Tullamore 5k 2026 (8th Mar)

The ever-popular Offaly 5k road series returned on Sunday morning 8th March, with the first race in the 2026 calendar staged by Tullamore Harriers AC, the Tullamore 5k. Race organisation was top class with road closures, stewarding and refreshments post-race adding to the enjoyment for all participants. A total of 506 finishers enjoyed a bright sunny morning, with a moderate breeze and a few sharp hills on an excellently marked course that brought them out from the town and back to finish at the Tullamore Harriers stadium for a 400m dash to the finish line.

Mullingar Harriers had seven athletes taking part. Daniel Glennon had a super run, just pipped in his category for first place by a mere 3 seconds, finishing in a time of 15:59. Mark Ronan had a very steady run coming home in 17:02, followed by Andrew Glennon with a time of 18:01, using the race to run-off any stiffness from winning the Irish Universities Indoor race walk title only the day before, and Kieran Nolan making up the men’s team of four with a run of 18:47. Agonisingly, the team narrowly missed out on a podium place as they finished on 127 points behind the third placed club, St. Michael’s AC, with 125 points. Orlaith Flanagan had another fine run finishing in a time of 18:48. Lorraine Claffey made her return to competitive action following a number of years working abroad and was pleased with her time of 22:36. Michael O’Sullivan completed the distance in 25:25 [MO’S].