Light showers couldn’t dampen the spirts of Thurles runners
The first overall winners were Dermot Gannon from Carrick-on-Suir AC in a time of 15:29, and Laura Cooney with Clonmel AC in a time of 16:53.
Organisers reported an “electric atmosphere” in town on Sunday, August 16 as Thurles Crokes hosted the Streets of Thurles 5k.
While a brief rain shower during the first and second kilometre tested everyone’s spirits early on, it did absolutely nothing to dampen the high energy and superb community support on display throughout the day.
377 runners, joggers, and walkers tackled what proved to be a delightfully fast and flat course through the local streets, and a spokesperson for the club said “it was ideal for both seasoned athletes chasing PBs [personal bests], running their first 5k, couch to 5k’ers, and casual participants enjoying the atmosphere”.
"The fast route delivered brilliant action from Patsy Dorney’s send-off to the finish line...It was great to see all the supporters adding to the race buzz at all stages of the race”.
The first overall winner was Dermot Gannon from Carrick-on-Suir AC in a time of 15:29, with second Alan Dunne of Swinford AC.
Third was Alex Crowley of Dublin City Harriers AC, fourth was Liam O’Connor of Grange/Fermoy AC, and fifth was Sean McAuliffe of St. Michael's AC.
In the women’s, the first overall winner was Laura Cooney with Clonmel AC in a time of 16:53, second was Dymphna Ryan of Dundrum AC, and third was Claire O'Grady of Ennis Track AC.In fourth position was Aedin Corr of Donore Harriers AC, and in fifth was Ann Marie Connellan, also of Ennis Track AC.
The category female and male prize winners were as follows:1st Junior: Aisling Carr of Thurles Crokes AC and Dylan Noonan; over 40, Olive Kelly of St. Nicholas AC and Michael Gleeson of Templemore AC; over 50, Diane Behan of Waterford AC and Tiernan O’Donnell of Dualla Ballytarsna Boherlahan AC;over 60, Noreen Kennedy and Tony Delaney.
Warm thanks were extended to all who made it happen, including the organising commitee, the volunteers, the stewards, the gardaí especially Lorraine Bentley, and to both Thurles CBS and St. Patrick's College for the use of their facilities “and provided a lovely finish alongside cheering supporters”.
A big thank you was also extended to to Borrisoleigh Bottling and Lidl Thurles for providing water and food post-race to refuel the athletes.Thurles Crokes expressed their “deep gratitude” to their sponsors, “whose financial and practical backing made hosting this event possible”: Ryan's Cleaning, Thurles Fresh Milk, Greenfields Consultants, Sisk Building Contractors, Stakelums Home & Hardware, Liam Judge Associates, Clancy Construction, John Butler Home Improvements, Tesco Thurles, JP Electrical, and Spaview Veterinary Clinic.
Sincere thanks also went to to JustRunEvents for “providing efficient, pinpoint accurate chip timing”, and to the Order of Malta for providing medical support throughout the day.“Congratulations to all who took part! We are already looking forward to welcoming you back next year for an even bigger and better experience!”