The inaugural Roscommon Carers Association 10km Mini-Marathon got off to the best possible start this past bank holiday Monday with beautiful May sunshine and a larger than expected crowd, with 456 finishers. Results attached.

Tremendous credit goes to Bernie Dowling and her large team of helpers for putting on such an impressive show at the first time of asking. Over 9,000 euro was raised for the main charity - Roscommon Carers Association.

John Byrne of Mayo AC was first across the finish line in 34.05. He was matched for much of the way by Roscommon native Mark Davis, representing Craughwell AC, who held on for 2nd in 35:31. Anthony Devaney was 3rd in 36:02.

Ann Murray was first lady home in 42:47, closely followed by local athletes and long-time Mullingar Harrier Maura Dervin in 43:01, with Sinead Nolan 3rd in 44:50.

One very welcome outcome from the event was the number of local runners who emerged from the shadows in a county without any notable adult running scene. Indeed, as a result of last Monday's event a regular group training run has been scheduled for this coming Sunday in Mote Park.

If you're in the Roscommon area and are looking for company on training runs than come along this Sunday - meet at 9:30am outside the girl guides centre in Mote Park. For further info contact Paul @ 0872693675.

It looks like it will be only a matter of time before Roscommon vests are a strong presence in races throughout the west - watch this space.