The annual Tuam AC 8K had an international flavour to it on Sunday with the participation in and winning of the race by Lithuanian marathon runner and Rio competitor, Valdas Dopolskas. Representing Balbriggan AC, Valdas finished the race in 24:47, almost a minute ahead of the second place finisher, Liffey Valley AC’s Peter Arthur, who completed the course in 25:37. GCH’s Matt Bidwell was third in a time of 26:09.
The dry, windless day made for excellent running conditions on our fast, flat course, with many runners improving on last year’s times, and with over 20 runners completing the 8K in under 30 minutes. The women’s race was won by Calry AC’s Zola Flynn in a time of 31:58. Second and third places went to Athenry AC – Yvonne Fehilly finishing in 33:08 and Mary Kealy completing the course in 35 minutes flat, and helping Athenry AC to take the women’s team prize. Bernie Mulryan and Caroline Freeney completed the victorious Athenry AC team.
We are delighted to report that the men’s team prize was won by the Tuam AC team of Michael Flanagan, Paul Kearney, Daire Comer and Brian Lalor. Tuam AC also won the F60 (Andrea Ridge), F70 (Kathleen Hogan) and M50 (Murt Fallon) category prizes.
The full list of results is available here, and a video giving a flavour of the before, during and aftermath of the race is available here.
Tuam AC wish to express our thanks to everyone who came and supported our race today. Sincere thanks also to all the volunteers who willingly give their time every year.
We hope to see you at the National Intermediate Cross Country Championships in Tuam this coming weekend.