It was a memorable weekend for Waterford AC as they hosted their annual Half Marathon on Saturday December 2nd. Run Republic spoke to the people behind this special event to talk about the success of Saturday's race.
Fintan Walsh of Waterford AC had this to say: '1767 finished the Ernst and Young Waterford AC Annual Half Marathon last Saturday morning in cold but fine conditions with approx 30% of the race on the Waterford Greenway. First home was local athlete David Mc Glynn Waterford AC who led from the start and won easily in 65.26 with the first 6 males and females getting prizes ,2nd male was Sergiu Ciobanu în 67.10, 3rd Mihail Sprincean in 67.23, 4th Tudor Mircea Clonliffe 67.33,all three Clonliffe Harriers, 5th Matteo Mary Waterford 67.54 ,6th Paul Stephenson Rathfarnham (a native of Kilmeaden) 69.33.
'First lady was Ciara Wilson D.M.P. Wexford in 76.43, 2nd was Becky Woods in 77.41, 3rd was Nichola Sheridan of Bohermeen in 77.56, 4th Dee Grady of Ennis Track in 79.56, 5th Alison Merrigan of Ennis Track in 80.47, and 6th Aoife O'Leary of Sportsworld in 83.11.
'The Category prize winners were Men,M40 Sergiu Ciobanu, M45 Aubrey Storey Tramore, M50 Séamus Mc Sweeney St Nicholas, M55 Noel Marum,M60 Martin Lynch Eagle, M65 Joe Gough West Waterford ( M70 Course record by nearly 6 minutes). Ladies F 35 Becky Woods,F 40 Aoife O'Leary Sportsworld, F45 Adele Walsh St Senan's, F50 Avril Crowley East Cork, F 55 Debbie Griffin Sli Cualann, F60 Margaret Power Carrick on Suir.
'A special mention to Gerry Forde of Blarney, our wheelchair athlete who completed the course in 3.08.38.
'Well done to every single person who competed right down to the 1,767th finisher, your participation was very much appreciated.
'Thanks to anyone involved in any way in the organisation of the event ,to our main sponsors, mile sponsors, SETU Management and Staff, Gardai , Waterford City and County Council, our event Doctor Susan Harkin, Order of Malta, and all the stewards, pacers ,cyclists and My Run Results Staff.'
Ronan Clinton, Lead Partner, EY Waterford: “On behalf of EY Ireland, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all participants of this year's Waterford AC Half Marathon. Their demonstration of tenacity and community spirit is commendable. The record-breaking number of participants this year has been inspiring to witness, as the event and its community have progressively strengthened each year. We, at EY, take immense pride in supporting this community in their joint efforts towards achieving their collective goal.”
This event serves as the main fundraiser for the club and the success will really translate into the progression of the club and its athletes moving forward. Get out and support your local club!