The warm summer evening on Wednesday 2nd June attracted a very good entry of 143 competitors to the Rathowen 5km Road Race. Given its proximity, it was no surprise that nearly half the entry came from Mullingar, with many more familiar faces from surrounding Counties that had taken part in the hugely successful Mullingar Road League in May also competing.

Peter Mooney (Meath) led an early breakaway group and despite close attention from Martin Lyons (Mullingar), led the field home in 16:14 with 4 seconds to spare on a fast finishing Martin, followed closely by Liam McGlynn (Mullingar), Ben Vaitkavichius (Mullingar), Philip Smith (Baileborough) and Rory Mooney (Raheny Shamrocks).

In the women’s race, Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) was the winner in 17:54, with Michelle O’Halloran (Mullingar) in second, ahead of Bridget Clarke (Na Fianna), Mary Watters (Navan), Sinead Nolan (Annalee) and Maggie Higgins (Na Fianna). First local man was Derek Fulham and first local woman was Breda Walsh. The prizes for junior men and women all went to Mullingar athletes, to Stephen Nea and Ryan Blundell, and to Victoria Harris and Hilary Harris. After the race, everyone gathered in Feerick’s Hotel for the presentation of prizes in the various categories from junior to senior to local to masters, with a great spread of food and refreshments provided by John Feerick, which was very well received and appreciated by all. All the income from race entries was returned in prizes, making this race a very popular one on the road race circuit.

Many thanks to everyone who helped on the night taking entries, stewarding the course, distributing medals and water and recording everyone at the finish. Special thanks to the local Gardaí for ensuring everyone’s safety by manning the junctions and particularly to John Feerick for his generous sponsorship of water at the finish and the food and refreshments after.