The opening race in the very popular 3 race Lifford Strabane AC 5K series took place on Sunday morning in Carrigans.
The turnout of 183 runners was excellent considering the blustery conditions.
The race was very well organised by John O’Donnell, a member of the family who have been the driving force behind the club for decades.
The first Letterkenny AC runner home was Barry Mackey, who clocked 18.59. Next was Paul Lee in 21.04, followed by Noel Lynch, whose time was 21.40. Richard Raymond crossed the line in a highly creditable time of 22.57; he had a painful hamstring towards the end but continued. The race winner was Kyle Doherty, City of Derry Spartans, in 15.57.
The 2nd race in the Series will take place in Strabane on Sunday, January 20th. It starts at 10.15am. All 4 LAC runners are in a good position in their respective age groups going into the 2nd event.
In Saturday’s Letterkenny Parkrun, the leading LAC runner was Martin Donnelly, who was 5th overall and the 1st M45 runner in 20.53. Liam Ferry was just 4 seconds behind and was the leading M40 runner.
Mark McFadden clocked 22.07 and Barry Meehan, making a comeback, finished in 22.10. Peter Gallagher’s time was 23.00. Cathal Roarty, in his 54th Parkrun, was the 3rd M50 runner in 23.26.
Anthony Farren’s time was 24.59. Dara Dunne, in just her 2nd Letterkenny Parkrun, finished in 25.05. She was the 2nd woman overall and 1st in the W50 category.
James McBride was the leading M65 runner in 26.08. Eabha and Ciara Daly both ran the event for the 3rd time, both had their best time and both were well placed in their categories.
Eabha was the 2nd JW11-14 runner in 29.38 and Ciara was the leading JW10 finisher in 29.39. First across the line was Philip McHugh in 20.12.
Paul Lee ran the Derry City Parkrun in 21.20. He was 10th overall and the leading M50 runner. Michael Canavan was the leading runner in 18.39.
Letterkenny AC runner, Gerard McGranaghan, is organising a 10K in his local town, Kilmacrennan. The ‘Kilmac 10K’ is a recent and welcome addition the Donegal’s winter running calendar.
The race, on Sunday January 27th, has chip timing, starts at 11.00am and has an entry fee of €10. Proceeds will go to the Kilmacrennan Community Development Group. Shower facilities are available and Registration and Parking will be at The Millbridge Shop.
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