Sligo AC 8k a huge success!

Sligo AC's inaugural 8k road race took place on Saturday 15th May in Rosses Point with 277 competitors taking part. Although the weather took a slight turn for the worst, the quality of the course and organisation ensured that all went smoothly. All athletes were well catered for before and after the race in Sligo Yacht Club where changing facilities and a huge spread of food and drink were laid on. Tribute should be paid in particular to Michael O'Connell and Rory Connor for the amount of work that was put into making the event such a success. Sligo AC officials and members such as Terry Hayes, Ann McHugh, Tom Meehan to name but a few also ensured that help was not found wanting. In relation to the race itself Sligo AC's Emmett Dunleavy (pictured) took off in furious fashion straight from the start line. By the 1st kilometre mark the race was as good as over as a contest with Dunleavy powering ahead leaving the rest of the field in his wake. Letterkenny AC's Brian Phelham kept his recent form with solid running also pulling away from pursuing Sligo AC athletes by the 5k mark. By this stage Dunleavy was only running against himself and the clock hoping to make the course record a difficult one to beat in the years ahead. He achieved this goal crossing the finish line in an impressive 24.20 with second place Phelham coming in at 26.29. Sligo AC's Ultan McNasser took 3rd position in 27.05 with clubmates Alan Kearins (4th), Seamus Somers (5th), Shane Hayes (7th), Steve Finnegan (8th) and Eamonn Dunbar (9th) all running solid races. Unattached runner E McEllen from Sligo finished in 6th place. Sligo AC's Lucy Brennan took 10th position overall and was, as per usual, first lady to finish. Post race refreshments were served in the Yacht Club, once again being served by volunteers and Sligo AC atheletes, where Club Secretary Terry Hayes distributed the prizes. With such a positive reaction from all who took part it seems likely that this race will become a firm fixture on the racing calendar. Well done to all who took part and we should have results available by email on monday 18th May. To request, please email sligoac@gmail.com. Please remember that the second last race in the current Fit4Life series is on tuesday (approx 2.25 miles) starting across from Smyths toys, Cleveragh at 6.30pm