Petrova is first in Istanbul 10k

NORTH Sligo AC Athlete Valeria Petrova travelled to Turkey last week to meet up with her mother and sister and to run in a big 10k road race in the bustling city of Istanbul.

The 25 year old Ukrainian was anxious to meet up with her family,so they travelled from Ukraine to Istanbul to meet her and watch her run in this big road race.

Over five thousand runners took part in this 10k on Sunday last, the 10k was part of a series of races on the day which also included a half marathon. Petrova came to Ireland three years ago and was in refugee accommodation in Drumshanbo for the first year, through contacts made with a few good people in North Sligo AC she was able to move into accommodation in Sligo. She joined the North Sligo AC club two years ago not knowing anybody, but now everybody in the training group knows and respects the talent and work ethic she brings to her training.

Last Christmas at the club’s awards night, she won the female club athlete of the year award, earned from several very good cross country and road race results during the year.

This was Petrova’s biggest win to date finishing 42nd overall and first female out of the just over 5,000 finishers on a hilly course she finished in 42 mins 19 secs.

There were several good performances from North Sligo athletes in the the Streets of Ballyshannon 5k on Saturday last.

Feidhlim McGowan has shaken off the Achilles tendon injury which curtailed his training for almost six months.

The fleet footed McGowan finished 2nd in the large field of runners in 15m 35 sec.

Shay Davis and Niall Canning in 17 m16 and 17m 17 sec respectively.

Cormac Dillon had a great run to win the u16 catergory in 18 m 33 secs.

Eamon Murphy finished in 18 m33 secs.

Jimmy Currid is rolling back the years, the 61 year old had a superb run to win the over 60 category in a fast time of 19 m 15 secs.

Leo Donlon had another fine run to finish in 19m 18 secs.

Aisling Van Rensburg finished 3rd overall in the female section in 19m 34 secs.

Fiona Hennigan won the over 40 section in 19 m42 sec, her sister Marita McMorrow finished in 21 m3 sec and Niamh Dillon finished in 2 m 17 sec.

The annual Maugherow 10k will take place this year on Saturday, June 1 starting at 7pm. There will be prizes in all categories and lots of tea and apple tarts in the hall afterwards.