North Sligo AC Athlete Valeria Petrova travelled to Turkey last week to meet up with her mother and sister and to run in a big 10k road race in the bustling city of Istanbul. The 25 year old Ukrainian was anxious to meet up with her family, so they travelled from Ukrainne to Istanbul to meet her and watch her run in this big road race.
Over five thousand runners took part in this 10k on Sunday last. The 10k was part of a series of races on the day which also included a half marathon.
Petrova came to Ireland 3 years ago and was in refugee accommodation in Drumshanbo for the first year, through contacts made with a few good people in North Sligo AC she was able to move into accommodation in Sligo. She joined the North Sligo AC club 2 years ago not knowing anybody, but now everybody in the training group knows and respects the talent and work ethic she brings to her training.
Last Christmas at the clubs awards night she won the female club athlete of the year award, earned from several very good cross country and road race results during the year.
This 10k was Petrova's biggest win to date finishing 42nd overall and first female out of the just over 5000 finishers on a hilly course she finished in 42 mins 19 secs.
