It was the biggest mass sports participation event in Europe this weekend with a record field 8,000 runners. What better setting for Kilkenny City’s Brian Maher to mark his Marathon Debut with an astonishing victory.“Brian put his foot down from the get go and there was literally no catching him” said David Eves who came in second place in today’s Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Half Marathon.
Maher came in third place in the preceding 5 and 10 mile races, both were won by Josphat Boit, but in the absence of the Kenyan, who Maher himself described as ‘untouchable’ and with few other notable elites participating, the Kilkenny athlete looked certain for success.
Far from winning for winning’s sake, Maher’s form and timing demonstrated his flare for distance running, coming over the finish line in an impressive time of 1.07.26
“I felt I had to try harder, that if I ran a mediocre race that everyone would have said I won in the absence of someone else, so that’s why I really gave it everything” said Maher.
Meanwhile the winner of the women’s race was a familiar face as Annette Kealy successfully defended her Half Marathon title in a time of 1.18.31. The former world masters 5000 metre champion was delighted with the win but admitted that she found the course challenging.
“I can be sure that there came at least one point in the race for everyone here today where they thought ‘I might not be able to do this’, as it’s a really tough course. Phoenix Park is deceptive because it is beautiful but then coming up that Kyber path can be like a kick in the gut.”
“There were 8,000 of us out there today and I’m thrilled have been a part of that but of course I’m delighted with the win, it’s always a lovely feeling” Said the Raheny Shamrocks runner.
Today’s race marks the final hurdle ahead of the big race in October and Race Director Jim Aughney is hoping that many of today’s participants will go on to compete on Bank Holiday Monday, the 26th.
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better turn out today, there really was a great buzz to the race. It is a massive achievement to complete a Half Marathon and I would like to commend and congratulate each and every person, and I hope that we will see you at the Marathon in five weeks time”
The deadline for entry into the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon is Monday 5th October @ 5pm, no late entries will be allowed.
Men’s Top 3
Brian Maher, Kilkenny, 1.07.26
John Eves, Dublin, 1.09.03
Paul O\\\\\\\'Connell, Kildare, 1.11.10
Women’s Top 3
Annette Kealy, Dublin, 1.18.31
Donna Mahon, Dublin, 1.19.22
Patrycja Wlodarczyk, Dublin, 1.20.39
Thanks to RACEPIX365 for capturing the race!!!
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