Mayo AC 5k race series off to a flyer at Lough Lannagh
Lough Lannagh in Castlebar served as the picturesque backdrop for the opening race of the 2025 EBS Mayo AC 5k series on May 13 last.
This is the 13th edition of the club’s popular summer series, which is also their annual fundraiser.
Participants in the series look forward to five ‘no frills’ races, thrilling moments and memorable experiences, designed to accommodate runners of all abilities.
There was huge excitement at the race headquarters – the St. Gerald's College hall – for bib collection and again later at the start line as the series got underway.
Following a couple of years when wet weather marred the event, a record turnout took full advantage as the recent spell of sunny May weather continued.
Racing conditions were favourable – if a bit too warm for some – with a temperature of about 22°C at the 8 p.m. start time. As such, hydration was vital.
The course profile features some challenging uphill gradients. Runners navigate the route in an anti-clockwise direction, crossing the Lough Lannagh bridge twice before completing their race near the entrance of Blackfort Manor within the park.
The field created a brightly colourful spectacle as they ran along by the lakeside.
Top honours in the race went to Tommy Padden, who was first home in 16:59, followed by David Hickey of Westport AC, who finished second in 17:09 (he was third last year) and club-mate Sean O’Brien in 17:34 (he finished sixth in 2024.)
The clear winner of the women’s race was another Westport AC athlete, Hillary Hughes, in a time of 18:44 – a few seconds faster than her winning time last year.
New Mayo AC member Jo Hughes (W50) crossed the line second in 20:13, just two seconds ahead of club-mate Eimear Fitzmaurice, who was third in 20:15.
Mayo AC and Westport AC runners dominated the top 20 with 12 finishers.
The first Mayo AC runners home were Steven Timlin, who finished seventh in 18:42, one second ahead of Andrew Hayes in eighth.
The Castlebar course record performance is held by Eamonn Staunton of Westport AC, who ran 16:18 in 2024, while the fastest woman is Norah Newcombe Pieterse of Mayo AC in a time of 17:59.
It was a wonderful start to the race series, with a brilliant buzz of excitement as all finishers shared their race experiences after crossing the finish line. The event truly showed the spirit of the community and the joy of running!
The race was well supported by Mayo AC and Westport AC club members, with 40 taking part in the race in addition to those involved in stewarding, registration or planning.
With the series designed to accommodate runners of all abilities, it was good to see almost 70% of competitors were not listed as Athletics Ireland club members.
Congratulations to the winners and well done to all finishers. The great work carried out by the 5k series committee, joined by local volunteers and club members who organised a very successful and enjoyable event, with the excellent support of coretiming.ie, must be acknowledged too.
RACE TWO
Race two in the EBS 2025 Mayo AC 5k Series takes place in Westport tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8 p.m., hosted by Westport AC.
It is hoped that the fine spell will continue but whatever the conditions, runners will be looking forward to another enjoyable event.
The Westport course features two out and back sections and one short loop. It’s almost entirely within the grounds of Westport House. The surface is mostly tarmac with a short gravel section.
Entrants to the full series are reminded to bring their bib numbers and all runners are encouraged to arrive early. The race headquarters is Gracy's Bistro (F28 EK83). Runners who wish to enter the series can do so online at https://eventmaster.ie/event/qWBPSP7SQq.