AON Mullingar Half Marathon
The AON Mullingar Half Marathon and newly introduced Fleadh 5k attracted big numbers to Mullingar on St. Patrick's. Day. Over 2,000 (1,700 Half & 300 5k) runners signed up to the 2 distances. Just over 1,178 completed the Half Marathon & 248 completed the 5k.
What a fabulous morning of Sunshine and an incredible atmosphere to match. There is something about a town centre start line and racing in town centres that is unique and brings an extra buzz to the event. This felt like a big race and it was just that. The race started on the Main street and finished in Mullingar Park that was also located near the town centre of Mullingar and near the start line. Everything was so well located with Race HQ located between the start and finish.
To see hundreds and hundreds of runners tearing down the street of Mullingar was a sight to behold and treasure. This is now a major part of the Mullingar event calendar. The Half Marathon race went off first at 10am with the 5k following just after. The introduction of the 5k contributed a great morning of entertainment to fill the gap of time while the Half Marathon runners went out into the countryside.
The winner of the 5k was Mathew Glennon of Mullingar Harriers with Danny Nugent of Drogheda & District AC 2nd and in 3rd was Laura Buckley of Dunboyne AC.
The main race itself was led out by Stephen Conroy of Celbridge AC and he was also the eventual winner Stephen Conroy of Celbridge AC. Stephen and a group of athletes took the early charge with another small group following behind and followed again by the main field of runners. The course was a good course that ran as a full looped route. For the last 3 to 3.5 mile the Half Marathon started to pinch runners and today they had the added challenge of a strong wind against them.
The top 3 men were Stephen Conroy (1:10:38), 2nd was Mark Mcpaul (1:11:22) and in 3rd was local lad Timmy Murphy of Mullingar Harriers 1:11:47.
The women's winner was Elizabeth Carr of Mullingar Harriers (1:19:56) In 2nd was Amy Pollman Daamen (1:25:06) and in 3rd was Miranda Spencer (1:28:23).
Local legend Gerry Duffy was the race MC and gave finishers great motivation and an extra boost to make it across the line. With Gerry's commentary, high energy music and large crowds made a finish line to experience for runners.
What a great day and roll in 2023. Well done to Murty Hanly and his crew that made this event happen. This was an event that was held to raise charity funds.
START LINE
5K START LINE
STEPHEN CONROY WINNER HALF
FINISH LINE ACTION
VIDEOS WILL BE ATTACHED TO RESULTS SOON
