'Our members are proof of what can be achieved'
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Athlone Athletics Club: Group of the Year finalist
Athlone Athletics Club continues to thrive from its base at TUS Athlone.
Catering for runners of all ages and abilities, Athlone Athletics Club has approximately 200 members many of whom participate in bi-weekly training sessions hosted by the club on the athletics track at TUS Athlone.
The club has a key focus on improving the fitness levels of its members, with the first of two evening sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings concentrating on the 'Fit for Life' participants, many of whom are aged 60 and over.
The club regularly hosts 'Couch to 5k' programmes, the numbers in attendance continuing to grow such is the high standard of training provided. A walk to 3km programme is also a regular feature on the Athlone Athletics Club calendar.
The club has also witnessed a growth in members participating in national marathons at home and abroad, many achieving personal best times as a result of the professional training received during the bi-weekly sessions.
The ambience which the club creates is clearly evident with members travelling to race events on coaches organised by the club, building on the atmosphere of 'togetherness' which is a feature of the Athlone Athletics Club.
The decision to host half marathon and 10km races each September has brought national attention to club, the manner in which the events are organised regularly gaining plaudits from its participants.
Such is the event's popularity that it regularly sells out and this has been the case since the inaugural hosting of both races in 2023.
Chairperson, Martina Connell, said that Athlone Athletics Club provides a safe environment for members to improve their fitness levels.
"Having use of the TUS Athlone athletics track has allowed the club to grow and continue to attract new members. The club will always have a focus on fitness in the community and our members are proof of what can be achieved when we all move in the same direction," Martina said.
The Group of the Year finalists are Athlone Athletics Club, Connaught Street and Environs Community Group and Athlone Gaeltacht
The Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards are in association with Westmeath County Council