Records aplenty as Harriers athletes shine in Dublin Marathon

Tullamore Harriers AC has congratulated all its club members who joined the 16,500 other athletes for the 42nd edition of the Dublin Marathon yesterday (Sunday).

Kemal Husen from Ethiopia won this year’s marathon in a time of two hours, six minutes and 52 seconds, setting a new record for this marathon. First Irish man was Stephen Scullion (Clonliffe Harriers) 2:11:51 and the first Irish lady was Mucklagh native Ann Marie McGlynn (Letterkenny AC) who had a superb finishing time of 2:34:13. Both now hold the National Marathon Championship titles.

Leevale AC's Ryan Creech, who won the Bord na Mona Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon in August, was 2nd Irish man with a time of 2.14.08.

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon incorporates the National Marathon Championships and the Leinster Marathon Championships (full team and category results will be available in due course).

The real winners yesterday were the club runners who proudly wore the blue and white of Tullamore Harriers on the epic 26.2-mile trek around the streets of Dublin. Some were first time marathoners who have only dreamed of completing a marathon, some were out to beat a previous time, and others had their own personal goal to reach.

The day itself was wet and miserable - perhaps worse for the supporters who lined the race route, afraid to take shelter in case of missing any opportunity to cheer and encourage the wonderful athletes from the club and further afield.

The weather didn't take away from an emotional and special day for the club watching the athletes who have trained so hard over the past few months put on a great show, with plenty of surprises thrown in and phenomenal times posted.

There were notable and truly inspiring performances from members like club chairman Adrian Curley and men's captain Sean Reynolds. Adrian, competing in his second marathon, sailed through the 26 miles in 3.26.29, knocking 40 minutes off his previous marathon time (set in 2022) - an inspirational run to say the least.

Sean had an excellent run, clocking 3.07.41 for a sixth place finish in the very competitive 60 age category. The winner in that category, Eddie Newman from Mullingar Harriers AC did so with a time of 2.52.29 so that certainly puts Sean's sixth place into perspective.

First man home for Tullamore Harriers was Eimhin Kenny with a super time of 2.43.47. Jonathan Dunne was next and, in his first marathon, had a very impressive finishing time of 2.45.58.

Eddie Garry, Enda Black, Brendan McAuliffe and Eoin Brennan all broke the 3 hours with Harry Flynn barely over the edge in 3.00.03! Eoin Brennan completed the Chicago Marathon only three weeks ago and obviously made a very swift recovery to clock 2.58.27 in Dublin.

First lady for Tullamore Harriers was Evelyn Herlihy who made her marathon debut with an impressive time of 3.32.34. Evelyn has had a very good year in athletics, having recently won the Offaly Endurance Series and also taking age group awards in many of the local races. Una Mullen and Elysia McCormack were 2nd and 3rd Tullamore ladies across the line with both having very solid performances..

All of the club's athletes have a story to tell and individually deserve great recognition for their performances at the Dublin Marathon. A total of 36 club runners lined out and it seemed every remaining club member and their families and friends lined the streets of Dublin in support - a testament to the wonderful spirit and camaraderie of the club. Congratulations to all members of the surrounding clubs on their marathons too.

Tullamore Harriers results: Eimhin Kenny 2.43.47; Jonathan Dunne 2.45.58; Eddie Garry 2.47.48; Enda Black 2.53.27; Brendan McAuliffe 2.56.52; Eoin Brennan 2.58.27; Harry Flynn 3.00.03; Gary Whittle 3.02.39; Sean Reynolds 3.07.41; Ollie Neary 3.07.52; Liam Byrne 3.09.45; Alan Heffernan 3.14.19; Leslie Buckley 3.25.23; Adrian Curley 3.26.19; Lorcan Scally 3.28.48; Brendan Kelly 3.32.05; Evelyn Herlihy 3.32.29; Finian McDermott 3.38.06; Una Mullen 3.38.15; Peter Bennett 3.38.48; Elysia McCormack 3.42.23; Lesley Cornally 3.43.25; Sean Spollen 3.50.44; Jason McDermott 3.53.11; Helena Buckley 4.08.19; Mary Galvin 4.12.04; Sorcha Galvin 4.17.42; Naomi Galvin 4.18.18; Alan Mitchell 4.19.58; Tara Staunton 4.24.49; Shane McGuinness 4.27.12; Paddy Rowland 4.37.02; Olivia Weldon 4.38.52; Arlene Finnerty 5.43.50; Miriam Brady 5.43.52.