A record entry of over 1,000 runners and walkers took part in the Enniskillen Rotary 10K run on Saturday.
The perfect running conditions meant several runners improved their times. The winner this year was Owen Gahan in a time of 32.46.
St Michael's teenager, Niall Cullen took second place in a time of 33.53.
Needless to say this time also won the first Fermanagh man section. Alan O'Hara was just right behind him in third with a time of 33.59.
In the ladies section, Lucy Brennan from Sligo, took the honours in a time of 37.11 which was 17th overall. Donna Evans from Monaghan was almost one minute behind her in second place. The first Fermanagh lady home was Helen Stockdale who also took the over 40s female category. Hanna Shields, who was the first Irish lady to climb Everest, came second in that category.
In the junior (under 19) sections, Terri Cassidy took the ladies title in a time of 44.44 with Gemma Dickson in second place. Finn Corrigan and Gerard Britton were second and third respectively behind Niall Cullen in the boys event. Thomas Maguire, ultra-runner did official starter duties with the Chairman of the Council, Thomas O'Reilly.
The prizes, which were worth approx £2500 and were sponsored by Tescos, attracted runners from all over Ireland. However, there were, as usual, many mini-battles going on down the field, with athletes trying to better their performances from previous years or finish ahead of those who had beaten them in previous years. Marie Curie the official charity and they received £4,500 from people using the official sponsorship cards.
Gordon Jackson, 10k committee treasurer, said that he was overwhelmed by the staggering amount of £25,000 which was raised in total for charity.
The day started with the usual races for children of all ages. Children's event organiser, Rita Mc Kechnie said that a record number of children took place (approx 180) with some as young as two in the Toddler's trot.
The Model school retained the Rotary Cup. Kesh primary school were a close second .
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when local teenager, Michael Henshall, completed his 1km run for charity. Michael had last year managed a 400m lap of the track shortly after walking unaided for the first time. This year many of Michael's young supporter's joined him on the track for his triumphant fourth lap.
