Danny McDaid 15km

August 2009

GREG Roberts from Derry was the winner of the 5th annual Danny McDaid 15k road race-fun run in Letterkenny on Sunday. The City of Derry athlete took the prestigious title for the first time seeing off Letterkenny AC's Pauric McKinney by just under a minute. The winning time was 48.16.

Letterkenny AC's Ciaran Doherty was the third senior man home in a time of 50.25. Maria McCambridge won the senior women's title in a time of57.27 while Lucy Brennan of Sligo AC was second in a time of 58.09. The third woman home was Helena Crossan from Inishowen in a time of 58.45.

Overall, the event was a tremendous success. One hundred and seventy-one runners finished the race compared to 97 last year and the organisers deserve great credit for their efforts in hosting the event.

The event sponsor was once again, David Crumlish, of Crumlish Appliances and Repairs, Thorn, Letterkenny.The Danny McDaid 15k is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and attracts top runners from all over the country. It is run in honour of double Olympian and LAC club stalwart, Danny McDaid who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics for Ireland in Berlin and Melbourne.Speaking after the race Letterkenny Athletic Club Chairman, Ciaran O’Donnell, said the event has been growing in popularity ever year since its inception.

“The Danny McDaid 15k was a fantastic success this year. It carries a special aura and appeal for all runners. It is a top event on the local racing calendar but we’re also appealing to people to come out and just run the course. It is a great race and the numbers are growing every year,” he said.

“We were delighted to have David Crumlish of Crumlish Appliances and Repairs back on board again this year as our main sponsor for the race. David, is a former club athlete and like us all has huge respect for Danny McDaid and everything he has done for athletics here in Donegal and all over Ireland and further afield. Danny is a great ambassador and role model Mr Crumlish said he was delighted to be involved with the event.

‘Danny McDaid is a household name across the country. I’m proud to be associated with such a prestigious event. LAC is a great club and fosters great young talent. As a local businessman I’m always delighted to help out in any way I can as a former club athlete,’ he said.

The club paid tribute to all the stewards, water station staff, gardai, the staff of Aura Leisure Centre and the residents along the route for their patience during the race.

Click here to see the full results.