The third race in the Nike Ballycotton summer series of five mile road races took place in Churchtown South last night. Weather conditions couldn’t have been better for the two hundred or so runners. From the start the main contenders settled into a group, breaking away from the main body of the race, and included the overall leader in the series Garrett Barry of North Cork. Shortly after half way the Leevale pair of Bryan Keane and Jason Foolkes upped the pace and quickly opened a gap on the others. With just under a mile to go Foolkes was the one who showed the greater strength, getting away from Keane, and going on to win in a time of 25:15, some fourteen seconds ahead of Keane, with Cathal O’Connell finishing fast to take third in 25:39. They were followed home by Eric Meade of East Cork (26:01), Peter Duggan (26:18), James McGee, Leevale (26:21), Matt Flannelly, United Striders (26:24), Ian Donovan, Leevale (26:30), Garrett Barry (26:33), and Ted O’Flynn, Leevale (26:40). Barry’s series lead is now down to two seconds ahead of Meade. Foolkes is on scholarship at McNeese State University, and returns there shortly. Last Weekend he also won the Roberts Cove four mile road race form his brother Trevor with their younger brother Alan fourth. Louise Cavanagh of UCC was never threatened as she blazed to victory in the womens race, comfortably winning in a time of 27:45, some twenty four seconds inside the course record, and also the third fastest in Ireland this year. She was followed home by Mary Sheehan of Grange Fermoy (29:54), Mary Sweeney, St. Finbarrs (31:47), Mary Murphy, St. Finbarrs (32:51), Catriona McGreggor, Midleton (34:02), and Brid Murphy, Leevale (34:19). Vet wins were recorded by Ted O’Flynn, Leevale (over 40), Tom Cody, Midleton (over 45), Frank Cashman, East Cork (over 50), Eddie Mullane, Cork BHAA (over 55), John O’Leary, Leevale (over 60), Juan O’Callaghan (over 65), Mary Murphy, St. Finbarrs (over 35), Tina Fulginatti, St. Finbarrs (over 40), and Kate O’Brien, Ballynoe (over 50). East Cork were mens team winners and St. Finbarrs won the womens team.