Pictures: Sun split the stones as Stoneyford 5k and 10k challenges! Spot anyone you know?

With temperatures due to soar again for the 16th annual Stoneyford 5k and 10k Challenge, the organisers had it all to do to keep everyone hydrated. But it was a case of water, water everywhere on the day with mobile water stations and suncream galore!

In aid of the of local Scoil Náisúinta Chiaráin Naofa, the event is almost a festival of running at this stage and is a fun filled family day out. First up was the Kids’ 1k dash. Always so exciting for the smallies, Donna Dunne worked her magic warming them up, before they headed up the road en masse! It sets the tone for the rest of the morning’s races with everyone hyped up. READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY

The heat was really building by the time 11am came around, but it didn’t deter the runners as they headed up and down the village before heading up the infamous Stonecarthy hill. READ MORE BELOW

The first runners back down to the finish were the 5k winners, led by Tinryland AC’s Niall Lawler in 17.57. Gowran AC’s James Kelsey was 2nd senior this year, having won the junior event last year. Conor Fleming of Clonmel AC completed the podium, with a great cross section of counties represented.

In the ladies event, Maeve O’Connor finished in a comfortable 21.23, followed by local lady Anna Walsh, just ahead of Mairead McGrath. The junior 5k wins went to Finn Griffin and Zack Cully Kennedy in the boy’s event and Cara Maher and Ruby Moran in the girl’s.

A new 10k king emerged again this year, with Craig O’Brien of Ferrybank AC finishing in 36.14, closely followed by Kings River AC’s Sean Connery and Darren Fitzpatrick in 36.30 and 37.08. Nifty times on a day where the sun was beating down on several unshaded questions. The ladies winner was actually 3rd finisher overall in 36.56. Clare Keane runs with DMP of Wexford and Iona college in the US. Leah Lawler, also Tinryland AC was 2nd in 39.01 and followed by Joanne Fitzpatrick of Thomastown in 43.12.

The community involvement was evident from the numbers of volunteers throughout course, to the quality of the post race refreshments and from the ice cream van to the friendly welcome every runner received. The team are looking forward already to next year’s event!
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