Alistair Cragg of Clonliffe Harriers AC has been announced as the Crowne Plaza athlete of the month for March following his excellent performance in finishing sixth in the high profile New York Half Marathon. Cragg’s time of 60 minutes 49 seconds was eight seconds faster than the National Best Performance of 60:57, set two years ago in Holland by Martin Fagan of Mullingar AC. It was also a personal best for Cragg by more than a full minute.
This race was Cragg’s pre-trial prior to making his marathon debut in Boston this coming Monday. Cragg will be looking to get the standard of 2:16, which will put him in line for selection for the World Championships next August in Korea and also for the Olympics in London next year. Cragg commented after the race: “Running this event is a bit strange for me after all my races on the track but I’m now entering a new stage of my career and I’m excited about it”
Clubmate Mark Kenneally will also be seeking the qualification standard this weekend when he competes in the Vienna Marathon. Kenneally recently showed his form when winning the IrishRail Dunboyne 4 Mile Road Race. After the race he said “This was an important tune up race for me in my preparation for the Vienna marathon. I came off a heavy week of training to run here and I am happy with the result.”
The Crowne Plaza Athlete of the Month Award scheme recognises the outstanding performances of Irish athletes throughout the year. A monthly winner is selected by a panel of well-respected athletics experts with a wide knowledge and understanding of all disciplines of the sport. The selected athlete is presented with a special commemorative trophy and a voucher for the Crowne Plaza Hotel
