Maria McCambridge won today’s SSE Airtricity Dublin Half Marathon in 1:22:25 at the Newbridge Demesne in Donabate, Co. Dublin nine years after winning it in 2008. She also claimed the title in 2013. While Bereket Gebraslase took the men’s elite race in 1:06:45. There were over 9,000 runners who signed up to take part.

McCambridge said: “I was delighted to win, there was great running on the course and I enjoyed the hilly parts. I am now looking forward to focusing on the Dublin Marathon.”  She was followed closely by Tara Kennedy Monks in 1:22:43 with Denise Logue crossing the line two minutes later in 1:24:38

Gebraslase dominated throughout the race and had a clear lead at the 10km mark: “I was very happy to win, it was my first-time racing in Ireland and I hope to return to compete in the Dublin Marathon” He was followed home Valdas Dopolskas of Lithuania running for Balbriggan and District AC in 1:07:11. John Coghlan of MSB AC was third across the line in 1:08:52 following on from his winning performance at the SSE Airtricity Fingal 10K in July: “I went in with a fresh mind and approach but they pulled away from me at the 6 mile mark.”

Race Director Jim Aughney also issued an apology following a delay to the start of 30 minutes from the planned 9:30am start to 10:00am due to traffic congestion. Aughney said: “We would like to apologise to all runners affected by the delay. We know that all those who took part today would have put in an immense amount of time and effort into preparing for this race. We are aware that some entrants missed out in partaking due to the traffic issues and we will be offering anyone impacted in this way a free entry into a race of their choice in next year’s SSE Airtricity Dublin Race Series.”

He added: “This was the first year running the event at this location. We had a full and comprehensive traffic management plan in place.  It is clear however that there were shortcomings.  We will now conduct a full and thorough review with all key stakeholders.”

SSE Airtricity Dublin Half-Marathon Results

Male

1. Bereket Gebraslase 1:06:45
2. Valdas Dopolskas 1:07:11 (Balbriggan and District AC)
3. John Coghlan 1:08:52

Female

1. Maria McCambridge 1:22:25
2. Tara Kennedy Monks 1:22:43
3. Denise Logue 1:24:38

ENDS

For Further Information please contact:

Sinead Galvin: m: +353 (0)087 6266816/ e: sinead.galvin@ogilvy.com

Nicholas Cargin: m: +353 (0)83 184 6540 / e: nicholas.cargin@ogilvy.com

We know that all those who took part today would have put in an immense amount of time and effort into preparing for this race. We are aware that some entrants missed out in partaking due to the traffic issues and we will be offering anyone impacted in this way a free entry into a race of their choice in next year’s SSE Airtricity Dublin Race Series.

The location has in the past been used for similar style events. We had worked with the relevant authorities’ to develop a full and comprehensive traffic management plan for the event.  It is clear however that there were shortcomings.  We will now need conduct a full and thorough review with all key stakeholders to fully understand what was the route cause of the traffic delays.

John Coghlan of Metro St. Brigid’s AC put in a gutsy performance today to win his first SSE Airtricity Fingal 10K in 30:38. Raheny’s Freddy Sittuk was second with 30:45 and Peter Somba of Dunboyne AC was third with 31:27.

The top three broke away from the rest of the elite field in the first kilometre and went through 5km in 15:13. At the 7km mark it was down to two, with Coughlan and Sittuk working away from Somba, who eventually had to battle with Tomas Fitzpatrick (Tallaght AC) for third. Speaking after the race, winner John Coghlan said; “I am happy with that result. It was a tough enough race. I really had to dug in at the 8-9km mark and I only started to pull away from Freddy in the last kilometre.”

In the women’s race, there was a dominant win by Gladys Ganiel (Belfast Harriers AC) crossing the line in 35:33, over a minute ahead of 2015 winner Niamh Develin (DSD AC) in 36:47. Denise Logan (BHAC) took third place in 38:01. Ganiel took to the lead early in the race and was never in danger of being caught. Speaking after the race she said: “I got everything out of the race that I was hoping for, it was a good hard run. I always enjoy taking part in the race series, it is so well organised, it’s first class.” She added: “This race is a key part of my preparation as I am seeking to secure Commonwealth Games qualification and selection for the Marathon.”

Over 4,000 runners took part today in the fifth SSE Airtricity Fingal 10K, an increase of 10% on 2016. The second of the race series, the Frank Duffy 10 Mile will take place in the Phoenix Park  on the 26^th of August. The Dublin Half Marathon will take place in a new venue in 2017, the Newbridge Demesne in Donabate, Co. Dublin on Saturday September 23^rd. The finale in the series, the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, which is now sold out, will take place on Sunday 29^th October which is also the Athletics Ireland’s National Championships.

Marathon Missions Claire McCarthy Leevale won today’s Swansea Half Marathon in Wales, with her time of 74 minutes 34 seconds a mere four seconds off the course record. Mick Clohisey of Raheny clocked a time of 65 minutes 33 seconds to finish second overall, followed by Sean Hehir of Rathfarnham third with 66.36.

Liverpool John Moores University would like to invite you to take part in an important research study to assess the effect of pre- and during-race nutrition on marathon performance and gastrointestinal symptoms. Should you decide to take part in the study, you will be asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. You will report detailed information about what you eat and drink the day before the marathon, and on race day. The questionnaire will also ask about any potential gastrointestinal symptoms.

If you are interested, or would like to take part, click the link below for more information.

http://bit.ly/2tOKxGw