The organisation was immaculate as usual from host club Athenry AC and I have to say I was very impressed with the course this year.  I know it's the same course as every other year, but the fast finish and long straight made for some really good racing conditions.  There really isn't any hill that  I noticed.  The weather was amazing – the best I've ever seen for running – so still and perfect temperature.  There was a huge crowd and a massive presence throughout the field from the club which was fantastic.

After a long emcampment in Kosovo – Jason and Patrick returned in super shape for the start of the Galway 5k series.  I suspected when Jason Broderick called me before the race to make sure I had a medium singlet as his large one didn't fit him any more that he was in good nick and it proved to be the case.  In perfect conditions he ran the race on his own and finished a clear winner in 16:20., which could be a record for this course

It was 1-2 for Craughwell as Johnny Lane ran a perfectly paced race, digging deep to push on from Ian Egan from 3k to finish second in 16:40-ish – a massive pb for Johnny and a great time.  I think I ran my socks off to a similar time last year so Johnny can look to my pb's of last year as targets for this one – at the very least!.  I finished 4th and Pat Holohan was 6th in 17:21 – making it 4 out of the first 6 from the club which was a great showing. 

I'll need to see the results to see the remainder of the finishing positions but talented Tommy Niland had a smashing debut at 18:15, followed by Peter O'Sullivan and Tony Nevin in the 18:40 territory right beside first lady Regina Casey.   All were close to the top 15 I think.  As usual Sharon Gilligan was the first lady home for Craughwell – I am not sure of her time.  Keep an eye on http://www.athenryac.com for results.

This is why we love May!  A great start and looking forward to the next one in Tuam.