The Coal Miners 5km gets off to a flying start

THE inaugural Coal Miners 5km, hosted by St Abban’s AC, got off to a flying start as 213 runners toed the line on a lovely morning that felt tailor-made for fast racing. As a brand-new addition to the running calendar, the event delivered everything you’d hope for from a debut race: great conditions, strong competition, and a brilliant community atmosphere.

The race fits perfectly into the history of the Coal Mines, given its 100 years since the Coal Mine opened in Rossmore. At that time, the mines were a major employer locally between Rossmore, Hollypark, Wolfhill and Castlecomer. The race also sits nicely in the history of St Abban’s AC as the first Parish 10km was held in 1966 taking in 3 km of the course used for Sunday’s race.

At the sharp end, the pace was hot from the gun. The overall winner Chris Jeuken, Derg AC crossed the line in an impressive 14:30, setting a high benchmark for future editions of the race. In second place Cathal McCarron, Donadea AC was just outside 15 minutes running 15:09 while Brian Kelly was a popular third place finisher in 15:42.

Not far behind, the first female Cheryl Nolan, St Abban’s AC finished in an outstanding time of 16:13, claiming a well-deserved victory and drawing plenty of applause from spectators lining the course. Meghan McCarthy from KCH finished in second place while Lisa Sweeney finished third.

St Abbans AC ensured there was plenty of prizes with prize money at O40 (Stephen Hunter and Michelle Kennan), O50 (Tony Reilly and Karen Kavanagh) and O60 (Aengus Burke and Josephine Killeen). There were also prizes for the first three junior athletes across the line.

Across the field, runners of all abilities enjoyed the route and the supportive crowd, making it a memorable day whether chasing a PB or simply enjoying the occasion.

A huge thank you goes to all the race sponsors for their generous support, the local community and volunteers who helped marshal, organise, and cheer, and of course everyone who took part. Your enthusiasm and backing helped make the first Coal Miners 5km such a success, and the club are proud to have launched what promises to become a popular fixture in the years ahead.

RESULTS:

Ladies: 1, Cheryl Nolan (St. Abban’s AC) 0:16:12; 2, Meghan Mc Carthy (Kilkenny City Harriers) 0:18:15; 3, Lisa Murphy Sweeney St. Michael's AC) 0:18:32.

Male: 1, Chris Jeuken (Derg AC) 0:14:30; 2, Cathal McCarron (Donadea Running AC) 0:15:09; 3r,Brian Kelly (St. Abban’s AC) 0:15:42.

Junior Men: 1, Will Duffy (St Abbans AC) 16:51; 2, Kalem Buggy (St Abban’s AC) 16:59; 3, Eoin Mulkerrins (St Abban’s AC) 17:26.

Junior Ladies: 1, Ellie Knowles (St Abban’s AC) 19:43; 2, Mollie Kelly (St Abban’s AC) 20:29; 3, Chelsey Dooley (St Abban’s) 21:01.

O40 Ladies: Michelle Kennan (Ballyroan Abbeyleix and District AC) 19:39.

O40 Men: Stephen Hunter (St Abban’s AC) 15:58.

O50 Ladies: Karen Kavanagh (St Abban’s AC) 22:46.

O50 Men: Tony Reilly 18:12.

O60 Ladies: Josephine Killeen.

O60 Men: Aengus Burke (Portlaoise AC) 19:10.