Friday night saw a new record number of almost 350 runners, many sporting Halloween guise, take part in the 3rd Enniskillen Spooktacular 5k organised by Enniskillen Running Club.

Enniskillen’s own Mark Hoy made it three ‘Spooks’ in a row as he successfully defended his title which he has made his own since the events inception in 2011. The Finn Valley AC athlete shaved another 18 seconds off his own course record set in 2012, with a superb time of 15:32. Yet again however, he was up against a formidable opponent in the form, this year, of Ireland International Steeplechaser Emmett Dunleavy. The Sligo AC athlete ran stride for stride with Hoy throughout the entire race but on the approach to the finish line, Mark had the edge and won by two seconds with Dunleavy finishing in 15:34. Glaslough Harrier, Connor Duffy, who had shadowed the lead pairing for a good portion of the race, took a solid third place in 16:02. ERC’s own Stephen Prentice had yet another excellent run for the Club with a brilliant time of 16:14 with Sperrin Harrier, Pierce McCullagh rounding off the top five men in 16:41. In the ladies race, North Belfast Harriers Breege Connolly took 16 seconds off the 2012 female winning time with a convincing win in 17:50. Following up her second place in last year’s event, was local Clones AC athlete Denise Toner with a brilliant time of 18:45. Helen Stockdale, running for Finn Valley AC, took the third step of the female open rostrum with another strong run to finish in 19:06. ERC’s Rebecca McKenzie took a fantastic fourth place with a time of 23:05 closely followed by Melissa McGinn 23:07 who completed the top five ladies in the open category.

The M40 category was another close affair with Johnny Williams taking the win with a time of 18:42 closely followed by Colum Caughey 18:49 & Barry King 18:56. The M50 category was won by Martin McLaughlin from Omagh Harriers in a time of 18:39. In the F40 category, Heather Williams had an excellent run to finish in 21:10 with Mary Rutledge taking a brilliant second place in 22:05. ERC’s Oonagh Fitzpatrick secured a fantastic third place in 22:50. Finn Valley AC athlete, Marie-Theresa Speight won the F50 category in 22:49. Kathleen Maguire took the honours in the F60 category with a time of 27:34.

The junior categories witnessed many excellent individual performances and it was great to have the opportunity to witness our up and coming athletes performing so well. Domhnall Lynam took the U16 Male win for ERC in a time of 17:37. Molly Flynn was the U16 Female winner in 23:08.

David Somerville, Race Director for 2013, praised those who made the event a resounding success. “It was great to see so many runners travelling from near and far to support the race. Our marshals, did a fantastic job assisting the PSNI to keep everyone safe and on route. St Johns Ambulance provided reassurance that medical assistance was on hand if called upon. Precision Timing for a truly professional and flawless service. Our hosts Pats Bar for the use of their venue and provision of refreshments. Willie Balfour who kindly provided his PA system and entertainment for the evening. Fermanagh District Council, and all of our sponsors and press for their continued support and coverage of our community event. All of this would not have been possible without the great group of people in the organising committee and all of their drafted in helpers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. This year’s race was built on the strong foundations laid down in the previous two years by Martin Dillon and its continued growth is all down to him”.