Mayo Even Ages Cross Country in Swinford tomorrow

Tomorrow morning is the first cross country race of the year, the Mayo Even ages competition. There will be races for everyone, from Under 8 all the way up to Masters.

Because of this there will be no training at the track or at Lough Lannagh this weekend

Things will kick off at 11am with the Under 8 girls and boys who will run over 600m. Races will come think and fast after that so make sure that you're ready to go and warmed up well before your race.

The club will have our new tent along with us, so meet up there and lets get a good start to the cross country season.

More information from the Mayo Athletics Board is below

The Mayo County Even Ages Cross Country Championships will take place on Sunday, 28th September at 11am in Swinford, Melletts Hill.

1. Registration

• Registration will take place in a tent in the middle field.

• Entry fees: €8 per athlete, €15 for two, €20 for three or more.

• Cash only – please bring the correct money.

• Don’t forget to bring pins for your race numbers.

2. Parking

• Parking will be at MP Moran’s Industrial Estate (Eircode: F12 Y5Y0), shown in red on the map.

• Marshals will be on site to direct traffic.

• Please follow the blue line on the map to access Mellett’s Hill.

• No access from the Toyota Garage side.

• Please do not park on the road between Corrib Oil Garage and the N5 junction.

3. Facilities

• Toilets: Portaloo’s available on site.

• First Aid: Civil Defence will be present.

4. Running Order (from 11:00am)

• U8 Girls & Boys – 600m approx.

• U10 Girls & Boys – 1000m

• U12 Girls & Boys – 2000m

• U14 Girls & Boys – 3000m

• U16 Girls & Boys – 4000m

• U18 & Junior/Senior Women – 5000m

• U18 & Junior Boys & Senior Men – 6000m

Races will follow in order after the U8s. Adjustments may be made on the day depending on entries.
Seniors and Masters are welcome to run as part of the championships.
The event is expected to finish by 1:00pm approx.

5. Cross Country Explained

• Competitions are held in even ages (U8, U10, U12, etc.) and uneven ages (U9, U11, U13, etc.).

• Athletes may compete in both competitions:

• In one, it will be their “good age.”

• In the other, they must run “up an age.” (e.g. An U9 athlete runs U10 in evens but U9 in uneven).

• Medals:

• All U8 & U10 athletes receive participation medals.

• U10+: Top 12 receive medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 10 bronze).

• U10 + Teams top three teams in each age group. (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 6 Bronze)

• Team Competition:

• Teams consist of 4–6 athletes.

• Places = points (e.g. 1st place = 1 point, 10th place = 10 points).

• Lowest score wins. In the event of a tie, the 5th or 6th finisher is counted.

6. Other Information

• Club tents are allowed.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather (rain gear, umbrellas).

• Wellies can be a good option for walking the track.

• Running spikes are permitted.

• Tea/coffee/snacks will be available – please bring a packed lunch.

• Leave No Trace – take all rubbish home.

7. Eligibility Reminder

All juvenile athletes must compete in the Mayo County Even Ages Cross Country Championships to qualify for the Connacht Even Ages Championships.

• Any exemptions must be requested from the County Secretary by 6pm on the Friday before the event.

• Exemptions will only be granted for very good reason.

• All athletes who compete will automatically be eligible for Connacht.

A big thank you to Swinford AC for hosting this event once again. They always put on a fantastic competition, and we greatly appreciate the effort, planning, and support of all the officials and volunteers involved.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation.