Our annual mini marathon is nearly upon us and great work is taking place behind the scenes to make it a great day for everyone taking part or spectating. The place to be on Monday 1st June is Moyne Sportsfield where we headquarter all aspects of the race.
The 5k and 10k will both start at the same time of 12 noon – the 5k commences approx. 400mts back from the entrance to the Sportsfield (on the Thurles side) while the 10k start is just a couple of yards from the Sportsfield gate. Both events will be chip timed and Premier Race Timing Systems are providing this service. As the finishing gantry incorporates a clock each athlete will be able to see their time as they pass through the finish line.
Results will be available on our website www.moyneathleticclub.com later that night which will also feed to our Facebook page. Results will also be available on the website of Premier Race Timing Systems www.premiertimingsystems.ie and www.tipperaryathletics.com.
The first three men and ladies in both the 10k and 5k runs will receive prizes as follows – 1st €50, 2nd €30, 3rd €20. There will also be a special prize of €50 if the course records in the 10k event are broken. The current records are 32.48 set by Luke Forde, Dunboyne in 2012 and 37.04 set by Dympna Ryan, Dundrum in 2013. As this is our first year hosting a 5k event no record has yet been set.
Entry fee is €15 for both events and all entries will be taken on the day. No entry will be taken from any athlete under 16 due to health and safety concerns and AAI recommendations. Please arrive early and avoid the queues. Entry forms will be available to complete once entering the pavilion and there will be separate desks for recording entry to the 5k and 10k while the numbering system for the two races will also be distinct thus avoiding any confusion when recording times at the finish.
The 5k course will follow our usual “Burma Road” route while the 10K is our “Killoran Road” Route. Both routes will be clearly signposted and stewards will be on hand at each junction to provide assistance if needed. Medical assistance will also be available and this is provided by kind assistance of Thurles Altar of Malta.
Parking will be provided across from the Sportsfield and stewards will be available to direct people to the most appropriate one. Please obey all stewards as they are providing their services in a voluntary capacity and for your safety.
We would appeal to all motorists to slow down along the routes and be aware of the mass starts at 12 noon. Again we will have stewards throughout the course advising you and we appreciate your help in this regard.
Refreshments will be served in the club pavilion following the event for all participants and the presentation of prizes to the winning athletes will also take place in the pavilion approximately one hour after the start of the races.
All proceeds from this year’s event will be going to offset the huge cost of our track upgrade which will be in the region of €220,000. This upgrade includes the laying a four lane 400mts IAAF standard synthetic track and also incorporates a two lane tarmac walking track. Our Long Jump has been redesigned and our floodlights have to be re-installed. Those arriving on the day will see the great progress being made and hopefully within the next couple of months we will be nearing completion. We would ask everyone to please be aware that work is still ongoing and to take care in the area.
Should any person be interested in giving their time to help out in any aspect of the event we will be more than willing to accept same. There will be someone present in the field on Friday night between 7.30 and 8.30pm to take your name and offer of help.
Looking forward to seeing you all in Moyne Sportsfield on Monday 1st June.
