Large crowds attend Achill Half-Marathon

Large crowds attend Achill Half-Marathon


The ninth annual Achill Half-Marathon and 10k races took place on Saturday last on Achill Island.
The gorgeous July sunshine shone down on organisers, volunteers and runners and a huge turnout ensured both races were packed to capacity. The addition of a 10k race has led to the race becoming more popular, with over 700 turning out for the main event and almost 600 taking off for the second running of the Achill 10k Run.
Both races attracted athletes from all over the country and further afield, with some entrants making their way to Achill Island especially for the occasion from Norway, Spain, Holland and even the USA.
The calibre of athlete taking part in the event was evident in the times posted for both races. The 10km was won by Paddy  O’Toole from Westport in a fantastic time of 34.09. Gillian Clyne was first home in the women’s race in a super time of 41.44 followed by Monica Dennany in 44.28.
The elite athletes really came to the fore in the half marathon. Kenyan Freddy Sittuk hardly broke a sweat in crossing the finish line in 1.09.57. Hot on Freddy’s heels was Gary O’Hanlon, of Clonliffe Harriers, in a time of 1.11.13, and Tudor Moldovan in a time of 1.13.56. The first lady home was Michelle Mullaney in a time of 1.33.29, with AnnMarie Needham in second and Rachel Wade in third with times of 1.33.33 and 1.34.25 respectively.
The islanders were well represented in both races. At the half marathon distance, the first Achill lady home was Amy Gallagher, with a time of 1.42.36, while the first Achill male home on the 21km course was Darran Lovely in a time of 1.29.13.
The race was started by Jamie Conway, Community Fundraising Manager for the Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Jamie was joined on the start line by four local children who have all benefitted from the services provided by the hospital, and they were the official race mascots. They were Shane Cafferkey, Caoimhe Cafferkey, Elliot McNea and Gearóid Murphy.
Organisers are already planning for next year and extend their thanks to all their volunteers, without whom the race could not happen.