IN PICTURES: Some brilliant characters and athletes turned out for Thurles 5k Road Race

Just shy of 400 athletes faced the starter for the inaugural Streets of Thurles 5k road race which was held in ideal conditions on Thursday night last and which was organised by Croke AC, Thurles.

The two-lap course from Mitchel Street into Liberty Square, down Slievenamon Road into Clongour, through Innisfallen Avenue, and back to Liberty Square via Friar Street with the finish at the bottom of the square was ideal for fast times and so it transpired.

It also facilitated spectators and athletes to appreciate the support they got from on-lookers along the route.
An abundance of stewards ensured that traffic delays were kept to the minimum and that everything was run off in impressive style.

Inside the first half-mile Mossie Bracken of Moycarkey Coolcroo was leading a four man-break away group that included Irish international Sean Tobin of Clonmel, Kevin Moore of Dundrum, now based in Meath, and local man William Hughes.

They were still together after the first lap, well clear of the chasing bunch, but over the second lap, William lost some ground.

Coming into the square for the second time it was a sprint to the finish with the Clonmel man just edging out Kevin Moore followed a stride or two behind by Mossie Bracken. Tobin’s time was 14.58, Moore 14.59 and Bracken 15.03 with William Hughes on 15.28, great running by all four.

In the ladies' race Dympna Ryan of Dundrum stamped her authority on proceedings from the off and finished in a time of17.13, well clear of Kate Veale of West Waterford with Sharon Cantwell of Moyne third in 18.46, followed by clubmate Eileen Ely in 19.01

The ladies' category prizes were won by Eileen Ely(over 40) and Mary Treacy, Borrisoleigh Track attack, over 50. The men’s category prizes went to Dan Brosnan, Clonmel, over 40, and Liam O’Connor, Grange-Fermoy, over 50.

Particularly pleasing was the encouragement from spectators for the back markers in the race, all of whom had their own goals to aim for irrespective of age or ability.

Overall the event was a great success and the consensus afterward was that it should become an annual event in the summer racing calendar in the county.

Click the >arrow> or 'Next' buttons to see some of the action from the well-attended run in Thurles.