Shields claims Finn Valley Spring 5K Series title

Foyle Valley’s Keith Shields was crowned overall winner of the Finn Valley 5k Spring Series in Stranorlar recently.

Shields, who finished second in a time of 15 minutes and 56 seconds in the fourth and final race of the Series, fought a tough battle with Finn Valley’s Gerald Gallagher who claimed first place, three seconds ahead of the Foyle Valley man.

James Speight of Finn Valley, clocked 16 minutes and 01 second to finish third in a hotly contested up-front tussle.

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Up until the 4K mark, Shields and Gallagher were marginally ahead of Speight but as the leading trio approached 600 metres from the finish, it was down to a head-to-head between Gallagher and Shields with the Finn Valley man upping the ante on the downhill approach. And in the end Shields had to be content with second on the night.

The Ballybofey venue was thriving with over 300 runners and probably the same number of spectators at the popular event. In the overall Series, the in-form Shields had displayed great determination and grit and finished 3rd, 3rd, 1st and 2nd respectively in the four races on his way to the overall title.

City of Derry’s Sam McAnaney finished in 21st position in 18 minutes and 10 seconds and the Spartans, Zac McGowan produced a great display with a time of 19 minutes and 02 seconds.

Zac’s sister, Hanna unfortunately had to withdraw with an injured knee at the early stages of the race.