Irish Runner 5 Mile 2022 – Incorp. National 5 Mile (12th June)

The Irish Runner 5 Mile, incorporating the AAI National 5 Mile Championships, took place on Sunday morning 12th June in the Phoenix Park. This was the second instalment of the Athletics Ireland Race Series. The weather was very mixed in the days leading up to the day and it was no surprise that just as the more than 760 competitors took to the start line, a fresh shower of rain fell, but it failed to dampen the spirits of those taking on the tough Phoenix Park hilly course. Thankfully, conditions improved during the race and the weather changed to shine by the finish and overall, conditions were better than expected given the recent weather.

Among the big entry was a number of Mullingar’s finest master athletes, led home by Eddie Newman finishing well up in a terrific forty third place overall in 28:25, winning the National bronze medal in his master category. Eddie was followed by Stephen Naughton (30:48), Pauric Brady (31:12), Linda Cunningham (36:27) a very creditable fifth in her master category, Emer O’Hanlon (36:40), Caroline Mullen (37:38), Brigid McCabe (37:44) winning the gold medal in her master category, Avril Keane (38:42) and Nicky McCabe (38:46) winning the silver in his master category. Of note is that medal winners aside, all the Mullingar athletes placed very well in their respective master categories, all in the top twenty, and in fact, most in the top ten, so these were fantastic performances in a National Championship. Reflecting the strong individual performances, the team of Emer, Caroline and Brigid were delighted to place 2nd master women o/50 Club and the master men placed a very creditable 6th Club.

All eyes now turn to the final instalment of the 2022 Athletics Ireland Race Series, with the Irish Runner 10 Mile Race, incorporating the National Championships, taking place on July 10 in the Phoenix Park.