The Ballycarney 5 mile road race, the first race in this year’s Slaney Olympic summer league, took place last Friday on cool but sunny evening. There was a good turnout from the host club but there also athletes from SBR and United Striders as well as non club runners.
Kevin Murphy made the early running followed by Martin Monaghan and Myles Gibbons. Next came the other Gibbons brother Paul with Jason O’Connor not far behind. But Paul was only biding his time. With half a mile to go he had moved into a comfortable lead. He finished in 26.46, a mere one second outside the record set by Kevin Murphy on the course last year.
Kevin finished in 2nd place in 27.00 with Myles Gibbons third in 27.48. Next home were Martin Monaghan,SO (28.30), Jason O’Connor, SO (29.27) and Sean Murphy, US (29.27).
First woman home was last year’s winner, Catherine Murphy, in 34.06. Catherine finished 22nd overall and took nearly three minutes off her previous time. Grainne Codd, SO was second in 40.02 with Ann Bolger third in 40.22.
A big thank you to all the helpers on the night…marshals, finish recorders, photographers, water boys, number collectors.
Afterwards all returned to the Ballycarney Inn for some finger food and liquid refreshment. There was a small prizegiving and quiz to round off the evening. Many thanks to Breda behind the bar for looking after us so well.
Next race is in Gibbet Hill on Sunday 29th May at 11am which also doubles as part of the Trail Series.
Full Results
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