Tom Brennan New Years Day 5K

RACE REPORT

A DAY OF RECORDS

The 15th year of the Tom Brennan 5k hosted by Liffey Valley A.C. attracted it's largest ever numbers with just over 850 participants. The event has become a must do event on New Years day in the Phoenix Park. There are many reasons why so many take to the Park for this long standing race. Many are looking to start the New Year on a good foot, while others are out to compete as each year many top athletes test themselves against the best. Athletics clubs from Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare, Offaly Westmeath, Wicklow and Wexford were all on the start line including 2 National Champ winners of 2019. Hiko Tonoso of Dundrum South Dublin, winner of the National 10k and Liam Brady recent National Senior XC winner were just a flavour of what we were to expect from todays race. Another top master athlete and former Olympian was Shane Healy of Metro St. Brigid's who was also looking to be in contention. Weather conditions were perfect for a top race and good times due to no breeze to hinder runners that is normally expected in the Phoenix Park. The fact that there was such a good field of athletes would help aid faster times as runners help push each other around the course.

We were certainly not disappointed with what was thrown up for spectators and onlookers. This is a fast course consisting of 2 laps. At the half way point the leaders were Hiko Tonoso, Mtichelle Byrne and Pierce Murchan.

This is how it remained to the finish with a new course record also been broken by Hiko Tonosa of Dundrum South Dublin AC. Mitchell Byrne of Rathfarnham WSAF was just behind in 2nd place. In 4th place Shane Healy broke a new National record for 5k for an athlete over 50 years of age. He was just outside the world record which we are sure he will break sometime this year.

The Female winner was Catherina Mullen of Metro St. Brigid's with Barbra Cleary of Donore Harriers and Ciara Wilson of DMP 3rd.

This was also the first race of the Lord Mayors 5 Alive Challenge. This initiative was set up in 2013 by Dublin's Lord Mayor to get Dublin running and joining the running community for a healthier lifestyle and social interaction. The next event for the Lord Mayor's Series will be the Raheny 5 Mile on the 26th of January.

MyRunResults and Liffey Valley A.C. wish to express our deepest sympathy to Raheny Shamrock A.C. and to the family of Maeve Devlin who passed away recently.

Well done to Liffey Valley AC, participants and spectators for making this another highly successful event.

RESULTS

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Results are ORDERED on GROSS times

PHOTOS