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Some great photos as Portarlington students take to the streets for annual 5km run

19th May 2017

The long-term weather forecast for Friday was dreadful with thunder and lightning storms predicted.

However once more the sun shone down on what is believed to be the only school 5km road race in the country. The event, with the support of main sponsor and next door neighbours Oakdale Nursing Home, has now taken place six times .

Fifth Year Christopher Whittle completed a hat trick of victories despite teacher , David O’Mahony remaining in contact with him until near the finish.The winning time of 17 minutes 14 seconds was a new event record.

There was great support from the local community with loud cheers for the participants along the half of the route that passes through the town (after a flat, fast start along Bog Lane).

Once again Laois Athletic Club provided technical assistance along the route. Chip timing was by myrunresults.com .

First year Emmanuel Hasstrup not only collected the most sponsorship he also finished in eighth place overall. Astonishingly three other first year boys finished in the top ten – Eoin Worrell 4th, Victor Udeze 6th and Stephen Lennon 7th.

First lady home was athletics coach Fionnuala Cleary who has clearly great talent to choose from and her teams are making their mark at all age categories with 5k winner Christopher Whittle, Jana Joha and Emmanuel Illori all competing in Leinster Finals tomorrow.

Rebecca Fenlon was the first girl to finish in 21 minutes and 32 seconds.