North Westmeath Athletic Club mark 25 years with annual 5k
Celebrating 25 years since the founding of the North Westmeath Athletic Club, the popular Castlepollard 5k run takes place on Wednesday August 13 at 7.30pm.
The grounds of Tullynally Castle will resound with the tread of hundreds of athletes as organisers expect a bumper turnout to mark this milestone in the club’s history. Beginning at the village square, the race will loop through the castle grounds before finishing at the fire station on Pakenhamhall Road, a fast course perfect for elite runners, as well as joggers and walkers.
Anyone wishing to join the celebration run can register online via Eventmaster or MyRunResults. There will also be in-person registration in McCormack’s Bar and Lounge prior to the race.
The organisers are grateful to the Pakenham family for allowing access to the parkland of Tullynally Castle. That long association means that the race has also been called ‘The Tullynally Challenge’, and hopefully it is a tradition that will endure.
The success of the race also depends on many people, from the gardaí and Westmeath Civil Defence, to the refreshments and registration teams, the race marshals and club members who ensure the safety of both competitors and general public, and organisers are thankful for all of their commitment and effort.
A special commemorative medal has been minted to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary, and it will be presented to the first 350 finishers. The design features the club crest of a boar’s head, symbolising Cionn Toirc, or Kinturk, one of the old names of Castlepollard. McCormack’s Lounge will also host the post-race refreshments and prize-giving, as well as some special 25th anniversary presentations.
There will be trophies and cash prizes for those who place first, second and third, as well as cash prizes for the winners of the over 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s age categories.
All participants will be in with a chance of winning spot prizes thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses, including a two-night stay with dinner in the Castle Varagh Hotel.
Mainly, the evening will be a chance to reflect on and celebrate 25 years of camaraderie and athletic achievement since the formation of the club in 2000. Over the years hundreds of club members have represented North Westmeath in all manner of race categories, from 5km fun runs to 50-mile endurance challenges, as well as half and full marathons in Ireland and abroad.
New members welcome
With one eye on the next 25 years, the club are always on the lookout for new members, and details on how to join are available on their Facebook page, or by emailing northwestmeathac@gmail.com.
Members meet and train three times a week: a social club recovery run on Mondays at 6.30pm from Murphy’s Hardware, Castlepollard; a speed training session on Wednesdays at 6.30pm at Castlepollard Community College; and a long run (distances to suit everyone) on Sundays at 8am (9am in the winter), also beginning from the Community College.
If you’re a runner at any level, or just starting out and would like to test yourself in a fun and vibrant club, feel free to join, and we’ll see you out on the road.