National 50K Championships 2017

POSTED:

The National 50K championships were held again this year in conjunction with the Donadea 50K.  The race took place this year on February 11th around the scenic Donadea Forest Park.  This is a fast course and in recent years has facilitated national records from Gary O'Hanlon of Clonliffe Harriers.  The title remained with the Dublin club this year as Brian McMahon ran strongly to take the title in his debut over the distance.  Brian has a strong pedigree in mountain running and cross-country which allowed him to transition to the longer distance easily.  Alex O'Shea from St. Finbarr's in Cork took the runner-up position from Ray Coogan who ran in the colours of Dublin Bay Running Club.

 

The women's race was also keenly contested.  Louise Smith made the trip from north Belfast worthwhile as she ran strongly to take the title.  Louise finished in the top 20 overall which highlights the quality of her performance.  Patricia McLoughlin of Le Cheile in second place won the battle of the Kildare ladies as the host club's Charlotte Kearney took third.

 

The Donadea 50K has become a well-established race on the ultra-running calendar.  The quality of the course and strong organisation has ensured that demand is strong for places on the start line.  There were over 160 finishers under the 5 hour mark this year which indicates the depth to the field.

 

1 Brian McMahon, Conliffe Harriers  3.11.26

2 Alex O'Shea,  St. Finbarr's AC  3.15.08

3 Ray Coogan, Dublin Bay Running Club  3.17.52

 

1 Louise Smith, North Belfast Harriers 3.51.09

2 Patricia McLoughlin, Le Cheile AC 3.59.01

3 Charlotte Kearney, Donadea RC  4.08.21

 

For more information and photos of the event click HERE

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