Mayo AC 5k series kicks off with win for Lorcan

THE 2026 Shaw Commercials Mayo AC 5k series got off to a flying start at Castlebar, with the turnout seeing 230 finishers.

This is the club’s annual fundraiser of five 5k races at five locations in the county.

It was a dry but chilly evening around Lough Lannagh, due to a fresh north-west wind, and the popular two-lap course has a few tight turns and some challenging gradients.

First across the finish line was Lorcan Murray in 17:28 - his first win in Mayo AC colours, with the placings after him as follows: 2nd Rowland McIntyre, Mayo AC, 17:38; 3rd John Brennan, Swinford AC, 18:04; 4th Vic Walsh, Belle View Racers, 18:05; 5th Damien Padden, Erris AC, 18:1.

First woman was Fiona Bree of Dundrum South Dublin AC in 18:51 - a Westport native.

Other finishers included: 2nd Sue Ellen Griffith, Claremorris AC, 20:08; 3rd Eimear Fitzmaurice, Mayo AC, 20:18; 4th Paula Donnellan Walsh, Mayo AC, 21:19; 5th Lorraine McNulty, 21:26.

Mayo AC finishers in the top 20 (after Lorcan Murray) were: 10th Tony O’Malley, 18:49; 16th Darren Flanagan, 19:02; 17th Art Maguire, 19:07; and 19th Daniel Lane, 19:12.

It was heartening to see many new runners in the field. Many of them have signed up for the full series and they will all be looking to improve over the next few weeks.

The event was well organised, from the bib collection point at St. Gerald's De La Salle race HQ to the finish line within the park.

A huge thank you to an excellent team of volunteers and marshals led by race organiser Colette Tuohy.

The second race in the series is hosted by Westport AC and takes place this evening (Tuesday, May 19) at 8 p.m. Registration is trackside at the Horkan's Hill Sports Complex, Westport, F28XT85.

Full details are at www.mayoac.com.