1,700 take on second round at Clontarf

Neasa Kearney, Co Sligo

Children watch the Race

Neasa Kearney, Co Sligo

Frank Greally

November 27 2013 09:48 AM

MORE than 1,700 runners braved the November chill to take part in Saturday's Clontarf Half-Marathon, Five-Mile and Junior road races. The biggest entry was in the half-marathon, which had 1,200 participants and was won by Gavin Crawford of 24/7 Triathlon Club in 1:16.10. Seamus Sommers from Sligo finished second in 1:17.05 and Michael Black placed third in 1:24.25.

Aisling Jordan was a clear winner of the women's race, finishing in 1:24.25 -- her second victory in Clontarf this year as the half-marathon has now become a twice-yearly event, organised by race director Eoin Ryan, who is assisted by Raheny Shamrock AC.

Lucy Brennan finished second in 1:27.09 and Olwyn Dunne placed third in 1:30.11.

Gerry Doyle of Rathfarnham/WSAF AC came home a winner in the Five-Mile event in 27.19. Maurice Looby of Mullingar Harriers placed second in 28.54 and Andreas Johnsson was third in 29.08.

The women's race was won by Eimear Smith in 33.30. Jean Wallace placed second in 34.31 and Aine Hughes was third in 35.15.

There were events, too, for children at this popular running promotion, and hot soup for all finishers.

The half-marathon course in Clontarf has proved very popular and an entry of 2,000 has been received for the summer event.

Next year is a very significant one for anniversaries, with Brian Boru and the legendary Battle of Clontarf of 1014 being celebrated.

The next Clontarf Half-Marathon will take place on July 5 and there are big plans afoot to make this a very special event with a bespoke medal that should become a collector's item.