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LOCAL ATHLETES SET FOR GRAND NATIONAL GALLOP Words: Malcolm McCausland |
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Bob Mullan Motors 5K Series 2005 Bob Mullan Motors 5K Series 2004 Bob Mullan Motors 5K Series 2003 Bob Mullan Motors 5K Series 2001
Website Sponsored by: - Noel Duddy Chartered Accountant 6 Lindenwood Park, Foyle Springs, L'Derry. 028 71374268
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The northwest road race calendar speeds up this weekend with the Grand National Gallop 5K in the grounds of Gransha Hospital at 12:00 noon. The St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Letterkenny kicked off the northwest road race programme with a good field of starters while the weekend before last the Omagh Half Marathon enjoyed record fields. An unprecedented record 613 signed up for the full distance around the Tyrone town with another 250 involved in the four-mile Fun Run. Organiser of the Derry event, Paula McGilloway, will be hoping that the growing enthusiasm for the sport is reflected in the entry lists for Saturday. Last year Paula was disappointed with only 51 competitors turning up to support the race which is in aid of the Foyle Hospice. The Creggan woman has made a big push to attract greater numbers by handing out leaflets and involving the local media in the build up to the race. However, she has been thwarted in her attempt to improve the quality in the race by the absence of a number of local top performers. Gregory Roberts who won the last two editions of the race has moved to Australia and was fourth in a 10 kilometres there last weekend in 33 minutes 27 seconds. Hannah Shields left on Monday for an expedition to the North Pole after warming up for the trip by finishing second in the Connemara Ultra-Marathon of 42 miles! Alan Bogle will also be absent after a period of hospitalisation but on the positive side last year’s runner-up Aaron Doherty is a confirmed starter as is top master Declan McCarthy. The women’s race looks wide-open with Shelagh Bodkin Murray and Suzanne McGilloway in contention. Entries will be taken in old sports hall of Oakgrove College from 11:00am with light refreshments served afterwards in the same venue.
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