The 40th AXA Raheny 5 Mile Road Race took place on Sunday.
It is always one of the most eagerly awaited competitive events on the athletics calendar.
While the race has its a fair sprinkling of serious athletes, what has made the AXA Raheny 5 Mile so popular over the years is that it caters for runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities. And nobody goes home empty handed, every finisher is guaranteed the famous Raheny 5 plaque plus a goody bag.
The race was popular with Mayo AC runners in years gone by when there were few events on the local calendar.
The 5 miler started at 3pm and is preceded by four juvenile races. The course is based around the roads near St Anne’s Park and passes along near the sea at Dollymount and Bull Island Nature Reserve.
Mayo AC were represented by Colette Tuohy - only just recently into the her new F55 athletics category.
She duly celebrated in style coming home in 32:49 net and 33:10 gross in a brilliant first category place, and 43rd woman overall - an excellent achievement.
On this form it looks like she is going to be a serious contender in her new category, as she has been in all previous, as well as a regular top overall finisher among women’s road races.
Race winners were two Munster runners Ryan Creech Leevale AC 23:58, and Shona Heaslip An Riocht AC 26:22.
Well done too to Ballina native Serena Tuffy Dundrum South Dublin AC FS who was 21st woman home in 30:18, and Mayo native Mary Browne Lucan Harriers AC who was first F65 in 36:18.
Full results at www.mayoac.com
