Race organisers hailed the 2nd edition of the Colemanstown 10k as an overwhelming success with just under 175 participants registering with huge representation from all local athletic clubs namely Athenry AC, GCH, East Galway AC, Craughwell AC, Loughrea AC & Clare River Harriers.
The race was won by Matt Bidwell, GCH fresh from his win in the Connemara half marathon the previous weekend and in a whopping time of 32:22 setting his own PB, breaking 19 seconds off his 10k PB and setting a new course record in the process.This was a huge victory for him as he makes his final preparations for the London marathon in 2 weeks time. He punched the air on the home straight,such was his delight with his achievement.
His colleague Owen Byrne GCH came 2nd in a time of 34:27 while Conor Dolan came 3rd in the senior category in a time of 35:01. In the senior ladies Aileen Lyons, Les Croupiers, Cardiff came 1st in a time of 43:31 while Mary Kealy, Craughwell AC came 2nd in 43:38 and Anne Moran, Craughwell AC came 3rd in 44:35. Male & Female over 40 category winners were: Fiona Lane, Athenry AC & Mick Rice, Athenry AC. Over 50 category winners were: Majella Ni Chriochain, Tri Sport & Dermot Lowe, GCH.
First local home was Gearoid Rohan to a rapturous applause setting himself a new PB of 39.06 and a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.
There is a magnitude of work required to run a road race and in the teeth of recession it is a testament to the area and the many volunteers who assist in every possible way that we have been able to host such a successful road race for the 2nd year running. Our plan is to ensure the Colemanstown 10k provides a top-class race for runners in the Galway area.
A short 1k run saw about 70 children participate and receive their medals and goody bag from County Hurling player, Cyril Donnellan & County Camogie star, Niamh Kilkenny. It was a hugely enjoyable day for all children present who enjoyed the family ambiance. Well done to 4 year old Cian Burke, Gurteen whose training in advance of the run reaped dividends on the day and to Thady Moran, Monivea who was the 2nd youngster home.
The organisers wish to sincerely thank all who helped make the run such an outstanding success, the many people who helped out in every way on the day, marshalls & stewards, those who provided refreshments, those who manned the water stations, to Athenry AC for their assistance, to the photographers on duty, also a big thanks to our main sponsor Frank & Bernie Burke who provided the overall cash prizes on the day. Also thanks to the local community who turned out in such large numbers to support the event.
So to all our website browsers we say ‘lace up your runners and get ready for next year’s Colemanstown 10k 2013′
Photos to follow in the next few days.
Full results of the 2012 event are attached here. Colemanstown10km_2012