Royal County 5k road race a big success

The Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells was the first stop for competitors in today's Royal County 5km road race and after that it was all up hill to the Round Tower for the start.

The nightclub in the prestigious Headfort Arms was a hive of activity with lots of lycra, but very few flashing lights as runners signed up for the Meath LSP-promoted Royal County road race in aid of the Special Hands activity group.

Popular Meath LSP supremo Mary Murphy was 'barking' out the orders at the start as the runners, about 500 or so, were put through a rigorous warm-up session that lasted all of 25 seconds.

The local Gardai were there and they had flashing lights to soothe those who managed to leave the night club.

Mary Murphy introduced the celebrity special guest as none other than Vincent Duff from the Headfort Arms Hotel.

Vincent was probably cajoled to the start and then had to run - maybe even to get away from Mary Murphy (but that is not confirmed yet).

Vincent returned a good time for the distance which he completed in just a little over 23 minutes.

See other story for winner of race.

The usual suspects were handing out entry forms for forthcoming races with Mary Watters (Navan AC) promoting the Simon Cumbers / Paddy Hyland memorial for Friday 10th May from Claremont Stadium.

The Sheridan Insurances-promoted race will start at 8pm and there will be good cash prizes across selected categories.

See video of today's start in Kells and check out the times in this week's edition of the Meath Chronicle.