Mayo AC 5k series continues to foster community and competition

The third race in the 2025 EBS Mayo AC 5k Series was at held in Foxford on Tuesday evening last (May 27).

The series continues to foster a sense of community and competition, making it an annual highlight in the local running calendar.

Runners were greeted with cooler conditions compared to the two previous race nights, enjoying a light breeze and a comfortable temperature of 12° Celsius – a perfect evening for running.

The race featured a single lap course that is primarily flat, beginning on the Swinford Road, and is often hailed by participants as a fast route.

Once again this week there was an excellent turnout, with a vibrant mix of club runners and individual athletes. Each participant was focused on achieving their personal goals, pushing themselves to deliver improved performances.

The race finished at the Foxford Leisure Centre end of the Admiral Brown promenade, where runners made an exhilarating sprint to the timing mat located under the Mayo AC 5k Series arch.

The top three finishers in the Foxford 5k were: 1st David Hickey, Westport AC, 16:36; 2nd Sean O’Brien, Westport AC, 16:56; 3rd Michael Rocke, Mayo AC, 17:04. In the women's category, the top three were: 1st Hillary Hughes, Westport AC, 18:37; 2nd Jo Hughes, Mayo AC, 19:20; 3rd Eimear Fitzmaurice, Mayo AC, 19:57.

The race winner, David Hickey, was fourth last year in 16:48, while his club-mate in second place, Sean O’Brien, was sixth in 2024 in 17:19.

Following Michael Rocke's super run in third, Mayo AC's next finishers were Tadgh Hanrahan (5th in 17:34, Darren Flanagan (6th in 17:47) and Thomas Reilly (10th in 17:48).

Women's race winner Hillary Hughes repeated her excellent series form with a 18:37 finish. She ran 18:24 last year for second place. Mayo AC's Jo Hughes also ran another great race in a fast 19:20 for second, with club-mate Eimear Fitzmaurice is improving with each race. She finished third in 19:52 – her first time under 20 in the series so far.

The next Mayo AC women to cross the line were Ruth Carney (6th in 21:04), Elaine Lynch (7th in 21:05) and Una Mayock (7th in 21:05).

There was an excellent turnout in Foxford, with 194 finisher (well up on last year's 161) – including big contingents from Mayo AC and Westport AC, plus representatives from other local clubs as well as some local fitness groups.

There was a very high overall standard, as there was in the first two races, with many achieving significantly improved times across the three races. Well done to all finishers and congratulations to the winners.

The Foxford 5k organising team included club members, their families, friends, and a number of local volunteers. They put on a great event.

The full results from, thanks to Coretiming.ie, can be found at www.mayoac.com.

Race four in the series is based at the athletics track in Claremorris today (Tuesday). The start is on the road outside CBE and the one-lap race ends with an exciting circuit of the track. You are advised to arrive in good time. If you are doing the full series, bring your bib numbers and pins. Entry is open at the link on www.mayoac.com until 4.30 p.m. today and from 6.30 p.m. at the venue. For anyone registering in person this evening, entry is €12 – cash only.