National glory at stake in the capital

National glory at stake in the capital

It is set to be another exciting battle for national honours as a record field hit the streets at the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon this Sunday (October 28).

Gary O’Hanlon (Clonliffe Harriers) will be bidding to retain his national title while there is set to be a new name written on the women’s national scroll of honour.

The close working and positive relationship between Athletics Ireland and the Dublin marathon organising committee headed by race director Jim Aughney provides a brilliant platform for the national championships along with giving it extra exposure.

Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) won’t be in contention to retain her title due to injury which sees Leevale AC’s Lizzie Lee and Letterkenny’s Caitriona Jennings in contention for domestic bragging rights.

It isn’t outside the realms of possibility that they could break the winning tape at the head of the women’s field. Remalda Kergyte of Lithuania, Caroline Jepchirchir of Kenya, and Ethiopian duo Motu Gedefa and Mesera Dubiso are the leading international entrants.

Lee and Jennings both have an Olympic Games on their CV – Lee competed in Rio in 2016 while Jennings competed in London in 2012. Jennings finished second in last year’s national championships.

Other contenders include Galway City Harriers’ Jane Ann Meehan and Calry AC’s Zola Flynn.

Clohisey aiming to win on his debut

The men’s race looks like it will be a much closer affair with Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock), making his debut appearance in Dublin, arguably the favourite.

Clohisey has competed in all the major championships in the marathon and boasts a personal best of 2:14:55 set in Seville last February. He is also coached by Dick Hooper – the inaugural winner of the Dublin marathon in 1980 who went on to win the event three times in total.  

Gary O’Hanlon will be hoping to guide Clonliffe Harriers to the team title alongside vying for podium position. The 44-year-old will be joined by Sergiu Ciobanu and David Flynn – both who will have individual aspirations and have trained together at altitude.

Other contenders include Tallaght AC’s Tomas Fitzpatrick, Thomas Frazer of St Malachy’s AC, Eoin Callaghan of Star of the Sea AC, Rathfarnham AC’s Louis McCarthy and Raheny pair Mark Kirwan and Cillian O’Leary.

Kenya’s Vincent Tonui, Eric Koech and Joel Kiptoo are all likely to be top 10 finishers, while Asefa Bekele of Ethiopia who finished third in 2017 and 2015 should also be in the mix.

In the wheelchair race, Patrick Monahan (Le Cheile) will be aiming for his fifth title.

Keep up to speed on the day with the live stream and tracking courtesy of the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon.

Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgjItq9-Ic61za7HCkKz8g

Live tracking: https://track.rtrt.me/e/TDL-DUBLINM-2018

National entry list: HERE.