Almost 500 people took part in the 10k/half marathon at Avondale House to support the Wicklow Hospice on Saturday morning.
256 completed the 10k which consisted of one lap of the Forest Park, while 158 completed two laps for the half marathon. The lap consisted of a mixture of road and forest trail.
The organisers are grateful to Sergeant Mary Burbage of Rathdrum Garda Station and Superintendent Paul Hogan of Wicklow who ensured that there were plenty of Gardaí on duty along the road section of the course.
Many members of Wicklow Civil Defence were also in attendance. A big debt of gratitude is due to Michael Richardson and Damien Byrne of the Civil Defence who assisted with much of the logistics of the event.
There were numerous volunteers from the Wicklow athletic clubs who ensured that the route was well marshalled. Among the volunteers who assisted on the day were John and Martina Sexton and Deirdre Byrne who were ever present last July during the Seven Day Seven Marathon Challenge.
Tim Gunnell was responsible for the clock and chip timing and a link to the full list of results can be accessed through the Seven Day Seven Marathon Challenge facebook page. Members of the Wicklow senior hurling team participated and wore the Wicklow Hospice jersey.
Double European cross country champion, Fionnula Britton, a huge supporter of the Wicklow Hospice Marathon 100 Team, participated in the 10K.
Wicklow senior footballer and physiotherapist, James Sheerin from Baltinglass was also on hand to massage many a sore limb afterwards.
The assistance of Avondale House and Coillte personnel was invaluable, and a special word of gratitude is due to Norman who ensured that anything that was needed was available to the organisers. Norman was in Avondale from 7.00 am on Saturday and was still helping when the final clean-up was completed well into the afternoon.
Many people baked and made sandwiches to ensure that there were plenty of refreshments for everyone following their exertions. The organising committee, Bill, Michelle, Vincent, Sandra, Ciarán and Bernie wish to express their gratitude to all who assisted in any way at all in ensuring that this event was a success.
Without their input, however seemingly insignificant, the committee would not have been able to successfully stage Saturday’s event. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.
The first three men in the 10K were Noelie Kavanagh (34:55); Paul Lynch (35:25) and Tony Collins (37:29). The first three ladies in the 10K were Rhona Duane (44:35); Alannah Gauld (44:45) and Marie Redmond 45:07. In the half marathon the winning men were: John Frazer (72:10); Michael McCarthy (80:57) and Vinny Keane (81:14), while the first three ladies were Paula Prendergast (85:13); Rachel Wisdom (90:49) and Amy Masner (90:49). In addition to the overall prize-winners, each participant received a souvenir medallion of the event. Don’t forget there are numerous photographs available on the facebook page in addition to the results.
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