On Tuesday evening Race 2 in the Intersport Elverys Mayo AC 5k Series was held at Westport. It was a new addition to this year’s series, and was hosted by Westport AC.

The course had loop sections plus an out and back, and was almost entirely within the grounds of Westport House.

Running conditions were much better (wouldn’t be hard!) than at the opening race in Castlebar where many got drenched. It was noticeably cooler than the previous days which suited most competitors.

There was another excellent turnout at all levels – club runners, fitness groups, and individuals with many looking to improve on their performance in last week’s 5k.

Race winner was Eamonn Staunton Westport AC in 16:18 – the same time as he ran in finishing first in Series Race 1 the Castlebar 5k the previous week. 

He led a Westport podium with Shaun McLoughlin second in 16:30′ and Anthony Murray Multisport Westport third in16:47 – also the same time as last week. David Hickey Westport AC came fourth in 16:57, with Mayo AC’s first finisher Darren Flanagan fifth in 17:26, and Declan Ryan Roscommon Harriers AC 6th 17:27. John Byrne was eighth 17:37. There were seven Mayo AC members among the top twenty finishers.

Hillary Hughes Westport AC was also the clear winner again of the women's race Race 2 – 18th overall in 18:34 – and over twenty seconds faster than her Castlebar time. She was just under two minutes ahead of second placed Colette Tuohy Mayo AC who crossed the line in 20:32 – a typical very strong run by the W55 master athlete. Clubmate Helen Hopkins finished third 21:09, with Maura Ginty Sportsworld AC fourth 21:24, Paula Donnellan Walsh fifth 21:26, Dee Corcoran 21:38 sixth.

There was another excellent supportive turnout of Mayo AC runners – they made up over a quarter of the 182 finishers. 

Well done to host club Westport AC who put on an excellently managed event.

Full results and photos are at www.mayoac.com