The fifth staging of the Enniskillen Spooktacular 5K Road Race was the most successful in the history of the race with a record turnout of 880 runners and walkers, many in fancy dress, enjoying the perfect Hallowe’en conditions.

Indeed, the organisers of the race have been left overwhelmed by the turn out and the growing popularity of the event which is fast becoming one of the biggest 5Ks in Ireland.

This year’s staging was also an emotional one following the death of Martin Dillon last week, the brainchild behind the race in the first place.

Fittingly it was a home runner who crossed the line in first place as Conan McCaughey produced a superb run to complete the course in a brilliant 15 minutes and 41 seconds, some 14 seconds ahead of second placed Tudor Moldovan with Shane Brady in third.

Conan was landing his first Spooktacular title having come close previously but having to settle for second behind Mark Hoy. He was thus a delighted winner and the inaugural winner of the Martin Dillon Memorial Cup which he received from Sean Dillon, son of the late and inspirational Martin.

Enniskilen Running Club members placed well in the top ten with Adam Cooke, Stephen Cassidy, Fergus McGirr and Eamon Monaghan finishing fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth respectively while Paul McGrath representing the Oisín McGrath Foundation Running Forever finished just outside the top ten in 11th.

Claire Annan edged the ladies race finishing in an excellent time of 18 minutes and 43 seconds, only five seconds ahead of Patricia O’Hagan in second with Carla Prentice in third.

Dessie Elton, race director, was suitably delighted with how things went.

“This year’s race went very well,” enthused Dessie before adding. “Firstly, it was a great tribute to Martin and for a local runner Conan McCaughey to win the inaugural Martin Dillon Memorial Cup was very fitting. He’s had a few near misses so it was fantastic for him.”

Dessie agrees that the race is growing in prominence and profile year on year, attracting more people to take up running.

“The entry was brilliant and I think we were taking registrations right up until 7.30pm and the fact that the entry increased from 498 last year to 880 this year is simply phenomenal.

“It is pleasing to see so many new people taking up running and events such as the Parkrun and Couch to 5K are proving beneficial.

“We see it as a stepping stone and there is an obvious impact on more members joining the Running Club, running at all levels.

“Overall though, this was a tremendous community event and we are delighted with how it all went. I must thank all our sponsors, including main sponsor Nuala Lilley and all the volunteers and club members who ensured the safe staging of the event.”

Indeed, the whole ethos of this year’s event was perfectly captured in a couple of social media posts to the Enniskillen Running Club facebook page.

Matt Dillon, runner and brother of Martin Dillon posted: “Thanks very much to everyone involved with Enniskillen Running Club for a fantastic job organising last night’s Spooktacular 5k, and a special thanks for the wonderful tribute at the start of the race and the memorial cup for Martin Dillon on behalf of his whole family.”

Kate McMorrow touched on the international appeal of the race as she enthused: “From Colorado to Kildare and everywhere in between, I have to say, BEST 5K ever! Thanks so much to all the wonderful folks in Enniskillen Running Club and the rest of the community. Your positive energy and warmth has us still smile’n! Well done everyone! Amazing event! We shall return! CHEERS!”

For a link to the full results see our Spooktacular 5K story on www.impartialreporter.com.