FITNESS Mayo man takes Leenane

BRAVING THE RAIN From the start of the race, conditions were tough for the Leenane 5-Mile runners.

Mayo man takes Leenane


ON November 18, over 170 hardy souls braved torrential rain in Leenane to raise funds for the Leenane/Maam Red Cross Ambulance. From start to finish line and beyond, the annual Leenane 5 Mile Run is a wonderful example of community spirit and resilience in the west.
This year, over 170 runners and walkers descended on the village for the day. The two-tiered race saw many elite runners take part, while others – including many families – opted to walk the route. The youngest participant was two months old, the oldest was a lady in her 80s. 
Runners came from all over the country, and there was a good local turnout too. The Red Cross Committee was stunned that people travelled from all over the country to run in the downpours that created difficult running conditions. Forty local people turned up to volunteer as marshals, and they stood in the torrents, guiding the runners back to the community centre where the local people of Leenane had a buffet ready.
The winners of the Elite Sections, who also set new records for the event, were John Byrne (who ran the race in 27 minutes, 30 seconds) and his girlfriend, Sarah Syron (who completed the course in 33 minuts, 38 seconds). Byrne, who hails from Straide and works at Hollister Medical in Mayo, had just returned from coming fifth in the World Trophy Final – a 50-kilometre road race in Italy. 
Commenting on the race, he said it was a “very tough and testing course  – but brilliant, one of the best I’ve ever done and superbly organised. I’d come back for the food alone!”
Sara Syron, winner and new record setter in the ladies’ section is Byrne’s girlfriend. She recently came ninth in the Dublin City Marathon ladies’ category.
Last year’s winner in the Men’s Elite and Olympic Trial Athlete, Robert Malseed, came second. His participation shows how the course is becoming very popular with the fastest runners in Ireland.
The days before the race, the entire village was busy baking and volunteering. Every family in the village contributes to the great community spirit that has seen this event grow from strength to strength. Almost €3,000 was raised, every cent of which goes to the upkeep of the Leenane/Maam Red Cross ambulance, which voluntarily serves all of Connemara and most of Mayo county.

For more information on the race, visit www.leenanevillage.com.