Big entry for Turgesius 10 mile event in Collinstown
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Eoin Clarke and Eddie Newman from Mullingar Harriers.Image 2 of 12
John Clinton, Sharon Herderton and Jennifer Brady after the run.Image 3 of 12
David Cunningham and Alfie Devine in Collinstown.Image 4 of 12
Olivia Clarke at the finish line.Image 5 of 12
Ciara, Carmel and Brendan Smith at the road race in Collinstown.Image 6 of 12
Kevin and Muireann Reihill from Turin.Image 7 of 12
Gillian Roddy and Nuala Brogan racing to the finish.Image 8 of 12
Dots Borthwick, Alex Sheridan and Deirdre Dolan on Sunday afternoon.Image 9 of 12
James Keegan from Mullingar Harriers winning the 10 mile race.Image 10 of 12
Bridget Maxwell and Catherine Carney after the race in Collinstown.Image 11 of 12
Ryan Boyle from Ballycomoyle with Paddy Kelly (winner of the 5 mile race).Image 12 of 12
Sandra Cassin and Anne Hamilton in Collinstown on Sunday.Sunday February 25 saw the fourth annual Turgesius 10-mile race take place in Collinstown with a new addition of a five-mile race also taking place.
The event was fully sold out weeks in advance and 350 participants from more than 30 athletics and running clubs visited north Westmeath to take part in the two races.
Organised by North Westmeath Athletic Club each year, the race starts in Collinstown village and finishes on the picturesque shores of Lough Lene, overlooking Turgesius Island.
Runners were lucky on the day and the cool, crisp conditions were ideal for running as they tackled the course and overcame the few character-building hills along the way.
Each participant was awarded with a specially designed Turgesius Island beanie hat and a finisher’s medal on completion of the five- and 10-mile events.
First male home in the 10-mile race was James Keegan (Mullingar Harriers) followed closely by Kedagh Geoghegan (Mullingar Harriers) and Peter Mooney (Na Fianna AC).
The Ladies 10-mile event was won by Emer Gaffey (Athlone AC) ahead of Mary Harte (Portmarnock AC) and North Westmeath AC member Rosie Grall in second and third respectively.
The men’s team race was won by the Mullingar Harriers and the Ladies team race winners were Athlone AC.
The five-mile race was won by Paddy Kelly (Drogheda and District), followed home by Ross Thompson (Fr Murphy’s AC) and Peter Maguire (Edenderry AC).
The ladies five-mile race was won by local North Westmeath AC athlete Linda Lewis, followed in by Sandra Farrelly (St Brigid’s AC) and Suzanne Forde.
All participants enjoyed tea and refreshments in Collinstown Village Hall following the completion of the race.
North Westmeath AC wish to say a massive thank-you to the community support of Collinstown and surrounding areas, the volunteers, marshals and sponsors – without whom the event would not be possible.
The main sponsors were Cathal Morgan from CM Electrical and Carpentry Services Ltd, Karen Crean of ‘The Arches’ fitness studio in Oldcastle, Salmon Bus Hire, Lough Lene Inn, Collinstown, and Joe Leahy.
Other sponsors included Caddens SuperValu and J&J’s Fruit and Veg in Oldcastle and Millbrook Motors.
The club also thank Westmeath County Council, the Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána and Castlepollard Fire Brigade for their continued assistance and support.
North Westmeath Athletic Club train regularly in Castlepollard and Collinstown village. Training takes place on Mondays in Castlepollard at 7pm; Wednesdays at 6.30pm, and there’s a long run on Sundays at 9am.
The Fit4Life programme will be starting soon on Mondays at 7pm.
Fit4Life is a programme for all runners, whether you are a complete beginner or a regular jogger or runner, and there are coaches to support every member who wishes to improve their fitness levels and build up to running 5k non-stop at the completion of the programme.
New members are always welcome, and all standards are catered for.
The cost of joining North Westmeath AC is €40. They can be contacted via their Facebook page for details.