MySport Enniscorthy 10K Report
Sunday 14th February saw the biggest field ever at the start line of the My Sport Enniscorthy 10K at Clonhasten.
Some 370 runners and 70 walkers signed up for the 5th year of this popular race including local, Slaney Olympic athlete, the in form Tom Hogan who took the title last year.
With an extra €500 on offer, sponsored by Creane and Creane Insurance, to any athlete who could break the course record of 30’ 32”, a quality field was expected. Current record holder, Sandis Bralatis of West Waterford AC, returned to the race after an absence of two years hoping to regain his title and improve on his record.
From the off Sandis lead the field with Tom Hogan in close attendance. However as the race developed Sandis gradually pulled away, running strongly over the hilly middle section of the course.
As the clock clicked past the 30 minute mark, the excitement was building up at the finish line. Would the record be broken? Then race leader, Sandis, came into view and ran into the finish chute clocking a time of 30’25”, seven seconds better than his own previous record.
In second place was Tom Hogan in a time of 31’51” with Dwayne Farrell of Tinryland AC third in 32’41”. Close behind in 32’59” was County Wexford Masters cross country champion, Kevin Murphy of Slaney Olympic.
In the women’s race Fiona Kehoe of Kilmore AC put in a great run finishing in a time of 37’45”. Anne O’Sullivan (DMP) was second in 38’13” with Dublin runner, Mags Grennan of Clonliffe Harriers finishing third in 41’08”. Louise Nolan put in a good performance, finishing fourth in 42’27”
First Junior home was Brian O,Neill of Ferns. Both the men’s and women’s team titles went to the host club, Slaney Olympic AC.
In the veteran categories the results were M35 Willie Rossiter (SBR) 34’47”, M40 Dave Barron (SO) 32’52”, M50 Lar Lacey (St Joseph’s AC) 35’59”, M60 Sean Meaney (Bray Runners) 41’19” M70 Tadgh Twomey (Metros) 46’49” W35 Catherine Kelly 46’13” W40 Caroline Doyle (St Killian’s AC) 47’27” W50 Bernie Millar (SO) 49’22”
Race organiser, Joe O’Regan was delighted with the turnout and thanked Shamrocks GAA club and St Senan’s primary school for the use of their facilities as well as all marshals and helpers on the day. With numbers growing and the popularity of the race ever increasing the club hope to increase facilities and introduce chip timing next year.
