Robbie Matthews (Dunshaughlin AFC) was a convincing
winner of the Irish Runner Five Mile, the first of the 2013 Airtricity Race
Series, in a time of 24:58
The Meath man ran an impressive race, Robbie had 10
seconds to spare on his closest competition, Clonliffe Harrier’s Colm Rooney.
Mark Hoey (Star of the Sea), who was 2nd in last years Fingal 10k and one of
142 runners taking part on behalf of “Team Carrie”, was third in
25:14.
National Marathon Champion Maria McCambridge looked
very comfortable, as she was first woman over the line in a time of 26:45. Her
win meant disappointment for 2nd home Siobhan O’Doherty, who was aiming for her
third successive Five Mile victory. O’ Doherty can take some comfort in
running her fastest time yet, 3 seconds faster than her 2011 winning time. Fiona Roche was third in 28:26.McCambridge, who was selected alongside Paul
Pollock to represent Ireland in the Marathon at the World Championships in
August, said she enjoyed the race.“I’m training hard for the Marathon right now,
so it was nice to change it up a bit and have a fast paced race.
The conditions
were good there today, and I’m feeling really comfortable after the race, which
I’m pleased with” “It was ideal running out there today, no
wind, and just very light rain.” said Matthews after the race. “It’s a
nice testing course, fairly flat at the start, and then it’s uphill towards the
end. I passed the three mile mark very quickly, the last two miles uphill
slowed me down a little, but I’m delighted with my performance and the
win” Matthews laid down a marker for the remaining three
races in the Series. “I decided last year that I would concentrate
on the Race Series for 2013, and that’s still my objective. So we will see how
we get on.”
Over 3,000 runners, joggers and walkers took part
today, including a 142 strong “Team Carrie” group trained by
Dave Carrie. Over 80 of that group were taking part in their first ever race,
including wheelchair contester Turlough Cotter, who was the first over the
start line at 10am. Every member is running to raise funds for the Gary Kelly
Cancer Support Centre.
Full Results are available:
http://www.tdl.ltd.uk/race-results.php?event=1373
