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 26th 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 23rd. The finale in the series, the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, which is now sold out, will take place on Sunday 29th October which is also the Athletics Ireland’s National Championships.