IN PICTURES: Laois athletics club hosts inaugural Coal Miners 5k

TAP NEXT OR ARROWS TO SEE MORE PICTURES

The inaugural Coal Miners 5km, hosted by St Abban’s AC, got off to a flying start as 213 runners toed the line on a lovely morning that felt tailor-made for fast racing. As a brand-new addition to the running calendar, the event delivered everything you’d hope for from a debut race: great conditions, strong competition, and a brilliant community atmosphere. The race fits perfectly into the history of the Coal Mines, given its 100 years since the Coal Mine opened in Rossmore. At that time, the mines were a major employer locally between Rossmore, Hollypark, Wolfhill and Castlecomer. The race also sits nicely in the history of St Abban’s AC as the first Parish 10km was held in 1966, taking in 3km of the course used for Sunday’s race.  The overall winner, Chris Jeuken, Derg AC, crossed the line in an impressive 14:30. Cheryl Nolan, St Abban's AC, finished in an outstanding time of 16:13 as she was the first female to cross the line. Photographer Paul Dargan took some pictures from the event for the Leinster Express/ Laois Live. SEE THE FULL RESULTS BELOW THE PICTURE.

A huge thank you goes to all the race sponsors for their generous support, the local community and volunteers who helped marshal, organise, and cheer, and of course, everyone who took part. Your enthusiasm and backing helped make the first Coal Miners 5km such a success, and the club are proud to have launched what promises to become a popular fixture in the years ahead.

Ladies: 1st Cheryl Nolan-St Abban’s 16:12 2nd Meghan McCarthy- Kilkenny City Harriers 18:15  3rd Lisa Murphy Sweeney- St. Michael's 18:32 

Male: 1st Chris Jeuken- Derg AC 14:30 2nd Cathal McCarron- Donadea Running A.C. 15:09 3rd Brian Kelly- St Abban’s 15:42

Junior Men:1st Will Duffy St Abban’s 16:512nd Kalem Buggy St Abban’s 16:593rd Eoin Mulkerrins St Abban’s 17:26 

Junior Ladies: 1st Ellie Knowles St Abban’s 19:432nd Mollie Kelly St Abban’s 20:293rd Chelsey Dooley St Abban’s 21:01

O40 Ladies: Michelle Kennan Ballyroan/ Abbeyleix and District 19:39

O40 Men:  Stephen Hunter St Abban’s 15:58

O50 Ladies: Karen Kavanagh St Abban’s 22:46

O50 Men: Tony Reilly 18:12 

O60 Ladies: Josephine Killeen 

O60 Men:  Aengus Burke Portlaoise AC 19:10