Over 130 participants and volunteers gathered in glorious sunshine on the Barrow Blueway Saturday morning for the weekly 5k parkrun.
The run marked the 9th birthday of the event.
There have been quite a few changes in these last 9 years, including:
- A new course on the Athy side
- No more wet shoes on the grass, the new Barrow Blueway surface is complete
- “Headquarters” is now established at the at the SVT Canoeing and Kayaking Clubhouse
- An established group, with about 75 participants every week.
This week was a bit special, and the 9th birthday brought people from far and wide.
First finisher was Kristian Redmond, Oughaval AC – showing his good form that helped he and his Oughaval teammates capture team gold at the Laois Novice and Laois Intermediate Cross Country.
Kristian was closely followed by Stephen Conroy and Riley Connolly, both St Michaels AC, and both setting pb times in the process.
First Lady was Maria Cuddy Portlaoise AC, with Kate Connolly and Della McLoughlin in close proximity.
It is not all about being in the top 3 either – PB times were posted by 16 participants, right down through the field.
As usual the catering was of a very high standard, thanks to Noeleen Condron and her team of volunteers.
Vicarstown 5k parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9:30 am
Since the event commenced in October 2014, there have been 388 events held.
Vicarstown was location number 18 in the Republic of Ireland when we commenced in 2014, there are now 105 parkrun locations along with 37 junior locations also.
The course records are:
- Female record: Kate McDonald, Ballyroan Abbeyleix and District – 17:33 – Event 370 (Jun 3, 2023)
- Male record: Ben Norris , UK – 15:40 – Event 368 (May 20, 2023)
- Age graded record: Catherina McKiernan, former World Cross Country Silver medallist – 93.07% 17:48 – Event 235 (Apr 20, 2019)
Full details are available on www.parkrun.ie
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Dramatic finish sparks jubilant scenes as Stradbally Parish Gaels claim Minor glory
