male team prizes, just pipping Sligo AC.
This year South Sligo AC were delighted to support the work in Gallagher House through donating a percentage of the proceeds from this race. This money will towards a music therapy room in Gallagher House. Music therapy has many well documented benefits for psychosocial wellbeing and is especially the case for people with Down Syndrome who develop dementia. Emma Davitt, South Sligo AC PRO said: “We delighted to support a local cause and in doing so we continue our ethos of giving back to the local community.
“The relationship between SSAC and Gallagher House was further enhanced, as staff from Gallagher House volunteered their own free time to come and assist with the catering on the day of the race. SSAC would like to thank each and every one of them and to wish them every success for their own 8K race that is held in April every year,” she said.
Emma added: “The 5K was also a great success again this year. Enhancing the work and effort put in by SSAC club members with their C25K programme. This programme was supported by Sligo Sports Partnership and the Healthy Heart Ireland initiative. “They were also joined by C25K groups from Corran AC and Curry. There were well earned refreshments and the prize giving took place in Killorans bar and restaurant as is tradition. Once again our race was well supported by surrounding clubs and a special thank you to all who came to compete. A sincere thanks to our sponsors Mullarkey’s furniture, Lollipop lane Creche and Montessori, Barry’s Pharmacy, Surlis’s Super Valu, Mickey Macs Bar, Nicole Walsh Solicitor CORE timing, Computer Bits, Alpha Precision, Tubbercurry and District Credit Union, Bank of Ireland, The Sligo Champion, Centra McSorley’s, Jalmia Solutions and Brouder Marketing.
“A huge thanks to our club members and community members who came together to volunteer their time, sandwich making and baking skills, stewarding and overall helping us to make the day as successful as it was.
“A great day was had by all and we look forward to hosting our 46th race next year. Congratulations to all the athletes and the full results are available on www.coretiming.ie,” Emma added.