Mayo.ie Western People Women's Mini Marathon 2023
Ballina 30th April 2023...What a Day !!
By Paul O’Malley (Western People)
It was a day to remember in Ballina Sunday April 30th as thousands of people gathered in the Market Square for the start of the Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon.
It was the first time Ballina had held the prestigious event since its inception in 2010, and the North Mayo capital certainly marked the occasion in style by having three local ladies finish in the top three places. The winner Norah Newcombe-Pieterse, who was claiming the top prize for the second time in four years, finished in an impressive 36 minutes and 47 seconds, closely followed by another Ballina native Sinead Whitelaw (nee Roache) on 34:49 and Serena Tuffy on 39.00.
The atmosphere on the Market Square was incredible from early morning with well-known former broadcaster Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile, from Mount Falcon Estate, overseeing proceedings as MC.
With the celebration of Ballina’s 300th birthday this year, the decision to move the Mini-Marathon from its spiritual home of Castlebar to Ballina made perfect sense, especially as Ballina has such a fantastic athletics tradition with two fine clubs active in the local community.
There was a trickle of rain in the minutes leading up to the start of the race but this subsided in time for the sound of the starting horn. Before this, participants were put through their paces by Paul Ginty from Quay Fitness Studio. Paul had a very captivated and hard-working audience on the Square, which was flooded with people as far as his eye could see on stage. With jumping jacks, knee lunges, and stretches to get the blood flowing, it was not a surprise to hear one participant describe Paul’s workout as ‘the hardest part’ of the entire day!
Full Article HERE
- Complimentary Results Supplement can be found HERE
- Gallery of Pictures 2023 can be found HERE
- Keep up to date with all thats happening with the Marathon HERE
This event is coordinated by Mayo Sports Partnership in Partnership with the Western People and Mayo.ie. Supported in 2023 by Ballina 2023, A very hard working Committe and all the amazing Volunteers who help make the event happen.
For more information on the event contact us at msp@mayococo.ie