Ryan Creech (Leevale AC) and Megan Ryan (Dundrum South Dublin AC) claimed the national senior titles at today’s 10 mile championships which took place in conjunction with Biofreeze Irish Runner 10 Mile (July 20th).
Close to 2000 runners took on today’s race in wet conditions with almost to 600 of those battling it out for national honours around the iconic Phoenix Park surroundings.
Creech took his first senior men’s 10 mile road title in impressive fashion, crossing the finish in total isolation in a time of 49.54, adding to his national half marathon title from 2023.
Speaking after the race, Creech said: “I don’t have many national titles to my name so it’s always nice to get one, and hopefully it’s going to be one of two for Cork people today, fingers crossed”.
Speaking on how the race unfolded, Creech said: “I went out fairly hard and it was a decent field with Paul (O’Donnell) who ran a 2.10 in the marathon recently, so I said I want to get out and get a rhythm and try burn off anyone fairly early by keeping the miles ticking over”.
Looking ahead to marathon preparations, the Leevale athlete said: “At the moment it’s looking like Copenhagen in mid-September, or possibly Anttrim. I want to go for a big half and get pulled along to get the time down to 62 minutes, which I think I can. The big one for me then will be Dublin, I’ve two silver medals the last two years so I’m hoping this year I can right the wrongs”.
Silver went to Gary Crummy (Newry AC) in 51.04, with bronze going to Stephen McAuley (Letterkenny AC) in 51.08.
The men’s senior team title went the way of DSD who completed the national 5k, 5 mile, and 10 mile treble. The team was led home by Paul O’Donnell who crossed in 52.25, with Emmet Jennings (53.54) and Gavin Callery (54.30) also packing well. Donore Harriers and Raheny Shamrock AC completed the top three senior team placings.
The senior women’s race was a thriller with Meghan Ryan coming out on top of a titanic tussle with Jessica Craig (North Down AC) with both athletes locked together for most of the race. Ryan would ultimately shake off the North Down athlete over the final two miles to cross in a winning time of 57.57.
Speaking after the race, Ryan who regains the title she won in 2023, said: “It feels good, last year my good friend and teammate Grace Lynch won the title so it’s great to keep it with DSD. It was one of our aims this year to win the team and individual titles in all three of these races. I was neck and neck with Jessica until eight and a half miles and decided on the hill to make a move, but coming in here today I was not expecting to win to be honest, so I’m delighted”.
Speaking of her plans for the coming weeks, Ryan said: I’ll hopefully go for a half soon, probably September or October, but I’m trying not to think too far ahead. I do want to do a marathon again soon, so it’s exciting and something to look forward to”.
Jessica Craig would stay on to claim the silver medal in 58.22, with Dee Grady of Ennis Track producing a superb second half of her race to take bronze in 59.09.
The senior women’s team title went the way of DSD, who like their male counterparts, complete a hugely impressive treble across the 5k, 5 mile, and 10 mile. Following Ryan home on the DSD team was Ruth Wilson (1:04.39) and Sophie Chisholm (1:06.43). Galway City Harrier and Donore completed the leading three senior teams.
Senior Men Result:
- Ryan Creech (Leevale AC) 49.54
- Gary Crummy (Newry AC) 51.04
- Stephen McAuly (Letterkenny AC) 51.08
Senior Team Result:
- Dundrum South Dublin 2:40.48
- Donore Harriers 2:41.48
- Raheny Shamrock AC 2:45.31
Senior Women Result:
1.Meghan Ryan (Dundrum South Dublin) 57.57
2. Jessica Craig (North Down AC) 58.22
3.Dee Grady (Ennis Track) 59.09
Senior Team Result:
- Dundrum South Dublin 3:09.19
- Galway City Harriers 3:10.31
3.Donore Harriers 3:16.01
