THE Donegal Athletics Board in association with Brian McCormick Sports and Leisure and hosted by Inishowen AC will hold its annual 5K Road Championships and Fun Run/Walk in Buncrana on Sunday next, 11th September, starting at 11.30am.
This event has always been one of the biggest in the Donegal Athletics calendar and is traditionally seen as the climax of the Grand Prix Series, which this year has seen a record 69 races included in the Series.
The 5K event incorporates the hotly contested Road Championships which attracts many of the top runners from across the North West battling it out for individual honours. In addition, there is always a battle among the clubs for team honours. This year, team categories include Senior, and Masters Over 35 and Over 50 for both men and women. With four to score in the Senior and Masters Over 35 and three to score in the Over 50 section, these team battles are generally seen as a first sounding shot before the Cross Country season kicks in.
Like all Grand Prix races, this 5K incorporates a Fun Run and Walk, making it a fully inclusive event for both the serious runner and the recreational walkers and joggers.
At the Buncrana 5K in May, an incredible seven men broke the 15 minute barrier, with the winner, Dan Tanui running 13.57 over the distance. With these Donegal 5K Championships held on the same course, the combination of a quality race and fast course must be an added attraction for anyone looking to run a fast race or secure a personal best before the road season finishes up. The course has been certified for accuracy and the event will be chip timed.
With clubs at the heart of the athletics scene and indeed the mainstay of organising all races across the county for other sports, schools and charities, the County Board has offered a discount reward of only €6 for affiliated club members and €8 for non affiliated members where athletes pre enter by Friday 9th September. The normal price of €10 will apply for late entries on the day itself. Athletes are encouraged to pre enter via the Athletics Ireland On Line portal with the link available on the Athletics Donegal Facebookm page.
Number and Chip Collection as well as late registrations will be at Scoil Mhuire secondary school in Buncrana from 10am on the morning of the race. For further details, please contact Brendan McDaid on 086-8113947 or Brendan O’Donnell on 086-6007847.
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