February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
A large turnout is anticipated for the seventh annual Eamonn Coghlan 5K road race, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. in conjunction with the Pepsi Irish Festival at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
The flat course takes the runners through the scenic tree-lined paths of Belmont Park. It will be measured with splits at all the mile markers.
The race, sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club and named for the renowned Irish miler, traditionally attracts top competitors from the Metropolitan New York area, abroad and those from as far away as California and Florida.
Last year’s winner was Paul Mwangi of Ossining, who ran 14:53.9. Kevin Krause of Shoreham was second in 15:16.4. John McManus of Woodside, at 78, was the oldest finisher, crossing the line in 164th in 26:55.5. The youngest was 9-year-old Kevin Mook of College Point, who ran a 24:45.6 for 122nd place.
Race director Steve Duggan said he expects close to 1,000 entries, even though it is the day after the Club Championships in Central Park.
“The Eamonn Coghlan 5K Classic race offers the flattest and fastest course in New York,” said Coghlan, the former world record holder of the mile run who oversees the operation and is known as the Chairman of the Boards for dominance of indoor events.
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Said Duggan: “We expect more entries this time than in any other year. Eamonn Coghlan is looking forward to the run and we are all delighted to have Pepsi as the title sponsor.”
The race is being run with the cooperation of the College Point Road Runners Club, who is timing and scoring the event, and the New York Racing Association.
For details, call (212) 685-4649.