Despite weather conditions, athletes’ spirits were high as they got out of the trap once again to partake in the Luggacurren 10K on Sunday September 11.
The community hall was buzzing prior to the event as entrants registered for their choice of competitive 10k run, or 10k and 5k walks.
After a morning of torrential rainfall, the rain miraculously eased as the 10K race was about to start.
A few kilometers into the race, Joe Cocomam, Naas, Stephen Hunter, St. Abban’s, and Cian McDonald, Ballyroan, set the tempo.
By the 5k mark, Cocoman and McDonald took a 40m lead on Hunter. However, at the 6k climb, Hunter upped his pace and narrowed the gap.
The three kept this pace to the finish line with Cocoman, on his first visit to Luggacurren, taking the title in a time of 34:39.
In a fight for second place, Stephen Hunter edged his way past Cian McDonald at 300m to go to finish in a time of 34:59 a mere five seconds ahead of Cian who finished at 35:04.
In the Ladies section, Kate McDonald, Ballyroan/Abbey won her first Luggacurren 10K title in a course record time of 37:56.
Kate beat the previous record holder set by Claire Phelan, St. Abban’s, in 2005, by nine seconds.
Kate kept a steady pace throughout the race to achieve her win. Local girl, Lucy Deegan, St. Abban’s, came in 2nd with a time of 41:25, and Grace O’Reilly, Portlaoise AC, in 43:20 took 3rd place.
Lily Bowden, Athy Club, came in at 48:51 to take 4th position.
The perpetual cups for men and women’s teams, sponsored by PJ and Martha Dunne, Dunne’s Transport, Shanrath, were both won by St. Abban’s.
A spokesperson said: “Many thanks to all the runners and walkers who turned out and helped to make the event a great success.
“We are most grateful to all our kind sponsors that continue to support the event.
“Well done to everyone who prepared the route and had the course looking splendid on the day despite the inclement weather conditions in the morning.
“Special thanks to the caterers for the most welcome refreshments after the race, and to all volunteers who gave of their time. It is much appreciated by the committee.”
