Update: loads of photos on the event's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AmphibianKingMaree.8km.
Thanks to GCH's Jane Walsh for producing the race-report below (including photographs) covering last Sunday's race in Maree. Congratulations to male and female race-winners Matt Bidwell and Anne Moran respectively, as well as the many GCH prize-winners down through the various categories.

Full results can be obtained from the following link: Precision Timing.

This year’s Maree 8k saw over 200 participants take to the road in what were near perfect race conditions. There was little or no wind and, after a light shower beforehand the rain stopped, and the sun even came out just as the last competitors crossed the finish line.

The race started exactly on time and runners and walkers took off on a course that was a relatively flat and scenic loop along the bay with a small section out-and-back between the 3 and 4k markers. This allowed the runners behind a rare chance to see the leaders in action during the race and to see who was behind them too! The course had 3 notable hills, a climb of around 500m approaching the 2km mark, and also at the 5km and 6km markers. The race was excellently marshalled with great signage and had two water stops along the route (one temptingly at the bottom of a small but nasty hill around 6k!)

There was a healthy representation from GCH on the course today sporting their singlets and several featured in the prizes too with Matt Bidwell (GCH) winning easily in 26.22 from Stephen McKeigue (27.13) and Gerard Hughes (27.17) in third. In the Senior Women, 1st (Anne Moran, 35.13) and 2nd (Mary Kealy, 35.23) also took the honours in the F40s. Mary McHugh (GCH) won the F50 category with a time of 37.12 and Jane Walsh (GCH) came 3rd in the F40 in 37.37. Aideen de Paor came 5th overall in a time of 37.18 and Michelle Wren galloped home in 39.02 (all those track sessions are paying off!) Full results can be seen below. Afterwards there were generous helpings of tea and cake for all competitors in the hall.

Overall, this was an excellent event, very well organised on a beautiful course and with generous prizes in the categories sponsored by Amphibian King in Oranmore. Definitely one for the diary again next year!

Senior Male:
1 Matt Bidwell 26:22:00
2 Stephen McKeigue 27:13:00
3 Gerard Hughes 27:17:00

Senior Female:
1 Anne Moran 35:13:00
2 Mary Kealy 35:23:00
3 Linda Brennan 35:35:00

Male 40:
1 Matt Bidwell 26:22:00
2 Michael Keating 29:19:00 (Prize winner)

Female 40
1 Anne Moran 35:13:00
2 Mary Kealy 35:23:00
3 Jane Walsh 37:37:00 (Prize winner)

Male 50:
1 Tommy Joe Whyte 30:03:00

Female 50:
1 Mary McHugh 37:12:00

Junior Boy:
1 Neil Creamey 29:24:00

Junior Girl:
1 Clare Lyons 51:47:00