Mullingar Harriers round up

Last Wednesday, Athletics Ireland announced the final team selection for the European T&F and among the 47-strong Irish team is our own Jack O’Leary in the 10,000m and Osin Lane in the half marathon race walk. The Championships will commence next week and will take place in Birmingham, England. Given its proximity, there’s no surprise that outside the host country, Irish fans make up the biggest group of ticket-holders, buying over 15% of the tickets, among them a good number from Mullingar Harriers, so there’ll be lots of support for Jack and Oisin and the rest of the Irish team. Everyone at the club wishes Jack, Oisin and the Irish team the very best of luck.

Streets of Athboy 5k

Fr Murphy AC staged the annual Streets of Athboy 5k last Friday evening when conditions were dry and overcast with a light breeze. The course was largely flat except for a few rolling hills on the return run back to the town centre. Just short of 400 athletes completed the race.

Mark Darby led the Mullingar Harriers contingent home finishing fourth with a time of 15:43, just a few seconds away from a podium finish. For Shane McLoughlin it was another impressive outing, just back running after taking a few years out, he was pleased to dip under 17 minutes when coming in with a time of 16:53. Eddie Lynch has enjoyed a very successful year and this was no exception with his finishing time of 18:22 earning him the win in his master category. Siomha Leonard had a very good run, dipping under the 20-minute mark, with a time of 19:55 and winning the U20 women's race.

Brendan Rice, using the race as a tempo run as he builds up to a marathon in September, was very happy with a time of 23:33 [MO’S].

Trasna Naas 5k

The Trasna Naas 5k last Saturday morning attracted a field of over 300 runners. The course was almost entirely on the Grand Canal path, with a 200m loop to give a natural exit and re-entry to the canal on an out-and-back course. Weather was ideal with a very light breeze and dry bright conditions.

Mullingar Harriers had three athletes racing, with Mary Stuart finishing in 21:31, followed by Joan Hickson in 23:26 and Michael O’Sullivan completing the race in 23:29 [MO’S].

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