Limerick mini marathon attracts bumper numbers

Cook Ireland Limerick Mini Marathon

THE weather gods certainly smiled on Limerick for the 26^th edition of the Cook Ireland Mini-Marathon which took place on Sunday last.

An event that opened to Men and Women in 2022, Leevale’s Hannah Steeds took victory in the 10K by about 20 seconds from Dundrum's Dymphna Ryan, while in third place was Kealey Tideswell, of Clonmel.

Peter Somba won in Limerick for the second time this year as he also took the Michal Rejmer 10 Mile title, when he saw off Bilboa’s Declan Moore by about 50 metres. Karl Fitzmaurice of Shannon was in third place.

The West Limerick athletes who took part in the Mini-Marathon included Tara Carr, Nora Keogh, Olga O'Mahony, Geoffrey Brighten, Celia Brighten, Bridget Liston, Louise Fitzsimons and Mike Walsh.

For Kilmallock, those to run well included Donie Dwane, Tony McMahon and Liz Leonard - putting final preparations to her Dublin marathon campaign.

Maire O’Sullivan and her son Jordan were amongst those who competed in the 5K, as did mother and daughter, Maura and Emer Buckley. Mary Cronin celebrated her 80^th birthday in the 5K and there was a large spread of Sanctuary Runners across both events. Helen and Eilis Hennessey, plus Patricia Wade, were amongst those to run for An Bru

Past winners included Mary Sheehan of Grange/Fermoy, Bernie Foley, Valeria Vaughan and of course Rosemary Ryan

Well done to Cook Ireland and Limerick AC, including all of the marshalls and volunteers, for a great event.

Run Galway Bay

In the midst of very wet conditions the Run Galway Bay took place in the 'city of the Tribes’. Nevertheless, several Limerick athletes made the trip West and performed well.

Best was Dooneen’s Cian Aherne who was fifth in the half-marathon in an excellent time of 1:18:02. Clubmate Kieran completed the full-marathon in a PB time of 2:54:54. Eileen Reeves and David Rohan were both home in 4:45:26 and 4:44:30 respectively. Teresa Hughes (53:43), Celia Long and Mary Ita O’Connor took part in the 10K for West Limerick.

Rathfarnham 5k

Well done to mother and daughter, Carmel and Ide Nic Dhomhnaill, who took part in the Rathfarnham 5K. Ide was an excellent second in an excellent time of 16:03 with Carmel home in a brilliant 25:45.

International

Dooneen’s Eadaoin Hennessey ran the Lisbon Marathon a time of 3:51.

Parkrun

Tom Breslin was first at Limerick Parkrun in a time of 17:55. West Limerick native John Fitzgerald travelled to Düsseldorf for a special Parkrun to celebrate the 34^th anniversary of German Reunification. This was John's 240th Parkrun and his fifth country to run Parkrun in. Gut gemacht, well done, John.

Training Tip

“Enjoy your running journey” – Joe Chawke

Fixtures

Limerick’s first Butterfly Run takes place in Mungret Park on Saturday, October 12 at 12:30pm, registration from 11:30, 5K distance

Wednesday, November 13, Run in the Dark, UL

Thursday, December 26, Athletics Limerick 10km, Caherdavin

The Ballygran 5 Mile road race and 5K Fun Run in memory of Ballygran native John Brady takes place next Sunday. Proceeds go to Midwest Cancer Foundation and entries through Eventmaster

The Munster Novice, U23 and Juvenile Even Age Cross Country takes place on Sunday, October 20 in Conna, Cork

The Munster Senior, U23 & Juvenile Uneven Cross Country & Juvenile Relays take in Two Mile Borris on Sunday, November 24