Athletes from throughout Leinster and the North East gathered in Drogheda yesterday for the annual Christmas extravaganza that is the Waterwipes Drogheda Christmas 5k.
The Christmas hits boomed out and lifted the spirits of some 1200+ attending the fun-filled race being held this year for the first time at Drogheda & District home grounds in Newtownstalaban, which was packed with exuberant runners who were only too keen to show their Christmas spirit – even the Grinch joined in the fun!
The new course is an out and back course along the Termonfeckin Road which is ideal for fast 5k times or making room for the hard-earned holidays about to begin!
Many quality athletes now consider this race a staple and this year local hero Tadhg Donnelly flew home just in time to join the top road runners lining up. Aaron Hanlon, Chris Keenan and Colin Leonard joined Tadhg at the lead of the race as they took off at a ferocious pace being chased by athletes going for a pb.
Tadhg’s feet hardly touched the tarmac as he took a commanding lead and hung on to take the overall title in a superfast 15 minutes 01 seconds.
Aaron Hanlon showed how well his winter training is going as he clocked yet another fantastic 5k in 15 minutes 30 seconds. Solid runs from both Chris Keenan (15:46) and Colin Leonard (16:12) who’s in good form and also took the M40 prize, meant that the terrific trio claims top men’s team.
There were strong runs also from Sophie Kinsella (23:17) and Mum Mary Kinsella (23:50) who was third in her category. Ernesto Saborio Cordoba made a long overdue return to complete the race in 18 min 16 seconds.
All athletes were treated to a wonderful post-race reception and treats, making it a wonderful celebration of local athletics showcasing the quality of our athletes convert their zeal and stamina into victory. As an athlete it means so much to take part in your local race, and to win there is surely the icing on the cake.
Further afield rising star Beatrice Cunningham took a glorious first place in the first-year race at Drogheda Grammar’s Cross Country Day – a wonderful achievement at such a young age.
Drogheda athletes Andrea McArdle, Helen Dillon and Eimear Marron (above) flew the flag for Ireland at the Malaga Half marathon on Sunday 15th December where Andrea achieved a PB of 1:38:54.
Some of Drogheda’s finest took part at the Track & Field Live at the National Indoor Arena on 18th December. The race was a winter sharpener for those incredible athletes that practice endlessly.
Gerry O’Connor continues to inspire with a lightning fast 400m in 1:02.57. Andrea McCabe and Kerry McHugh also showed good form and race instinct for the 800m in 3:16.35 and 3:24.51 respectively.
