Ros Run 10k and Longford 5k

Report by Katie Nugent

I decided to head west for the Easter break and had a look at what races might be on in the area over the long weekend. The Ros Run was taking place in Roscommon town on the 31st March so I decided to sign up for the 10k race. The Longford AC 5k/10k road race was due to take place on the 1st weekend in March but was postponed due to the snow. It was rescheduled for Easter Monday so I decided I would take part in one of the races.

The Ros Run 10k

This was the second year of the Ros Run and it offered participants an opportunity to take part in a 10k, half marathon or full marathon. I know that I am biased when I say this but the race offered participants an opportunity to see all that Roscommon has to offer from our castle, park, forest, lakes and beautiful views.

The race headquarters was in Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon who provided excellent facilities including parking, showers and hot meals for all participants after the race. All participants received a t-shirt and medal.

The race committee did an excellent job in organising the three races and making sure that everything went to plan. My sister was amongst the volunteers who helped out with stewarding, water stations and number collection.

As I mentioned, I took part in the 10k race and was the 4th lady home and 15th overall in an official time of 46.14. I was pretty happy with this time and hope to continue knocking seconds off it as the year continues.

All donations from participants were matched by the race directors with the proceeds going to Pieta House.

The Ros Run have another new event coming to Roscommon on the 28th and 29th July which offers a 10k, half marathon, full marathon and ultra marathon option for participants and is certainly worth a look.

Longford AC 5k

My legs were a little tired after the run on Saturday but I decided I would go and take part in the Longford AC race on Easter Monday as I like to support local races when I can.

I signed up for the 5k race and did a little warm up around the Mall Sports Complex which is where the local Parkrun takes place each Saturday.

The 5k race started just up the road from the Mall Sports Complex and we turned at the roundabout down the Sligo road. At the next roundabout, we turned back towards the town and back to the Mall.

The 5k route ran into the back of the 10k route so it started to get crowded in parts but it was a nice flat course.

I completed the 5k in 22.32 and was the 5th lady and 14th overall.

Olympian Mick Clohisey of Raheny presented the prizes to the winners and made running a 10k look easy completing the course in 30.45.

I found the race to be very well organised, a nice course and there were plenty of treats for participants on their arrival back following the race.

I was pretty happy with my weekend of running which kept me out of mischief and made me feel better about eating all the chocolate! I would have no difficulty recommending either race as I found there was a great atmosphere at both, a very friendly environment and they both offered a nice course.