The first round of the ever-popular Mullingar Road League began Wednesday evening, 7th May, at Belvedere and you couldn’t wish for a better start. The Road League is organised by Mullingar Harriers and is supported by the Westmeath Sports Partnership. The sun made a welcome appearance and the weather was perfect for participants and spectators alike but most importantly there was a great turnout of runners, walkers and joggers, especially beginners, all willing to give the Road League a go.

Many of us often think about improving our fitness levels and are full of good intentions but fall short of actually doing much about it. The Mullingar Road League does all the thinking for you and all you have to do is turn up with track-suit, leggings, shorts or whatever you fancy, it doesn’t matter, a pair of runners and a T-shirt. In fact, you’ll even get a free T-shirt when you register. It’s as simple as that, as any of the nearly 260 runners that finished the first night will confirm. The League continues every Wednesday in May and even if you missed last week, you can register by just turning up at from 7pm with €15 in hand and get your race number for the 8pm start time. You’ll definitely enjoy the camaraderie and irrespective of your ability, or your perceived lack of it, there’ll always be someone to run or walk along with. Give it a go and you’ll be very glad that you did.

The race itself was a very competitive affair up front where Paul Buckley of Ferbane AC and Peter Mooney of Na Fianna (Enfield) battled with Tullamore’s Declan Fahy and Mullingar’s Tomas Navickas, Catch Grennan and Tom McGrath over the challenging 5km course. At the finish Paul Buckley found that extra bit and won in an excellent time of 15:57, which is a big improvement on his times in 2007 and only 4 seconds off the course record set in 2007 by Mullingar’s Noel Kelly. No doubt Paul will be trying to take the record from Noel in future weeks. Declan Fahy was next (16:06), followed by Tomas Navickas (16:12), Peter Mooney (16:21), Catch Grennan (16:34) and Tom McGrath (16:35) all finishing very strongly in what was an excellent battle.

In the corresponding women’s race, Tullamore’s Pauline Curley dominated and was first to finish in 17:23, a very big improvement on her times in 2007, proving that she is still very much on top of her game and as competitive as ever. Mary Scully of Mullingar Harriers was next (19:04), with Wendy Bates also from Mullingar taking third in 20:25.

The next few weeks will prove intriguing as every one tries to improve on position and time with the goal of winning the Pat Finnerty Perpetual Trophy to be presented to the overall winners to commemorate Pat Finnerty (R.I.P.), past Chairperson of Mullingar Harriers, who gave great service to the Club over many years. Last week’s event was a very fitting tribute to the memory of Pat who gave so much to Mullingar Harriers.

For the record, the first junior man was Shane Fitzsimons (18:07) of Mullingar Harriers and first junior lady was Rachel Thompson (22:18), also of Mullingar Harriers. Of course, with nearly 260 competitors, they weren’t all going to be racing to win, and apart from the "elite" runners, there were very many not so elite runners, fun runners, joggers and walkers, which added to the occasion.

There was a great reception at the finish for the oldest competitor, 82 year old Moss (Tomás) Fagan who was one of Westmeath's best athletes in the 1940s and 1950s. It was great to see him still so active after all these years and must be an inspiration to many. At the other age of the age-spectrum, 10 year old Emma Glynn thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant run through the woods proving that even a youngster can run 5km if they pace themselves properly, so there’s no excuse for anyone thinking about taking part but not sure if 5km is too much. Come on, you just might surprise yourself as to what you can do.

Finally, many thanks to the Management and Staff of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park for making the grounds available for the League, to Westmeath Civil Defence for providing valuable first aid cover, to Westmeath Sports Partnership for invaluable administrative support including compilation of results, to all the officials and stewards, but especially to all those who took part. The League continues every Wednesday in May at 8pm. Come on and give it a go.