ROAD RUNNERS GO IN SEARCH OF NATIONAL 5 MILE TITLES
Road titles are once again on the line this weekend as the Biofreeze Irish Runner 5 Mile incorporating the National 5 Mile Championships returns to the Phoenix Park on Sunday, June 23rd.
Following on from a fantastic Irish Runner 5k last month, the second instalment of the 2024 Athletics Ireland Race Series looks set to draw a bumper turnout with over 2000 athletes expected to take to the start line.
The race gets underway at 9am, with some of the country’s finest road runners looking to take national honours back to their respective clubs.
Two new senior champions will be crowned this year in the absence of last year’s winners Emmet Jennings and Meghan Ryan of Dundrum South Dublin.
The men’s race could prove to be a cracker with a host of contenders set to take their place, including last year’s second place finisher Jake O’Regan (St Johns AC).
The Clare athlete will be joined on the start line by 2022 champion Ian Guiden of Clonliffe Harriers, while Raheny’s Kieran Kelly comes into the weekend on the back of a win in the National 5k last month. Celbridge’s Martin Hoare is also entered as he continues preparations for the longer distance events later in the year.
Liffey Valley AC are making a habit of claiming medals at the national road races, walking away with gold in the senior men’s race last year. They call upon much of that winning team again this weekend with Geoffrey Alexandre, Mark Nylor, and Sergey Dolgy all set to return.
The senior women’s race looks another which is hard to call. 2020 national 3000m indoor champion Ciara Wilson (DMP AC) is no stranger to these events and could well put in another brave showing.
Ciara Hickey claimed the 2022 national 5k title and will look to add the 5 mile to her road race championships collection.
The women’s senior team event looks wide open in the absence of last year’s leading podium finishers. Raheny once again have plenty of strength in depth, but it will be no shock to see some of the clubs from outside of Dublin in the shake-up for podium places come Sunday morning.