James Gormley (Carmen Runners) and Hannah Gilliland (Annadale Striders) took the senior titles at today’s national 5k championships which took place in the Phoenix Park in conjunction with the Biofreeze Irish Runner 5k (May 17th).
Gormley secured his first national title in impressive fashion, backing up the national silver from the 3000m indoors earlier this season to cross in a winning time of 13:59.
Speaking after the race, Gormley, who represented Ireland at the European and World Indoor Championships earlier this season said: “It was a good race. I eased into it and then tried to open up for the win over the last 2k. It’s a tough course and definitely bites a little bit going up the hill around 3k, but it was great weather and huge crowds, so I’m delighted”.
He continued: “I wanted to open up with this and win. I hadn’t won a race for a while and I came here determined to win and start the outdoor season in a good place. I’m heading to Germany in two weeks to open my season over 1500m, and then hopefully qualify for Tokyo this summer”.
Gormley fought off a stacked field with Pierre Murchan of Dublin City Harriers following him home for silver in 14:18. Killian Mooney (Dundrum South Dublin) continued his great form on the roads to claim bronze in 14:35. Mooney’s performance also helped his club DSD to the senior team title, ably backed up by teammates Emmett Jennings, Michael McCarthy, and David Gormley.
Senior Men Team Result:
- Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 01:00:22
- Raheny Shamrock A.C. 01:02:40
- Galway City Harriers A.C. 01:03:59
The senior women’s race was just as compelling with the in-form Hannah Gilliland of Annadale Striders storming away to the win over the last kilometer in a winning time of 16:17.
Speaking after the race, Gilliland said: “I’m really pleased, but tired. It was really warm out there, especially coming into that last kilometer with the sun beating down, but it’s great to be racing in the good weather compared to the cold and wet so I’m delighted with the win.
Speaking of her plans for the season ahead, Gilliland said: “It’s going to be a bit of a mix for me over the coming weeks. I’ll do some more road and some track races to get some speed into my legs, and hopefully stay fit and healthy for the remainder of the season.”
Ella Fennelly of Dundrum South Dublin AC was second in a time of 16:40 which led DSD to their second senior team title of the day thanks to strong finishes by teammates Meghan Ryan and Saoirse O’Brien.
Catherina Mullen of Metro/St. Brigid’s rounded out the individual podium, claiming yet another national medal to pick up bronze in 16:47.
Senior Women Team Result:
- Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 00:51:33
- Annadale Striders 00:52:24
- Metro/St. Brigid’s A.C. 00:55:03
Full results: HERE
All other medals not collected on the day, will be made available at the 5 Mile on the 29th of June in Phoenix Park.
