The 8th successive Colemanstown 10k run took place on Easter Saturday, March 31st; a day which is now firmly established on the road racing calendar. The route had been newly re-measured for this year’s event to ensure all recorded results were fully accurate and meaningful. The cool dry day was ideal for running and combined with the good course the conditions were welcome to all taking part. The course is noted for fast times with a slight uphill from 2.5 to 3.5k and downhill for the last 3k and this year the gentle breeze happily helped everyone home. The run was proceeded by a kids run where all 75 children taking part showed the grown-ups how to make a proper effort in a race, none more so than Eanna McDonagh, Newcastle who was first to cross the finishing line so his Dad Pat had to put in a similar shift in the big one! All the children were happy with their finisher’s medal and goody bag and some faces as they crossed the line were a joy to behold.
The main event had last year’s winner Matt Bidwell, GCH back again defending his title and he did so in style, stamping his authority on the race at the early stages and winning in 33:41. Brian Furey, Rathfarnham and Adrian Smith completed the first three home. It was good to see new faces and names come to this neck of the woods. This year those present got to see young talented Shauna Bocquet race Colemanstown for the first time in the wheelchair and she raced home in a very formidable 35:38 accompanied by her Dad who cycled every km by her side.
The female winner this year was Regina Casey from GCH who followed up her 10k win in Craughwell the previous week with another solid run. Another winner from the previous week in the Craughwell 10 mile event was Athenry ACs Jane Ann Meehan who had to settle for second place on this occasion, coming first on the last 4 occasions in Colemanstown. Third female home was another Athenry runner Aine O’Farrell with a strong finish in her first ever Colemanstown run.
Throughout the field there was some great running, like local man Pat McDonagh cruising home, taking the O50 title and looking like he could run it again if needed even though he may have felt someone from ‘up above’ with him on this occasion. Another local favourite Gearoid Rohan showed he has lost none of his fighting spirit by holding off the challenge of clubmate Fabian Mangan to claim the days bragging rights on the day. Both Gearoid & his wife Mary are in marathon training for the Zurich marathon on April 22nd where Gearoid’s brother Brian has also caught the running bug, taking part in his 1st ever marathon. Jane Ann is also more in marathon mode than 10k mode these days with the impending Limerick marathon just around the corner. There were a few PB’s on show and none more so than Ray Treacy who provided the details for this report and posted himself a new PB, knocking almost 30seconds off his time, finishing well in 39:08, 13th overall. Also Paddy Joe Finnerty deserves a mention. Given his joy on crossing the finish line, he bent down and kissed the ground resembling the Pope’s visit to Ireland in 1979!.
Afterwards the legendary Colemanstown hospitality was on full show with a wonderful spread in the clubhouse. There is nothing a runner wants more than a good day, a fast course and a chat with all involved. As usual the Colemanstown 10k delivered in style. This is mainly due to the generosity of all our volunteers who give of their time so unselfishly in every way possible. There’s nothing too big or small to ask – it will and always has been delivered by a mighty bunch of great- hearted people. This year we sadly missed the assistance of Jimmy Qualter, RIP, who had helped us in every way since the inception of this road race and generated plenty of banter along the way.
All in the organising committee thank Athenry AC for their sponsorship of our permit application as we wish all Athenry AC athletes best wishes in their impending running exploits. We look forward to a bigger and stronger event again next year. We are forever grateful to Frank & Bernie Burke and family who have generously sponsored the prize money for the Colemnastown 10k since its inaugural event in 2011. We are also grateful to Brian Griffin and Ita Kenny GRD who left no stone unturned in ensuring our facilities were in tip-top condition for the weekend. I’m sure Brian will be delighted with Alisha McNamara’s time of 48:11 just 6months after delivering their 4th child – a splendid time indeed. The 10k concluded with a night in Burke’s bar where people gladly quenched their thirst after the day’s efforts. Music by Joe Hession kick started a session and the mantle was taken up by a few mighty singers in the bar. This great night put pressure on some alarm clocks sounding for dawn mass at 6am! A great ending to an even better day. Photos will be uploaded to our facebook page shortly so stay tuned.
Well done to all participants both young and old, sponsors and our many excellent volunteers for making our 8th successive 10k run yet another success story. Full results attached herewith: (.xls) (.pdf)