Runners sweat it out in Oylegate half marathon
Jackie Crosbie, Wexford, Dianne Jordan, Crossabeg, Esther O'Brien, Wexford and Florrie Swords, Crossabeg.
Wednesday August 25 2010
COMPETITORS in the Fastway Couriers Oylegate half marathon had to sweat it out in the best of summer sunshine at the weekend. Participants in the tough 13 mile test and the ten kilometre fun run drank 1,100 bottles of water in Sunday's heat as they tackled a tough course.
And best of the pack in both the women's and men's events were Wexford athletes, ahead of a field that included entries from Germany and Canada. Fastest of all was David Barron from Glynn, who runs in the singlet of Slaney Olympic, while Jacqui Carty from Kilmore was first woman home.
Oylegate/Glenbrien G.A.A. club grounds were at the heart of the race, with 230 runners and walkers using the changing rooms. Chairman Eamonn Mernagh was honary starter on the day as the local community rallied around to raise funds, not only for the G.A.A. club but also for Wexford Hospice.
The number of entries was up 50 per cent on the inaugural race last year, with Cork, Dublin, Wicklow and Waterford all represented. They were assisted by a team of forty volunteer stewards, while a dozen helpers assisted with the catering. Gardaí from Enniscorthy and Blackwater attended.
David Barron came home in just over an hour and 14 minutes, while Jacqui Carty clocked over an hour and 25 minutes. The race featured an appearance by Monageer based running legend Kay O'Regan who is due to take part in her one hundredth marathon later this year.
Fastway Couriers Oylegate half marathon: men – first, David Barron; second, Gareth Coughlan; third, Kevin O'Connor; over 40's, Kevin Murphy; over 50's, Eugene Doherty; over 60's, Niall Matthews; women-first, Jacqui Carty; second, Mary Sweeney; third, Dena Hogan; over 40's, Martina Conran; over 50's, Linda Coultura; over 70's, Kay O'Regan.
- DAVID MEDCALF
