After the previous weeks' intense flurry of races, this week saw a more diverse but no less impressive set of events for Drogheda & District A.C. athletes who demonstrated their versatility and resilience across three different races, the Bru Na Boinne 5K, the Glenmore Challenge Running Festival, and the ever popular Patrick Bell & Nicky Philips 5K in Bohermeen, an event that is a highlight of our racing calendar. 

On Friday evening, we had the Bru Na Boinne 5K, now in its second year and showing signs of growing interest. A couple of DDAC'ers participated this year. Despite the challenging course with several hills, which is not ideal for personal bests, it offered a good challenge. John Perkins finished in 21:02, and Johnny McArdle followed with a time of 22:07. 

Saturday morning saw the Glenmore Challenge Running Festival 2024, a series of races including a half marathon, a 10 miler, a 10K and a 5K. Now celebrating its 10th year and attracting over 300 participants. In the half marathon, Johnny Corcoran completed the race in 1:52:44. Claire Corcoran tackled the 10 Mile, finishing in 2:01:32. For the 10K, Liam Farrell clocked in at 52:01, and Fiona Branigan finished with a time of 1:03:08. And lastly in the 5K, sisters Olivia and Aishling Reilly had a great results with Olivia crossing the line at 25:59, followed closely by Aishling at 26:24. 

On Saturday evening, the weather was shining for the Bohermeen 5K, as it always seems to be for this regular event, now in its 38th year. DDAC athletes always mark this event on their calendars, and this year, 26 of our dedicated runners descended on Bohermeen. With its relatively flat course and short rolling hills, this race has always been a favourite among surrounding clubs. The route is not only well-regarded for its terrain but also for its welcoming finish on the track and the fantastic reception awaiting runners at the end—arguably one of the best from any local event. 

The pressure was on for DDAC's Aaron Hanlon to perform again this year after his astonishing win last year with a time of 15:07. This year, however, he had more support in the form of Tadhg Donnelly. Unfortunately it wasn't to be this year for these young athletes in the individual results however they did contribute to taking top place in the men's team event.

Narrowly missing out on the top spot lost to Ian Guiden of Clonliffe Harriers in 14:37, Donnelly delivered an outstanding performance, finishing close behind in 14:49 and securing 2nd place, also contributing to the 1st Men's Team. Aaron Hanlon closely followed, clocking in at 14:54 and taking 3rd place, adding to the same victorious team. Paul Smith also shone brightly, finishing in 15:56, winning 1st in his category, and solidifying the team's top position. Shane Russell completed the race in 17:04, further boosting the team's success, while John Reilly finished in 17:45, taking 2nd in his category. 

Among the other notable performances, Shane Larkin crossed the finish line in 18:39, followed by John Cooper in 19:09 and Brian Carrig in 19:28. Colin Cuffe posted a time of 20:21, and Martin Duffy completed the course in 21:06. 

For the ladies, Eimear Knowles was the first to finish, clocking in at 21:13. Carmel Keenan, with a time of 22:02, won 1st in her category, closely followed by Helen Dillon who finished in 22:04. Additional noteworthy performances included Yvonne McMahon finishing in 22:22, Rachel McCormack in 22:36, and Helga McDonnell in 22:48. Sinead Weldon completed her run in 23:33, while Linda Cruise crossed the line in 24:02. Nuala Reilly, finishing in 24:35, also won 1st in her category. 

A full list of results can be found on Drogheda & District A.C.'s Facebook page. As always, a huge congratulations to Bohermeen A.C. on a well-organised event, and we look forward to seeing you next year.