GUIDEN AND FENNELLY TAKE NATIONAL 5K TITLES

Clonliffe Harriers athlete Ben Guiden and Dundrum South Dublin’s Ella Fennelly secured senior honours at today’s National 5K Championships, held in the Phoenix Park alongside the Irish Runner 5K (May 16^th).

Guiden produced a composed performance to claim his first senior national title following a thrilling battle down the finishing straight. The Clonliffe athlete crossed the line in 14:27, adding to a memorable period for the Guiden family after brother Ian captured the national 10K title at the same venue last month.

Speaking after the race, Guiden reflected on a breakthrough victory shaped by the support of his training group. “I thought I had a chance of medalling, but I didn’t think I’d win, so I’m delighted to get my first senior national title, especially after my brother won the 10K recently. We’ve a really strong training group and we’re constantly pushing each other on. Training with athletes who are better than you makes a huge difference, and I was just delighted to be back on the start line today.”

Guiden also spoke about the tactical nature of the race and his long road back from injury. “I tried to sit in the pack early on and then, with about a kilometre to go, I moved to the front and kicked for home. I got injured in third year of college and spent two-and-a-half years away from racing, so just getting back competing last year was special – never mind winning races.”

In a stacked men’s field, Aaron Donnelly of Dundrum South Dublin AC finished second in 14:29, helping DSD retain the senior men’s team title, while clubmate Killian Mooney completed the podium in 14:38.

Senior Men’s Team Results

1. Dundrum South Dublin A.C. – 35
2. Ennis Track A.C. – 53
3. Clonliffe Harriers A.C. – 58

The senior women’s race proved equally competitive, with Ella Fennelly delivering an impressive performance to go one better than her runner-up finish in 2024 and secure her first senior national title in 16:03.

The Dundrum South Dublin AC athlete timed her move perfectly before pulling clear in the closing stages. “I’m delighted. I finished second last year, so it’s great to go one better this time. You never really know who’s going to show up at these races, so I just wanted to come and have a strong run. It wasn’t especially fast, which made it a really enjoyable race to compete in rather than focus on the clock.”

Fennelly described how the race developed over the closing stages. “I was running with Maebh for the first couple of kilometres, which helped settle things, and then the hill was definitely tough. I just tried to push through that section and hold strong to the finish. Once I realised I was leading around 4K, it was all about staying composed and holding on. It’s my first senior national title, which makes it really special. I’ll probably do a few track races next – maybe a 5,000m next week, and then possibly some 1500m races after that.”

Defending champion Amy Greene of Finn Valley AC claimed silver in 16:30, while Maebh Brannigan of Galway City Harriers took bronze in 16:34.

A superb collective display from Clonliffe Harriers saw the club secure the senior women’s team title, led by Helena Butterly (16:48), Hope Saunders (17:18), and Niamh Kelly (17:29).

Senior Women’s Team Results

1. Clonliffe Harriers A.C. – 22
2. Galway City Harriers A.C. – 30
3. Dublin City Harriers A.C. – 38

Full results (Provisional)

All other medals not collected on the day, will be made available at the 5 Mile on the 21st of June in Phoenix Park.

NOTES

• June 21^st Irish Runner National 5 Mile Entry
• July 19^th Irish Runner National 10 Mile Entry (Places selling fast)