Results of the 2011 River Moy 1/2 Marathon Men
1st Roger Barrett 01:15:31 Ballina
2nd Richard Gorman 01:18:22 Sligo
3rd Michael Caanty 01:19:03 Ballina
Ladies
1st Norah Newcombe 01:26:06 Ballina
2nd Aisling Brennan 01:38:42 Leitrim
3rd Anne Egan 01:40:04 Ballina
1st M\an O35
Richard Gorman 01:18:22 Sligo
1st Man O40
Sean Gallagher 01:19:15 Ballina
1st Man O45
Seamus King 01:34:51 Galway
1st Man O60
Kevin McCormack 01:43:20
1st Man O65
Tom Horkan 01:54:31 Ballina
1st Lady O35
Gillian Cordner 01:43:31 Antrim
1st Lady O40
Anne Egan 01:40:04 Ballina
1st Lady O45
Margaret Sheridan 01:45:25 GCH
1st Lady O60
Mary Doyle 02:02:33
The 2nd running of the River Moy 1/2 Marathon took place on saturday and was hailed by many as one of the most memorable races they have ever run. The welcome was warm,the atmosphere was electric,the weather ideal for running,the goodie bags overflowing,the technical tops one of the best is the country,the course stewarded at every possible junction,the scenery amazing and the massage and feast that awaited runners finishing just top class and competitors gave spectators a race to remember.
The race itself was started by Mayor of Ballina, Frances McAndrew, who had more than a passing interest in the race. Her son, Kenny, is an accomplished runner with Metro St. Brigid’s AC in Dublin (the same club as Eamonn Coughlan) and he finished in tenth place in the race. Also starting the race was Ballina AC secretary, Marion Mattimoe. Mingling with the competitors was newly elected Ballina TD Michelle Mulherin!
Ballina native Norah Newcombe flew in from Seoul, South Korea and dominated the ladies race from start to finish. Indeed, she finished in eighth place overall illustrating the level of fitness she now enjoys.
Equally dominant in the race was overall winner, Roger Barrett from Ballina AC. Roger lead the race from the very first stride and threw the gauntlet down to all competitors from the start. He carried the form that made him the first Irish man in the recent Boston marathon to the race. In second place was last year’s third place finisher, Richard Gorman from Sligo AC. Richard is no stranger to road races in Ballina and ran a very steady race from start to finish. Local Ballina AC athletes Michael Canty and Seán Gallagher secured third and fourth places. Michael’s podium finish comes four weeks after securing a personal best of 2:48:19 in the Boston marathon and illustrates the dramatic improvement he has made in his two years with Ballina AC. Fifth place was secured by Paul Conlon from Roscommon with Dan Murray, the first of the Valley Strider’s from Leeds, in sixth place. Dan secured the ‘overseas’ prize for his efforts and again the existence of this category shows the foresight and preparation that went into this race. Completing the top ten places were Eamonn Dunbar (Sligo AC); Norah Newcombe (Ballina and Seoul); Scott Walkin (Ballina AC) and Kenny McAndrew (MSB AC). In second place in the ladies category was Aisling Brennan with Ballina’s own Ann Egan coming through the field strongly to take third place.
All participants were made feel very welcome to the race and were delighted with the Goodie bags they received containing the much coveted race shirt and a variety of products useful before and after the race. The inclusion of electronic chip timing to the Athletics Ireland approved race was a clear signal that this was going to be run professionally and everyone could be assured of an accurate record of their achievement! Above all else, it was the heartfelt welcome to the event that was most striking! The start/finish area was marshalled excellently so no obstructions were caused. Every junction along the route was stewarded clearly alerting traffic to the fact that a race was passing through. Water stations were set up along the route and all had plentiful supplies of necessary fluids. People of all ages cheered support along the route – all positive and uplifting and it made the race special. Those extra touches!
Dare to dream for 2012 For the organisers, they should dare to dream of bigger numbers of participants this year. The overwhelming satisfaction with the race has been captured in the dedicated Facebook page. The Ballina Half marathon is more than a race – it is a reunion of Ballina people who return home to face a serious physical challenge. It is a day when many families compete together; friends compete against each other; clubs keep an eye on the form of athletes from other clubs and everyone subjects themselves to a considerable physical and mental challenge. It is a chance for sporting links to be increased with Leeds and indeed any club nationally or internationally. It is a chance to appreciate the beauty on our doorstep and to promote Ballina as a town that loves running and has the necessary amenities to facilitate this!