This race also incorporates the Meath 10 Mile Championship, but as Championship results are as yet unconfirmed, this report only covers the Open Race. We can’t hold off on the good news any longer. J Championship report to follow when Meath results become available.

Once again we surpassed our 2015 turnout with a dozen Fit4Lifers lining up for the Trim 10 mile road race, incorporating the Meath 10 Mile Championship. It was a hilly-enough 10 mile route, cold, windy and miserable, but apart from that, it was an absolute blast J. To be fair, the wind was behind us a few times along nice country roads. The finishing stretch back into the Industrial Estate (around 250/300 metres) was particularly tough and the finish line was a very welcome sight.

We were proudly represented by 3 of our finest male endurance athletes; David Byrne, Jim Lineen and Lyndon Thomas. Jim led the way for all of us in a super time of 1.14.39. Nice one Jim, one of our C25K all-time-greats! David (1.29.24) is gearing up for his charity run in the London marathon and Lyndon (1.34.13) for his World Championship Half Marathon in Cardiff against Mo Farah.

Very impressive guys, but not nearly as impressive as our leading lady, Lauren Flood who put on a dazzling display of endurance running to finish in an amazing time of 1.24.54. Not only did she lead our Fit4Life ladies home, but she was the club’s 4^th female on the day, helping the ladies’ team to secure 3^rd place in the open race with teammates Emilia, Clodagh and Norma. Congrats Lauren, we are immensely proud of you. What a result for you, Fit4Life and the club. Lauren had gone home before realising her coup, so she was proudly represented by Fit4Life rep Viv Lennon at the Trim prize giving. The rest of the team caught up with Lauren at Tuesday’s training session where Ladies’ Captain Emilia presented her with her prize. Another club photoshoot was called for when we noticed what a photogenic team this was.

Fit4Life stalwarts, and devoted Fit4Youth mentors, Ger Ryan and Kay Gilmartin made their debuts over the 10 mile distance and completely smashed it in 1.42.57 and 1.36.52 respectively, despite the tough conditions. Their training mate Jacinta NiChonghaile also ran superbly to finish in 1.41.49. What a fantastic achievement by these three ladies. We are delighted for you. Commiserations to Ruth O’Dwyer who trained with the ladies and was also due to make her 10-mile debut but was forced to withdraw due to illness. The training won’t go to waste Ruth and while we don’t normally coax Fit4Lifers into distance running, the Believe & Achieve team would probably point out that a half-marathon is a very short step up from a 10 miler, and can often be more enjoyable.

Clare Bexon (1.41.01) and Viv Lennon (1.36.43) have been two of our most consistent and enthusiastic runners in recent times so it’s no surprise that they both ran stormers on Sunday! Our 2015 Fit4Life award winners Ana Quigley (1.40.44) and Sam Hamilton (1.46.42) proved once more why they’ve got the plaques, both running strongly with Sam taking an 8 minute chunk out of her PB.

It almost goes without saying that Angela Envelope had another super run, finishing 3rd in her age category in a fab time of 1.43.05. Unfortunately, there did not seem to be a prize for 3^rd, but prize or no prize, it’s a placing all the same and another fantastic achievement that Angela can add to an already very long list.

Thanks as always to our great supporters along the route including Aoife Hyland, Claire Ni Fhaircheallaigh, Fiona Tobin, Jennifer Clancy, Paul Gannon and others we haven’t listed here, but we heard the shouts, thanks so much. Congrats to our Senior clubmates on their superb results. Always great to be in good company!

As for the after-party!! – Soup, rolls, tea, coffee, biscuits and a fantastic spread. Well done to Trim AC on a great event. We will do our best to reciprocate at our own 4-miler on Sunday 3^rd April.

Thanks to our own Sam Hamilton for the great still photos and as always, sincere thanks to Peter and Rory Mooney for the fantastic action shots they very kindly allows us to post. Thanks guys, your photos add so much to our content. There is a full race album on Peter’s flickr.