Mark Christie of Mullingar Harriers led home a record entry of 3,420 at The Axa Raheny 5 Mile Road Race, writes Lindie Naughton. Christie, defending champion and home favourite Mick Clohisey pulled away from the field at two miles, and when it came to the final 600 metres Christie had the little extra turn of speed. He finished strongly in 23 mins 45 secs- with Clohisey just four seconds adrift. This was the third time that Mark Christie had won the event.
A large contingent from Northern Ireland travelled to the race and coming third in 24 mins 20 secs was Ben Branagh of St Malachy’s AC. In fourth place, Liam Brady of Tullamore Harriers finished ahead of Ukrainian Olympian Valdas Dopolskas, who now runs with Balbriggan and District AC.
In the women’s race, Donore Harriers runner Barbara Cleary continued her recent winning streak and was a clear winner in 27 minutes 41 seconds. She was also first woman over 40. Running her first road race in a while was Catherina McKiernan (Analee AC) who finished second in 28 mins 18 secs, while three seconds behind for third was DSD’s Sarah (Mulligan) MacMahon.
Host club Raheny Shamrock AC finished best of the men’s masters teams ahead of Rathfarnham WSAF, with 18 teams entered in this category.
Sli Cualann AC won the women’s masters team prize beating a huge entry of 32 other teams. Raheny Shamrock AC placed second and DSD third.
Source: Irish Runner Magazine
Photo: Tomás Greally
