By The TimesLedger
A very large turnout is anticipated for the seventh annual Eamonn Coghlan 5K Road Race, named after the world renowned miler. The 3.1 mile race, held in cooperation with the Pepsi Irish Festival, is set for Sunday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. at Belmont Park .
The course of the race takes the runners through the scenic tree-lines paths of Belmont Park, occupied by the horses for 11 months out of the year. It is accurately measured with splits at all the mile markers. It is 99 percent flat.
The race attracts top competitors from the metropolitan area as well as runners from as far away as California and Florida. Sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club, the race adds another dimension to the Festival as it brings in people of various backgrounds.
“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.
“We expect more entries this time than in any other year,” Duggan said “Eamonn Coghlan is looking forward to the run.”
The race is being run by with the cooperation of the College Point Road Runners Club, who is timing and scoring the event, and the New York Racing Association.
Last year, Paul Mwangi of Ossining won the race in the 14:53.9, with Kevin Krause of Shoreham second in 15:16.4. John McManus was the oldest finisher in the race in 26;55.5 for 164th place, while the youngest finishers was Kevin Mook of College Point, who ran a 24;45.6 for 122 place. Mook is now 10 years old, while McManus, who is still going strong is 79.
For further information on the Irish Festival and/or the race call (212) 685-4649.
