PICTURES: Great turnout for Hugo Smith Memorial 5k in Ferbane

There was a great turnout for the Hugo Smith Memorial 5k in Ferbane on Friday, May 8.

The annual road race which was organised by Ferbane Athletics Club took place on the club’s 50th Year Anniversary. Volunteers were out in force to help ensure the delivery another top-class event.

343 runners in total took part in the race which was an exciting affair with a close finish between the first and second placed men.

Kevin Minnock from Tullamore Harriers took the race win in a very impressive 15:25 followed closely by Ferbane AC’s Mick Fogarty in 15:37. The first female over the line was Ciara Greene with a fantastic 20:20.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Great support for Darkness Into Light in Roscrea

Ferbane AC took to social media after the event posting: “As ever we would like to thank Offaly County Council and the Birr Municipal District office for the logistical support given in the lead up and post-race activities. Every year the Council are extremely helpful in terms of remedial repairs on the route and providing much of the race infrastructure. “

They concluded: “There are few words to express our thanks and admiration to our own members and their families for the huge donations of sandwiches, buns, cakes etc and for answering the call to assist with race registration, stewarding and the tidy up that takes place on the course.

“Our event continues to improve’ year on year’ and this is down to the hard work and ever-increasing involvement of more and more of our members.”