The annual Kinsale Regatta 5 mile road race, sponsored by Eli Lilly, and organised by Belgooly athletic club, was held on Friday night in warm sunny conditions. The course is very much a downhill one so fast times were a distinct possibility. The race attracted some of the leading runners in the county, some of whom have not been seen for some considerable time in races. However, it was the more seasoned Martin McCarthy from Leevale who set the pace for the first mile, accompanied by clubmate James Grufferty and Josh Palmer from St. Finbarrs. Palmer dropped off the pace at the mile mark, while Grufferty lasted a further half mile before also giving way. McCarthy, who races the Streets of Galway event on Saturday, ran well within himself for the remainder of the race to win easily in 24:27. Grufferty paid the price for his fast start when he was caught by Tony O’Halloran from DSD, en route to west Cork for his annual holidays. Togher’s Shane O’Shaughnessy finished fastest of all to take fourth place. Carmel Crowley of Bandon is flying in her races at present, easily winning the womens race from Collette O’Riordan of West Muskerry, with none other than Irish international Rosie Lambe from Armagh in third. (Results).