Boyne AC held their annual 5k road race on Friday night last, and with over 300 participants, it proved to be their most successful yet.
The new date, route and time was certainly an attraction as runners from far and wide took to the roads of Ballymakenny and Towntrath.
Starting at St Olivers National School, the athletes made their way towards Townrath, where they turned at the halfway point, with a speedy downhill finish back to the school, and across the finish line to receive a much deserved finishers medal.
Setting the course record, Colin Leonard from local club Drogheda & District, ran a super quick 16 minutes flat, while first lady was Laura McDonnell, from Rathfarnham AC who crossed the line in 17.51, very impressive times for the 5k distance.
Over 50 Boyne AC athletes competed in the race itself, with many more club members on the organising committee and helping out on the night to ensure a safe route and a fantastic post-race spread.
First to cross the line for the Boyne AC was Andrew White who finished 5th male in a fast 18.49, while young Seamus Keenan also dipped under the 20 minutes, in 19.51, and was second junior overall.
Mark Dowling finished in 20.25, with clubmate Keith Smyth crossing the line in 21.54, and along with Andrew and Seamus, they finished second male team overall. Young Zion Oluwabowale was next home for the club in 22.28, followed closely by another juvenile club member, Riley Byrne, clocking 22.35, and hot on his heels, Isabelle Winters ran a super time of 22.36, finishing first female junior and along with clubmates Nicola Veale, in 23.31 and Eilish Keenan, who ran a great time of 23.56, they finished second place female team.
Evan Gamble proved his training is paying off with a fine 23.49, with young Oisin O’Donoghue just behind in 23.58. Shauna Rice finished 3rd junior in 24.09, with sister Aimee just behind in 25.16.
More used to the shorter sprint distances, Tom Redmond ran a super 25 flat, with junior clubmate Cathal O’Donoghue finishing in 25.07. In her first race for the club, senior member Deirdre Kelly ran a great 25.24, while father and daughter Rob and Harriet Fitzgerald ran together crossing the line in 25.27, a new PB time for Harriet! Young Ellie Russell ran well to finish in 26.04, with clubmate Harry Bell not far behind in 26.45.
Another father and daughter duo, Damien and Caitlin Hughes finished in 26.53, with young Joe Bell crossing the line in 26.59. Nicola Stafford ran a new PB time of 27.01, while junior member Robyn Reilly ran a great race to finish in 27.09, with training pal Sadhbh O’Donoghue just behind in 27.22.
It was also a PB for Fiona Walsh as she ran 27.43, with clubmate Catherine Russell just behind in 27.51. Tite Williams ran with his aunt and Boyne AC Ola Raji, with both finishing in 28.14, while friends Micheala Loughran and Stella Higgins both finished in 28.32.
Michael Black was another Boyne AC member to run a new PB time, as he crossed the line in 28.51, finishing second in his age category, followed closely by Tadgh Lalor in 28.54, while juvenile member Shauna Crosbie finished in a super 29.09.
Delighted to finish under the 30 minute mark, Mairead Hallinan is making a great return to action, as she finished in 29.27, while Fiona McShane was delighted with her run, finishing in 29.57. Deirdre Cadden was her usual smiley self as she crossed the line in 30.24, while friends and training partners Katie Fagan and Katie McGuinness, who also set a new PB, crossing the line together in 30.32.
It was a PB too for Lisa Collier, who clocked 31.08, while Laoise Black and Julie Gibson finished together in 31.34. Juvenile members Tiernan O’Donoghue and Nitin Arumugan finished in 31.48 and 31.52 respectively, with Boyne AC coach Bala Baskaran supporting them along the way, also finishing in 31.52. Michelle Crosbie ran a super 33.04, with clubmate Blathnaid Wall not far behind in 33.12. Louise Fagan was on pacemaking duties as she finished in 34.19, while juvenile member Ashley Byrne ran a super race to finish in 36.14.
Hannah Newman and Rebecca Heading were taking it easy as they walked the distance in 42.35, while also on pacemaking duties Jillian Connor crossed the line in 42.29. A busy but successful night for Boyne AC, with fantastic support from the local community and running clubs, with a huge thank you to all who took part and to all who sponsored the race.
