Runners and walkers arrived in huge numbers to Ballinamullan on Saturday morning at 11am to take part in the annual 10K Road race and 5K fun run and walk. 2022 was another incredible turnout for this event with 700 plus participants competing or enjoying this fantastic athletic activity. Once again with the support of the Enda Dolan Foundation, who work tirelessly year on year, building the confidence of young and old to get round the course safely, the crowds didn’t disappoint. The starting gun rang out at 11am with all 700 registered entrants facing up to the challenge of the course.
The wind and showers didn’t detract from the challenge presented. Terry Canning, the course director meticulously laid out the run, maintaining the high standards in everything that makes this course one that people always want to come back to. There were a few PBs posted and markers for 2023. We would like to extend our thanks to all participants from near and far and to all the local clubs who consistently support this annual event.
First home in the 10k in a time of 32.04 was Gideon Kipsang, followed by Peter Donnelly, North Belfast Harriers in 32.51. Shane Donnelly made it home in third, half a minute later in 33 minutes 25secs.
The first Female across the line was Ciara Toner in 36.25 closely followed by Michelle Donnelly and Denise McCann in third in a time of 39.31 and 40.46 respectively.
A young local runner, Ben Dolan, came home ahead of the 5k pack in an outstanding time of 18.57 followed by Oistin McAteer 20 seconds later in a time of 20.19. The third runner home in the 5K, Ronan Barton in 20.31 seconds, also lifted the Enda Dolan Trophy as the first u16 across the line.
All remaining results are available on the Killyclogher GAA website, facebook and twitter.
The success of this event does not come without the support of a number of groups and individuals within our local community. The Killyclogher GAA club would like to thank our sponsors, whose incredible support ensures the successful execution of this event. Without their continual support to this community event, the run would just not take place. Additionally, our local businesses, of which there are too many to mention, make a huge contribution to our great club and for this we are eternally grateful.
This is all about community and involvement. Killyclogher GAA would like to thank each and every one of you, who give up your time and applied energy to man the water stations, marshal the event, register the runners, set up the course and help with the clear up.
As health is our priority, the club wish to extend thanks to those who managed the health-check facility that was available for all patrons.
When the event is complete and the energy low, it’s always a joy to be able to get a hot drink, a sandwich, a piece of fruit or a bun. For all the sandwich makers, the cake bakers, the tea and coffee makers and servers, the club are much obliged to you all for your help and we cannot thank you enough. Finally, a big thank you to Dún Uladh for allowing us to use the facilities to host the hospitality, present the prizes and applaud our high performing participants.
We look forward to seeing you all back in 2023.
