Ratoath Half Marathon – Incorp. National Half (10th Sept)

National Half Marathon honours for Mullingar

Starting and finishing at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Co. Meath, the Ratoath Half Marathon, which incorporated the AAI National Half Marathon, took place on Saturday 10th September on a lovely morning, perfect for running. The course was nearly flat, which was to the liking of the over 800 that took part, including a good number from Mullingar looking to build on Leinster half marathon success two weeks before.

Finishing strong and leading the Mullingar group home was Eddie Newman in 1 hour 18 minutes 5 seconds to place an excellent second in his master category. Next to finish was Evan McCormack (1:19:12) happy to achieve a top twenty place in his master category, followed by James Cribbin (1:25:50) fifteenth in his master category, Stephen Naughton (1:25:56) eighth in his master category, then came Maura Dervin (1:33:04) delighted to win her master category and earn a National title. Richie Kelly (1:45:22) was next in, followed by Gemma Kelly (1:45:49), Emer O’Hanlon (1:46:42) also very happy with a top twenty place in her master category, then Shaun Mills (1:50:12) and finally Sean McMullin (1:54:50) winning the National silver medal in his master category.

Having won the Leinster team title in their master men category in Tullamore only two weeks before, the Mullingar men team of Eddie Newman, James Cribbin and Stephen Naughton were odds-on favourites to take National honours too and with such excellent individual placings in their categories, they didn’t disappoint with a fine team bronze, behind teams from Munster and Ulster, so they’re still the best in Leinster! Three individual master medals and a team bronze marks this out as an excellent day’s work for the men and women of Mullingar Harriers.