Annmarie McGlynn put on a tremendous display in Tuesday night’s Bay Road 5K in Derry. Annmarie surpassed last year’s excellent time and came home in 16.12. This represented a road PB for Annmarie, although she has run faster (16.07) on the track. Annmarie took the women’s prize by more than 2 minutes, from Sarah Lindsay of North Down AC, and was 8th overall. Mark McKinstry, North Belfast Harriers, was first across the line in 15.21.
Sinead Peoples was the first woman in Wednesday evening’s Transplant Games Fund 5K in Ramelton. The race was for an excellent cause- to assist Milford AC athlete, Kieran Murray, a kidney transplant recipient to participate in the Transplant Games. Sinead finished in 20.06. First across the line was Mark McPaul of Finn Valley, whose time of 15.44 saw him finish well over a minute clear of his nearest challenger, Kevin Logue.
One of Ireland’s most scenic races, the Ballyliffinn Coastal Challenge, took place on Saturday. In-form, Siobhan Gallagher, was the first woman in a time of 1.11.50. Speaking immediately afterwards, a delighted Siobhan commented that she, “only caught the leader with 100m to go. I just loved it and have never enjoyed a 10 mile race as much!”
Martin Gormley, who competes in this tough event every year, clocked 1.08.15.
Eoghan McGinley was the winner of the LAC 3K on Sunday morning. Eoghan recorded an excellent time of 9.06, which left him 7 seconds clear of Foyle Valley’s Keith Shiels. Ivan Toner had a fine run and came home in 9.41. Junior, David Smith, finished in 10.28, with fellow Junior, Enda McBride, clocking 10.48. Brian Ferry was just 1 second behind Enda.
Barry Mackey showed his versatility with the 5K specialist taking the M50 prize in 11.48. Paul Lee, after a week of warm weather training, finished in 12.18. Naoise Enright completed the race in 12.52 and Rachel McKenna in 14.11.
There was also a LAC 1st place in the 5K. Catriona Jennings became one of a small group of women to be overall race winners. Her time of 17.18 saw her finish 8 seconds clear of Michael Black. Kevin McGee was the first M40 in 18.28. Paul Toner was 4th in a very competitive M40 category in 18.58.
In-form Monica McGranaghan was the 2nd woman and was the first F40 runner in 20.09. M50 John Hughes came home in 20.15, Darren Beacroft in 20.48, Peter Gallagher in 20.58 and Junior, Daragh McFeely, in 21.51. Kieran McFeely’s time was 22.41, Daragh Crossan finished in 24.07, Bambi Doherty in 24.42 and Andrea McFeely in 26.10.
Mark and Rachel McKenna had fine runs in last week’s Great Ireland Run 5K. Rachel’s time of 24.17 gave her 2nd place in the Women’s Under 20 category.
Marcus McClintock became the latest LAC winner of the Letterkenny parkrun. He completed the 5K in 19.24 in his first time running in the very popular event.
Letterkenny Athletic Club would like to thank Harte Insurances for sponsoring the Easter Sunday 3K/5K races. Thanks also go to the large number of volunteers who helped make the races a success.
Hugh Gallagher,
Letterkenny AC PRO.
