Sun shines, but youth outshine on the day!

The annual fun day and 5k road race took place on the sunniest Sunday of the year, last Sunday. The day consisted of an AAI (Athletics Association of Ireland) approved 5k road race, a series of track races, an agility challenge and novelty events. The road race, despite the small field, delivered excitement throughout but ended being dominated by some of the younger athletes, in both the men’s and the women’s race, leaving some more seasoned competitors trailing in their shadows. The battle at the front of the men’s race was contested by Eric Keogh (Aged 16) (Dunore Harriers) and John Grimes (Lucan Harriers) with Eric holding on to complete this testing course in a new personal best time of 16:49 – knocking 30 seconds off his previous PB. The ladies race was dominated by Erica Dixon (Aged 16) (Le Chéile AC) who, in this her maiden 5k road race, led the field from the start. The race is open to runners of all levels from those competing with clubs to joggers who may wish to record an official time for a 5k challenge.

Results of the Le Chéile AC 5k Road Race:

Men’s race:
1st Eric Keogh, Dunore Harriers
2nd John Grimes, Lucan Harriers
3rd Tom McSweeney, Dunore Harriers

Women’s race:
1st Erica Dixon, Le Chéile AC
2nd Liz Arkins, Lucan Harriers
3rd Eileen O’Brien, Lucan Harriers

The remainder of the activities saw in excess of 100 children aged 5+ enjoy track races and an agility challenge. The agility challenge is a new addition to this annual event and offered the opportunity to test some of core skills in speed and agility. Groups of children we seen throwing balls, bouncing and jumping over obstacles and sprinting in an effort to better their previously recorded results. The highlight of the day was the novelty events which saw young and old alike, hopping in sacks, hobbling with a partner and sprinting with eggs on spoons over the 20M course. The skills of the judges were pushed to the limits as tight finishes and bending of rules appeared to be the order of the day.

The day was enjoyed by all and demonstrated the ethos of the club with the level of participation and fun experienced by all. Supported by members from Lucan Harriers, North West Kildare, Dunore Harriers and Clondakin AC, there was also many locals in attendance who were new to the sport of athletics.