Josh warms up for Europe with Ballina Lions Fun Run win
Nineteen-year-old Alstonville athlete Josh McHugh, pictured (left), warmed up for his European triathlon campaign with an impressive win in the Ballina Lions Club Fun Run in Ballina this morning.
Josh completed the 10km run in 33 minutes 58 seconds to win by a minute from Shane Flannery. Michael Douglas was third, clocking 35.49.
Josh told Ballina Info that the Ballina Lions run was his last hit-out before he leaves for Europe on Friday where he will compete for a German professional team. His first race will be on May 20.
His ultimate goal is the World Championship triathlon event in September.
Josh was one of about 400 people of all ages and all athletic ability who competed in the run. The field was boosted by a big contingent of walkers, quite a few of whom made it a family affair by pushing baby in a pram.
Well-known running family the Gilfillans, of The Channon, scored a double. Courtney Gilfillan won the 10km event in 37 minutes 15 seconds, while Jessica won the 5km run in 17 minutes 55 seconds.
Second home in the women’s 10km was Lennox Head triathlete Pip Taylor (39.05), ahead of Denise Fahey (Ballina, 40.10).
Kane Simpson, of Lennox Head, was the first across the line in the men’s 5km run, clocking 16.39.
Junior winners were Joe Douglas and Paige Single (Under-17) and Brad Pobey-Hyatt and Grace Armstrong (Under-12).
Ballina walker Narina Donnelly showed her outstanding ability, winning the 5km walk in 36.15. The men’s winner was Doug Connors, who clocked 42.38.
This year’s run was the second after Ballina Lions Club last year revived the event, which had not been held for about 20 years.
Given the large field this morning, it would seem that the run’s future will be assured.
