by Martina Donnellan and Gearóid Rohan

On a bitterly cold day, GCH men claimed 1st , 2nd  & 3rd  prizes in this year’s Colemanstown 10k. Last year’s winner Matt Bidwell from Galway City Harriers was first home again, in a time of 33:39; not quite as fast as his PB which he created on the same course last year.

The breeze was quite stiff and played hell on the straight stretch as far as the 4k marker and runners found it difficult to make up on time on this normally fast course for the remainder of the run. Last year’s 2nd placed runner Owen Byrne, GCH claimed 2nd again in 34:39 while Gearoid Hynes was 3rd home in 36:11.

Sinead Brody (now with GCH) was 1st  lady home in a new course record of 41:00, Sinead Foran (Athenry AC) was 2nd  in a time of 42:07 while 3rd  was Aoife Callan (Athenry AC) who came in on a time of 43:14, superb running.

Category winners were: Joe Morrissey, Male O40; Jane Walsh, GCH, Female O40; Anthony McCormack, Male O50; Mary McHugh, GCH, Female O50; Liam Lowry, Male O60.

Another great turnout from Athenry AC with almost 30 runners on the Day. Ray Somers lead the gang home in 37:16 followed by Darragh McShane, Gearoid Rohan, David Noone and  Jim Leahy all sub 40 and Frank Burke jogged in on exactly the 40min mark. Plenty of PB’s on the day, to name but a few Jim Leahy came flying through the finish line hands held high on a great time of 39:53, Pat Mc Donagh (rumored to be sponsored by "Herbalife") who is in flying form and also Nicola Condon who is also running superbly broke their previous PB’s by a good margin. Mark Mitchell split up some of the Athenry runners and he himself is a previous member of the club.

The hospitality was second to none with homemade soup and salmon on brown bread followed by copious amounts of teas, coffees and the most delicious homemade cakes and buns. Full credit to all who really put their heart and soul into the organisation of this race.

Preceding the 10k run a 1k fun run for the youngsters was held with approx 65 kids taking part. County hurler Cyril Donnellan presented the participants with their finisher’s medal & goody bag.

Many thanks to Frank & Bernie Burke who sponsored the cash prizes for the winners. A word of thanks also from the Colemanstown 10k committee to Athenry AC who sponsored the race permit application.

There are some photographs available on the Colemanstown United website: http://www.colemanstownunited.com/?page_id=102&album=1&gallery=27.

Results at http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Colemanstown10km_2013.pdf.