Longford Royal Canal Festival of Running 2025 (26th Apr)

The Royal Canal at Longford was the venue for a Festival of Running on Saturday morning 26th April. On a 5.2k loop with a combination of tarmac and gravel surfaces along the canal banks, an 53k Ultramarathon, a traditional Marathon, a Half Marathon and a 10k were held. It was a dry but overcast morning, and with little breeze, temperatures rose as the morning progressed. The well stocked feeding stations with water and fruit were a great support for the athletes.

In the Half Marathon, wife and husband partnership of Niamh Doherty and Joe Doherty ran steadily together throughout. In a field of 221 runners, Niamh was aiming for a sub 1 hour 40 minutes, and with the support of Joe was pleased to come home in 1:39:26, with Joe finishing in 1:39:34.

In the 10k race, 340 runners took part. Among them were Evan McCormack who was always in the leading group and while having to let two of those move away from him in the last kilometre, he was pleased with 3rd place in 38:23. Mick Fagan had a fine run just off the leaders and came through for 5th place in 40:09. Mary Stuart continued her regular racing schedule and came home 15th overall, 4th woman to finish, in 43:16. Grainne Feely was next home for Mullingar Harriers in 46:31, and Aisling Farrell (46:47) and Joan Hickson (48:02) were also pleased with their performances [MO’S].