36th AXA Raheny 5 Mile

RACE REPORT

The 36th Axa Raheny 5 mile was yet another incredible day of racing, fun and entertainment. Over 4,700 adults and 800 children enjoyed what is noted as the first big race of the year. It did not disappoint and thats for sure. The event is very much part of the community with huge local support and spirit invested into the event. Raheny Shamorock A.C. have turned this event into a must do event and one of the most eagerly awaited Dublin races. Runners, Joggers Walkers, friends, family are all made very welcome to the village of Raheny.

Club runners from all over the country have also bought into the Raheny 5 Mile. Nearly all parts of the country was represented on the start line. The event is unique in that it has been able to attract some of Ireland's top athletes along with those who are just out to enjoy the experience by jogging or walking.

The children's races started at 1.40pm providing on lookers, family and friends with great entertainment. Tomorrows young stars will always remember their day in Raheny for years to come. This is great way to get young children into the sport of Athletics. They felt like super stars as they raced their way around All Saints Road.

The Wheelchair race start at 2.55pm with 4 athletes taking part. This was an extremely close race with Sean McCullagh taking the race victory

The big race started at 3pm. The excitement and nervous tension all added to the occasion. Some heavy hitters in the Athletics world were all ready to battle it out. In the Men's race Mick Clohisey of Raheny Shamrock AC, Hiko Tonosa of DSD AC, Jared Derese of Carrick Aces, Hugh Armstrong Ballina AC, Mark Travers and many more top names were on the line.

For the women's race we had Fionnuala McCormack and last years winner Anne Marie McGlynn from Letterkenny AC.

What a race from start to finish. It was dog eat dog as the top 5 really pushed each other all the way. We had 33 runners under 25 mins. Hiko Tonosa of Dundrum South Dublin AC won the race with a sprint finish all the way to the end and just shy of the course record by 1 second. He narrowly missed out on the course record but with the heath on his shoulder he his main priority was to win the race. Some top athletes came thundering in behind. The atmosphere was just electric with excitement and adulation of how fast these runners were coming across the line. Tommy Hughes of Rathfarnham WASAF AC broke the world record for the fastest time for his age category over 60. He ran 25.57.

Fionnuala McCormack of Kilcoole AC won the ladies race in a time of 25:55 with Anne Marie McGlynn of Letterkenny AC in 2nd. Ciara Hickey of Brothers Pearse AC was 3rd Like the Men's race this was littered with quality through out.