Lots to celebrate for Mullingar Harriers at Dublin Marathon

The Dublin Marathon made a welcome return to the streets of the capital last Sunday morning after a two-year absence due to the Covid pandemic.

With 25,000 entrants, it was always going to be a massive event and it certainly lived up to everyone’s expectations, with large crowds lining all sections of the 26.2 mile route.

Despite the wind and rain on the days leading up to the event, the weather conditions on the day were perfect for marathon running - mild temperatures, light breezes and only the occasional light shower.

As the athletes waited patiently in the various starting waves, the temperatures were rising and extra warming layers were being discarded early.

By the time runners reached the Phoenix Park in the early miles of the race, it was starting to get quite warm and plenty of fluids were being taken on board.

The wind was beginning to pick up in the latter stages but luckily just stayed as a stiff breeze and didn't gust too much.

Overall, the consensus was that this was one of the warmest Dublin marathons in quite some time.

Mullingar Harriers was well represented, both on the course and all along the route. The marathon also incorporated the National Marathon Championship and the Athletics Leinster Marathon Championship, so as well as targeting times, there were National and Leinster medals to be won, adding an extra bit of spice to the race.

James Keegan led the team home with an impressive 2 hours 49 minutes 22 seconds, a well-deserved personal best time for him.

Eddie Newman finished strongly in 2:52, a performance that secured him third place in his master category.

Kedagh Geoghegan ran strong over the last 10km to finish in 2:54:14, a well-deserved personal best.

Evan McCormack was next home for Mullingar in 2:56:20, another super performance after having a tough few miles towards the end of his race.

Eoin Clarke also broke his personal best to finish well up the field in 2:56:59, his first time to run sub-3 hours, a benchmark time for a marathon.

Sinéad Whitelaw was the first Mullingar lady home, in a new personal best of 2:57:16, placing her third in her master category.

Alan Crowley was next over the line in 2.57.51, a personal best by 13 minutes, and another Mullingar man delighted to run sub-3 hours for the first time.

Kieran Nolan (3:02:19) and Andy Boyhan (3:03:50) both finished well, just outside the magic 3-hour mark.

Also having a fine race was Kris Foster, happy to finish in 3:16:46.

Mary Stuart was the second Mullingar lady home in an impressive 3:18:20, deservedly winning her master category.

Other Mullingar finishers who all put in fine performances were Murty Hanly (3:21:55), Tommy Byrne (3:24:26), Tony Doran (3:24:48), Dara O’Shea (3:35:01), James Tierney (3:35:55), Joan Hickson (3:48:41), Criona Reid (3:50:50), Stephen Naughton (3:54:25), Richie Kelly (4:13:21), Stephen Olwell (4:17:02), Gemma Kelly (4:22:56), Declan Costello (4:48:41) and Garrett O’Brien (4:49:51).

A special word of thanks needs to go to Evan McCormack, who has dedicated a lot of time to coaching many of the Mullingar athletes who completed the marathon this year.

Mullingar chases further cross country glory

This coming Saturday, around 100 Mullingar athletes will make the journey to Mountain View Golf Course in County Kilkenny for the second round of the Leinster cross country, looking for further cross country glory and qualification for the all-Ireland finals in December.

We have underage teams in every race from under 11 to under 19 years and we have a senior women team too.

For many on our under 11 runners, this will be their first experience of Leinster championship racing and we wish them well and encourage them that no matter what, it’s only a race and they should do their best to enjoy the experience.

Club officials will be on hand to provide encouragement and to settle any last minute nerves if necessary. Parents and supporters are asked to get behind all our athletes and encourage them, as usual, but particularly our under 11 teams.

There will be non-championship 800m races for girls U9 at 11.10am and for boys U9 at 11.20am. There is no entry fee, simply go to the start line when the race is called.

The first championship race will be the girls U11 at 11.30am, followed by the boys U11 and the rest of the programmes in succession.

Too many underage athletes did not show up in Dundalk two weeks ago, which is disappointing given the cost of entries and the negative impact on some team results, so if for any reason you can’t compete in Kilkenny, please let club officials know as soon as possible so we can arrange a substitute.

The timetable for the day is on the Athletics Leinster website and Facebook page.

When planning your journey, please allow extra time for traffic delays entering the venue in order to arrive on time and get to know the course.

Aim to be at the course at least one hour before your race and head for the club banners to collect your race number.

Bring a change of clothes, a packed lunch, water or sports drink, rain gear, club vest, four safety pins for your race number (most forgot the pins last time!) and check that you have suitably long spikes.

Parents and adults are advised to bring rain gear and proper footwear.

Newcomers in particular are reminded that they must wear a club vest (buy one at training or borrow one).