Category wins all the rage for Drogheda & District athletes at Enfield 5k
Conditions on the night were favourable, with little or no wind, and the quality field of runners were chomping at the bit as the Starter called the athletes to the line.
This race always attracts the middle ground of Irish distance running, the quality club athletes, and this year was no exception, with the race being won in an impressive 14:25 by Kevin Kelly from St. Coca's AC.
First home in the red vest for Drogheda & District was the flying firefighter Paul Smith who finished well up the field when taking the runner-up spot in his M45 category in an eye opening 15:37.
Next in and close behind was Colin Leonard in a lively 15:53, followed by Colin Dyas who perhaps had the run of the night with his 32-second PB time of 15:58.
Dyas is one to watch out for over the coming season and his upper body strength from his previous sporting career as a boxer showed in spades on the run-in to the finish.
Close behind were Brian Martin in 16:00, followed by Stephen Kelly in 16:34, while Rodney Thornton ran well to cross the line in 17:09.
Also running well were Colm Reilly 17:22), John Reilly (17:48) and Derek Hackett (18:41).
The M70 category saw Giancarlo Orlandi take the win in 23:30, while arch rival Conor Cooney finished runner-up in 25:20.
Amongst the Drogheda & District ladies, first home was Mary Leech (inset) who's coming into good form and her run of 18:55 saw her win her W50 category.
Leech's training partner Yasmin Canning finished fourth in the same category in a solid 20:10.
Meanwhile, one of the club's newest members - Kathryn Meade - gave a glimpse of her emerging talent when running the course in 19:32 and she's a real find for Drogheda & District AC.
Orange Group coach Andrea McArdle is reaping the rewards for her dedication in training after she recorded a new PB time of 21:11, and the sub-21 time is on the cards by the end of the season.
The ever present Nuala Reilly, Ireland's answer to the Duracell Bunny, showed her opponents a clean pair of heels when winning her M65 category in 24:07, while daughter Olivia ran the course in 24:14. Others who ran included Fiona Murphy (24:04) and Carmel Keenan.
Just 24 hours later it turned out to be a fantastic evening for Drogheda & District AC at the Louth Relays, held in beautiful sunshine and perfect conditions for racing at the Lourdes Stadium.
The club entered a remarkable 14 teams across various age groups and delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home an even more remarkable six gold medals!
The club's U11 and U12 girls teams are heading to the Leinster Relays this coming weekend.
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