Gidey and Hickey take the National 5K Championships by storm

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Gidey and Hickey take the National 5K Championships by storm

15 May 2022

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The National 5K Road Championships:

The National 5K Road Championships were set to be a gripping dash around the Phoenix Park and that they most certainly were, as athletes made their way to a sunny Phoenix Park this morning, all eyes were on the start line. The Championships which coincided with the Irish Runner 5K, sponsored by Sports Travel International, kick started the 2022 edition of the Athletics Ireland Race Series.

The Men’s Senior Individual title would see a thrilling performance from young Efrem Gidey of Clonliffe Harriers. The 2019 U20 bronze cross country medallist led the group from the off, keeping each stride calm and composed. Coming into the home stretch, as Peter Somba (Dunboyne AC) and Rory O’Connor (North Cork AC) were on his heels, Gidey pushed ahead to cross the line in an incredible 13:51 and to claim the National Senior Men’s 5K Championship title. Only last month the Clonliffe Harrier played a leading role in bringing his Club the Road Relay Championship title.

Coming off the podium Gidey said he has eyes firmly on a busy summer of championships.

The strong contest promised for the women’s race delivered more incredible performances as athletes battled for strong positions throughout this tough course. Brother Pearse AC’s Ciara Hickey took on the current National 10K Champion Ciara Wilson (D.M.P.A.C) in the final stages of the race to claim the Championship 5K National title with an impressive 16:24 on the clock. Wilson was hot on her heels crossing the line at 16:41.

Post-race Hickey said it was a “a tough course, having to push hard from the start but thankfully it went well.”

Irish Runner 5K

The Irish Runner 5K sponsored by Sports Travel International seen a strong turn out of new and established runners as the Athletics Ireland Race Series got underway. The Operation Transformation Leaders and Race Series Ambassadors Kathleen Mullins, John Ryan and Katie Jones joined the start line.

With an electric atmosphere spurred on by the sunshine in the Phoenix Park, participants took on the course in high spirits. Dedicated pacers kept the crowd going with a number of those taking part achieving new PB’s and strong finishes.

The next instalment of the Athletics Ireland Race Series is the 5 Mile, set for June 12th in the Phoenix Park. Registration is open and more details can be found HERE

On behalf of the National 5K Championships and the Irish Runner 5K, we would like to extend our thanks to all involved in this morning's event, from volunteers, officials, park officials and event staff to the sponsors, spectators and all those who participated.