CREECH AND ADAMS CLAIM NATIONAL HALF MARATHON TITLES IN TULLAMORE

Ryan Creech (Leevale AC) and Natasha Adams (Letterkenny AC) have claimed the 2023 national half marathon titles at the sold out Bord Na Mona Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon this morning Saturday (August 26th).

Creech was first to cross the finish line on the track in Tullamore, completing the half marathon distance in a course record time of 01:05:47. Creech had just under three minutes to spare on his fellow podium finishers David Mahon (01:08:38 Slaney Olympic AC) and Peter Brandon Somba (01:08:40 Dunboyne AC).

Having posted a 2:13:03 on his debut marathon in Seville earlier this year, Creech has sights firmly set on a tilt at the Dublin marathon in October. Speaking after the race he said: “It was a tough course in sections and nice to get a good tester in before the upcoming few weeks of training in the the lead up to Dublin (Marathon). There was a great buzz around the course and very well organised”.

He continued: “There’ll be plenty of the Irish lads looking to run quick in Dublin, but I know that come October I can be up there with anyone, I just need to believe in the training and trust how I’m progressing. Hopefully I can run similarly to Seville and correct some of the mistakes from there. It’ll be a brilliant championship and it’s going to be a toss of the coin who can take the national title, so I’ll put my name in the hat and give it a go”.

One of Creech’s likely rivals for that marathon title is sure to be Martin Hoare (1:09:59) who led Celbridge to the team title today alongside Stephen Conroy (01:11:13), and David O’Connor (01:13:42).

Natasha Adams picked up a brilliant win in the women’s race, also smashing the course record with an impressive 01:18:15 to finish ahead of Heather Murphy (01:18:53 St. Michaels AC), and Norah Necombe Pieterse (01:19:13 Mayo AC).

Speaking after the race, Adams said: “It was tough and there was a changing wind, but I was happy with my rhythm throughout so kept a pretty consistent pace throughout. I was just going for the win really and not really a time, so the race went to plan.

“I’ll take a break now and then come back for cross country so that’ll be the the end of my road season now and I’ll look forward to getting back on the grass again”.

Sarah Baryga (01:22:18) ran another storming national half marathon to lead Sli Cualann A.C. to the women’s team title, readily supported by teammates  Catherine O'Connor (01:23:13), and Donna Quinn (01:30:13)

Results Summary:

1 Ryan CREECH 01:05:47 Leevale A.C.

2 David MAHON 01:08:38 Slaney Olympic A.C.

3 Peter Brandon SOMBA 01:08:40 Dunboyne A.C.

 

1 Natasha ADAMS 01:18:15 Letterkenny A.C.

2 Heather MURPHY 01:18:53 St. Michaels A.C.

3 Norah NEWCOMBE PIETERSE 01:19:13 Mayo A.C.

 

Provisional Team Results List: HERE

Athletics Ireland would like to thank all in Tullamore Harriers for hosting this year’s championships.