Ballymore Cobh AC – ‘Mallow 10’ Race Report

Temperatures creeping into double digits, blue skies and over 1,000 enthusiastic souls made for a cracking pre-race atmosphere at the ever popular annual Mallow 10 mile road race, hosted by Mallow A.C.

Ballymore Cobh A.C. brought a 12-strong line up of athletes to the start line of what was a sold-out race months in advance. Under near perfect race conditions the starter’s gun sounded and off ran the masses, many of whom were hoping for new personal bests (P.B.’s), given the relatively flat terrain.

Leading the Ballymore Cobh charge from the front was Orla O’Rourke (67:15) who, in the process of securing herself a new PB, placed 2nd in her category against very strong opposition. Another podium finish for Orla, who is making a habit of these of late! Orla will now concentrate her efforts on next month’s Boston Marathon. All of us here in Ballymore Cobh A.C. wish her the very best. Go Orla!

Shane Meyler (68:02) got the opportunity to put his new training regime to the test and it paid dividends as he recorded himself a new PB, knocking over two and a half mins off his previous best. Shane will now add some longer mileage to his training as he gears up for the Cork City Marathon this June.

In his first race of the season, Terry Murphy (79:07) attacked this course with vigour and reaped the benefits from it, chalking himself down a PB yet thoroughly enjoying the challenge too, (which is no mean feat!). Terry will be looking forward to partaking in the Ballycotton Summer Series in the near future.

In his first race over this challenging distance in two years Owen Ryan (79:45) pulled out all the stops to hit his target of a sub-80 min finish, having to dig deep in the latter stages of the course. Owen has gone from strength to strength of late. He can now sit back, take stock and power on to new targets in the near future.

Having focused on an 85 min finish and after only six weeks of training in the bag, Kevin Jones (80:11) was rightly pleased to have crossed the line with plenty to spare. Kevin’s experience of this Mallow run should hold him in good stead for his sortie on the Great Island 10 next month.

Second over the line of the Ballymore Cobh A.C. ladies was Angela McCall (81:45). Angela thoroughly enjoyed her race, her smart running throughout bearing testament to that. She has plans for a number of other short and middle distance races prior to tackling the big one in Cork this June Bank Holiday.

Marking her debut race of this season, and indeed for the club, in some style was Jayne Walley (82:57), who like many of her clubmates felt the trying conditions out there but dug deep and recorded a highly creditable time for herself. Jayne notched up a PB for good measure and will focus her energy from this point on the Great Island 10.

Another lady to announce herself on the race circuit for the first time in 2015 was Deirdre Meyler (83:00), grabbing herself a new PB along the way. Running like she’s been doing it for years, (which she hasn’t!), Deirdre acquitted herself with aplomb and will now set herself the task of hitting the ground running for this summer’s Cork City Marathon.

Having run this race last year, Pauline Hannafin (86:29) knew what was in store for herself and ran an intelligent and measured race. As it should be, she took nothing over the line with her, whilst recording a finishing time to be proud of. Pauline returns to more familiar terrain next month as she gears up with many of her fellow clubmates for the Great Island 10.

What is it about PB’s and the Mallow 10? Sandra O’Shea (90:04) achieved her quickest ever time over this distance, leaving every ounce of energy out on the course and yet still finding some for a very strong finish. Sandra was one happy lady crossing the finish line and will now be turning to, you guessed it…. The Great Island 10!

From beginning our Fit4life programme in September to competing a 10 mile event in March, Jan Verwey (94:07) deserves great credit for demonstrating to us all what an individual can achieve in a short period of time. Sub-9:30 min miles is outstanding over this distance. What’s next for Jan? Only the Great Island 10 and possibly a crack off a Half- Marathon before the year is out!

Unfortunately for Laura Benson she picked up a nasty injury about a mile into the race and wisely made the correct decision to bow out at that stage, preventing herself aggravating it any further. Laura has her eyes set on a far bigger target in the near future and we’re sure to witness her in the black and amber again soon.

Well done to each and every Ballymore Cobh A.C. member who made the journey to Mallow and a big thank you to the many non-running supporters who travelled with us and whose pre-race assistance and encouragement was, as always, very much appreciated.