It’s full steam ahead for Sunday’s five mile road race in Letterkenny which has an 11 am start. The race, which starts outside the O’Donnell Park and finishes at the back of the Aura Centre, was first held a year ago. Given that this will be the first race of the year locally, a large turnout is expected for this out and back race over a flat course. Registrations will be taken from 10 am at the Aura Centre, with refreshments and the presentation of prizes also in the Aura afterwards.
The club was well represented at the Finn Valley 5K on Stephen’s Day which attracted huge numbers. Letterkenny runners filled the top three places – Christopher Johnston won the race in 15:26, with Danny Mooney second in 15:36 and Peter Gibbons third in 15:51.
Well done to Maria McCambridge who won the Greencastle 5-miler in Tyrone, also on St Stephen’s Day. This was Maria’s first race since winning the national marathon championship in Dublin in October. Stephen Scullion of North Belfast Harriers was the overall winner.
Club captain, Aidan McKenna,Padraig Friel, Enda and Brian McBride opted for the cross country race at Cranford Park on St Stephen’s Day. Both ran well and placed in the top ten, with Aidan the first over-40.
Best wishes to Garvan McCloskey who is relocating to America next week. Garvan is an extremely popular member of the club who has tackled all distances from the mile to the marathon and who also served his time on the club executive as assistant treasurer. Hopefully, Garvan, who was given a big send off on Saturday night by his club mates, will continue the wear the black and amber vest with the same distinction on the other side of the Atlantic.
Sympathy is extended to club coach, Marie Gibson on the recent death of her father, Barney Murray, from Raphoe.
Happy new year wishes are extended to all Letterkenny AC members. Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30 pm, with runners meeting up at the front door of the Aura Centre. New members are always welcome.