Tommy Farrell, who was the top Fermanagh finisher in the Enniskillen 10k in June, was first home in the annual Kesh 10k, which was held last Thursday night, in a time of 35mins 29secs. Proving that being over 40 is no barrier to extreme fitness, both the first lady, Joan Flanagan, and the first man fell into that category.
Nigel Greer, another 'veteran' and previous winner of the race, finished 19 secs behind Tommy, with Martin McLoughlin of Omagh Harriers taking third.
The standard in the ladies event was outstanding, with the first three ladies all home in times that would have won the Enniskillen event. In fairness, the weather conditions on Thursday night were more conducive to fast times, but that does not deter from the fact that the standard of female running in Fermanagh seems to be improving along with the numbers of women participating. Helen Stockdale was second across the line, just over a minute behind Joan, while Gillian Burns came in third.
There was a good turnout in the boys under-16 event, where Gerard Britton took the honours in 40mins 45secs, beating most men in the open event. Stephen Prentice and Ryan Gilmore followed in 2nd and third place respectively. Carla Nixon was first home in the equivalent female event with Sean Monaghan and Lucy Parkinson winning the under-18 categories.
At the other end of the age spectrum, Pat O'Loughlin, in the over-70 category, finished in just over one hour, while Albert Law and Stephen Forster finished first and second respectively in a tightly contested over-50 category. Patricia Templeton, from Omagh Harriers, took the honours in the female over-50 event.
The first local (Kesh residents) prizes went to Harriet Parke and Mark Milligan.
This year, June Clarke and Clare Brogan did the timing and for the first time. The results were computerised on the night by Brian Loane and his assistant Ben Parkinson.
Refreshments were provided by the Mayfly Inn, where the prize-giving was held. At this presentation event, the organisers Colin Parkinson and Karen Dolan took the opportunity to thank the sponsors, those who volunteered as marshals and all the many people who worked together to make the event such a success.
