Colemanstown saw out the month of September in style yesterday. Despite decreased numbers for the rescheduled Colemanstown 10k, the sun shone brightly as if it were the warmest summer’s day, for the 98 runners registered to take part in what was another overwhelming success. From humble beginnings 7 years ago we have grown a 10k we are proud of for its ethics, its efforts, the support it receives and the absolutely splendid community spirit that goes into its organisation & running of the event. Again, there was exceptional representation from Athenry AC (there appeared to be a sea of maroon singlets everywhere), Galway City Harriers, Tuam AC, Clare River Harriers, Ballinasloe & Corofin AC and people from as far away as Castlebar & Ballina (Moy Valley AC).
Pre-race favourite, Matt Bidwell, GCH who was chauffer driven down to the start line, stamped his authority on the race from the off and moved away from the field within the first 500m as could be easily seen from the drone overhead. The GCH man had the race wrapped up by the 1km mark and romped home in a time of 33:36 to finish almost 2 mins clear of 2nd placed James Maher now living in Tuam, running with Templemore AC in 35:22. Daire Comer, Tuam AC came 3rd in 36:19. Mens Category Prize winners were: O/40 local lad: Gearoid Rohan, Athenry AC, who came home 4th overall to a great applause in 36:35; O/50 Jim Vaughan, Galway Triathlon, 43:47; O/60 Another local Tony Killarney, Athenry AC, 48:14; O/70 Philip Cribbin, Clare River Harriers, 52:31.
In the Senior ladies category, again pre-race favourite Jane Ann Meehan, Athenry AC led home a host of other Athenry AC participants in 37:09, 5th overall and over 2 ½ mins clear of her nearest challenger, 2nd placed Sinead Brody of Galway City Harriers, 39:45. Yvonne Fehily, Athenry AC came 3rd in 42:47. Female category winners were: O/40 Female: Local lass Mary Mahon Rohan, Athenry, AC, 47:40 who recently qualified for the O/40’s category; O/50 Mary Kealy, Athenry AC, 44:33 fresh from her recent exploits in the Berlin Marathon. Full results here. http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Colemanstown10km_2017.pdf
In the children’s race 67 participants took part in the fun run as Cian Burke, Gurteen was first home followed closely by his comrades Eanna McDonagh, Newcastle & Jonathan Keane, Tiaquin. All children were delighted with their medals and goody bags in what was an exciting day for them. It was lovely to see the turn-out of parents assisting the smaller children in their participation.
Race organisers emphasise the race prizemoney sponsorship during the past 7 years from Frank & Bernie Burke, Colemanstown and extended family, who no doubt without their support, this event could not be the success story it is. Simply put, they are marvellous not just in terms of financial support but in terms of their time and commitment as well. It was lovely to have Bernie Burke on hand to make the presentation of prizes on the day.
Organisers also extend thanks to Athenry AC for sponsoring our race permit application and to Sean O’Morain who assisting in rescheduling the run at short notice.
Grateful thanks to our many talented bakers, confectioners, sandwich makers and to Bernie our soup producer and to all who helped out in the hospitality area, helped out stewarding, parking, those who attended the water stations, John Harte our photographer, the civil defence, Damian Fahy our MC, registration staff, the drone operator & RSS who assisted in a big ‘clean up’ of our facilities during the week. Many run participants have noted and commented on the excellent community spirit in our greater area.
It was a great day, weather wise, ambiance, friendliness and all good things that go with a road race. We wish all those participating in the forthcoming Galway half marathon and Dublin City Marathon the very best wishes. We hope to be back to our Holy Saturday date again, next year, falling on March 31st 2018.
Photos of the event to follow