Summer series ends in a welter of excitement in Claremorris

The Claremorris 5k proved to be a magnificent finale to the 2024 Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k Series. After five races across the county the curtain came down on a very successful and enjoyable 12th edition of the popular series.

Claremorris was blessed with a wonderful sunny evening, and excitement buzzed in the air as 206 eager runners assembled outside CBE. The sense of anticipation was palpable.

The one lap Claremorris course has a long climb up Claremount Manor after the 3k mark, but the final section at Claremorris Athletics track is a fast and exciting 400m circuit to the finish line. Racing conditions were ideal.

Westport AC runners had dominated the four previous races, and they finished off in style at Claremorris with Eamonn Staunton winning his fourth series race in 16:46. David Hickey Westport AC has had a great series too, and he was second home in 17:01. Francis King Castlegar AC won a three way battle for the line in third place in 17:13. He was just ahead of Mayo AC’s first finisher John Byrne in 17:15, and Sean O’Brien 17:20 whileTadgh Hanrahan of Mayo AC was sixth in 17:25.

In the women’s race Hillary Hughes Westport AC claimed her third win in the series in 19:09. She finished second in the other two races and ran brilliantly in all five.

Michelle Needham Westport AC was next home in 20:17, with Paula Donnellan Mayo AC third in 20:37.

Maura Ginty Sportsworld AC was a close fourth in 20:42, followed by two Mayo AC finishers- Colette Tuohy in 21:13 and Lorraine McNulty 21:25.

There was a record total of 875 finishers in the five races, with 54 runners completing all five. There was 206 finishers in Claremorris – a record for the 2024 series.

Finishing times show that the standard of running was high, as it had been throughout the previous four races. A fifth of the Claremorris field finished in under 20 minutes.

There was a huge contingent of 51 runners from Mayo AC, and impressive numbers from Westport AC. The race was also well supported by other athletics clubs – Clare River Harriers, Castlegar, Swinford, Ballina, Milltown, Lake District, Tuam, Castlerea Crusaders, GCH to name a few – and an excellent number of individuals, all looking to end the five race series on a high note.

At the After Party and prize presentation, Mayo AC club Chairman John Byrne thanked everyone for coming and for taking part the 5k Series. He thanked Intersport Elverys for their generous sponsorship again this year.

Also the series partners Mayo Mental Health Association, and other sponsors: Shaw Commercials, Matt Bidwell Fitness Analytics, and Tony O’Malley.

He said special thanks go to the 5k Series race organisers : Colette Tuohy Castlebar, Kevin Hastings Westport, Joan Walsh Ballinrobe and John Timothy Claremorris.

John added "Sarah Byrne was the main driving force of the series. She did enormous work and was ably assisted by John Gordon and John Timothy, who was also the main organiser of our Claremorris leg and after party. Colette Tuohy and Ann McDonnell, as ever, were the first port of call when extra help and guidance was needed and again they were not found wanting."

He thanked John Heneghan Core Timing for his excellent service with results and general support – especially getting everyone to the startlines on time!

John Byrne emphasised the huge support from a total of 105 volunteers – including members, their families and friends  – all ensuring the series ran safely and successfully.

Series Overall: Men: 1, Eamonn Staunton; 2, David Hickey; 3, Sean O’Brien (all Westport AC). Women: 1, Hillary Hughes (Westport AC); 2, Maura Ginty (Sportsworld AC), 3, Paula Donnellan (Mayo AC)

Top three Most Improved athletes; 1 Madeline Hunt; 2, Mark Fitzgerald; 3, Aidan Beirne.

In appreciation of the 105 volunteers who ensured the Series was held safely and successfully, Intersport Elverys vouchers were presented by Tony O’Malley Mayo AC to two raffle winners Padraic Gallagher and Damien Finnegan.