The annual Boyne 5k road race made a welcome return on Sunday last, with over 300 runners taking part on a glorious sunny morning.
The new route, starting and finishing at the Lourdes Stadium, provided for a fast course, with some impressive times achieved by all those who took part.
The race is held in memory of two Boyne AC stalwarts, Harry Mallon and Willie Connor, who passed away in recent years, with members of both families taking part and helping out on the day.
Boyne AC fielded a strong contingent of athletes, with coach Andrew White first across the line for the host club, clocking 18.38 to finish 9th overall.
Young Jack Garvey ran a super race to finish just behind in 18.52, and 3rd junior, his strong will and determination paying off when it mattered.
Mark Dowling clocked 20.53, a super run having also ran the Dublin Half marathon the day before, while junior athlete Caoimhin McShane ran a fast 21.04, to cross the line 6th junior.
All four men also won the second place male team prize, a nice reward for their super efforts. Also on tired legs following his massive PB in the half marathon just 24 hours before, Rob Fitzgerald clocked 21.09, with Eddie Kennedy getting back to form with his run of 21.32. Colin Condun is working hard on his speed, and it is paying off as he ran 23.05.
Boyne ACs juvenile athletes certainly made their presence felt on the day, with young Seamus Keenen running a speedy 23.57, while Harry Bell continues to improve as he ran 24.23.
Aimee Rice finished 2nd junior female with her run of 25.13, with clubmate Ellie Russell having a fantastic run crossing the line in 27.53.
Senior member, Nicola Veale used the 5k as her recovery run from the half marathon the day before, crossing the line in 25.14.
Amitesh Baskaran made a welcome return to the sport as he ran a great time of 26.01, close behind was young Cillian Everitt running 26.47, and Malachy Brodigan finishing in lightning quick style in 26.51, followed closely by Zion Oluwabowale in 27.33.
Senior member Rosaleen Byrne was pleased with her 27.26, with clubmate Fiona Walsh running 28.34, and Ellen Boylan ran well to finish in 28.41. Young Abbie Connor ran a great race to finish in 29.17, while Caitlin Hughes also got under the elusive 30 minute mark, finishing in 29.59, with dad Damien alongside her.
Padric Keenan ran a great time of 29.44, as did Nicola Stafford, with young Tite Willimas just behind in 29.45. Joe Bell was all smiles with his finishing time of 30.37, while Caoimhe O’Donoghue enjoyed herself as she crossed the finish line in 31.26.
Michael Black proved that age is just a number as he crossed the line in 31.22, finishing 6th in the over 60s category. Katie McGuinness also ran well finishing in 31.51.
Young Grace Matthews had a super run to finish in 31.37, with clubmate Anisha Baskaran close behind in 32.12. Senior member Julie Gibson finished in 34.52, with clubmate Lisa Collier not far behind in 35.14.
Millie Bell, one of the youngest Boyne AC runners on the day ran a great time of 38.18, alongside dad Roy, while husband and wife Sangeetha and Bala Baskaran ran together to finish in 46.22, followed closely by Conor Hughes in 46.43.
