National Titles for Lizzie Lee & Paul Pollock

The National Half Marathon championships took place this morning (August 2nd) around the streets of the capital with Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders AC) and Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC) winning the respective senior titles. Ireland’s elite road race athletes were joined by thousands of runners as they completed the Rock n Roll Half marathon, the third year running of the event in Dublin.

Provisional individual results can be viewed HERE wiith team results to follow

Cork Mum Dominates

Cork athlete Lizzie Lee who missed last year’s championships due to having a baby dominated the women’s race as she set a new personal best of 73.27 for the half marathon distance. The Leevale AC athlete ran strongly throughout as she crossed the line over a minute quicker than her 2013 winning time. The performance sets Lee up now for a fast autumn marathon with qualification for Rio 2016 firmly fixed on her mind. In the battle for the podium positions European Marathon Championship representative Sarah Mulligan (DSD AC) placed second in a time of 77.35 with newcomer Ciara Hickey (Brothers Pearse AC) placing third in a time of 81.49.

Close Battle in the Men’s Race

The men’s race was an altogether different affair with a large group of Ireland’s top endurance athletes toeing the line. Defending champion Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock AC) was keen to push the pace and had the likes of Pollock, Kevin Seaward (St Malachy’s AC) and Mark Hanrahan (Leevale AC) for company. Pollock bided his time and proved the strongest over the final two miles to win the national title in a time of 65.09. Clohisey finished a close second in a time of 65.20 with Seaward third also under 66 minutes finishing in a time of 65.52.