Leevale AC’s Ryan Creech had almost three minutes to spare when winning the Tullamore Half Marathon – and the National Half Marathon title – in 65 mins 49 secs. Creech’s next big challenge is the Dublin Marathon at the end of October. He’s currently top of the Irish marathon rankings after running a time of 2hrs 13 mins 3 secs in his debut marathon at Seville last February.
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For second place, David Mahon of Slaney Olympic AC narrowly beat Peter Somba of Dunboyne AC, with the pair timed at in 68:40 and 68:42 respectively. A close fourth in 68:44 was Tudor Mircea Moldovan of Clonliffe Harriers.
Less dramatic was the women’s race, with Natasha Adams of Letterkenny AC the winner in 78 mins 15 secs, followed by Heather Murphy of St Michael’s AC in 78:56 and Nora Newcombe of Mayo AC in 79:14
Winning the men’s team title was Celbridge AC, led by national marathon champion Martin Hoare in fifth place; Leevale AC, led by Creech, was second and Clane AC third. First M35 team was Newbridge AC, with Donore Harriers second. First M50 team was Inishowen AC led by the ageless Pauric McKinney, who finished first M55.
Sli Cualann, led by Sarah Baryga, proved best of the women’s teams ahead of Mullingar Harriers and Mayo AC. Mayo AC was first W35 team and Celbridge AC first in the W50 category