The 31st Anglo Celtic Plate (ACP) delivered a superb showcase of ultrarunning talent at the University of Limerick, marking Ireland’s first time hosting the prestigious 100K international since 2021.
In a highly competitive edition of the event, both the Irish men’s and women’s teams secured third place in the international team standings, while the National 100K Championships produced several standout individual performances.

International Team Competition

England once again demonstrated their depth in ultrarunning, taking victory in both the men’s and women’s team competitions.

Men’s Team Results

1. England
2. Northern Ireland
3. Ireland

Women’s Team Results

1. England
2. Scotland
3. Ireland

Men’s 100K National Championships

Held in conjunction with the ACP, the National Championships featured a series of strong Irish performances.

Men’s Results – National 100K Championships 2026

1. *Jarlaith McKenna – Tyne Bridge Harriers – 06:37:48
2. Rob Kelly – Raheny Shamrocks – 07:08:53 (PB)
3. Matthew Collins – Portmarnock AC – 07:15:06 (PB)

* McKenna represented Northern Ireland in the ACP team competition.

Kelly and Collins delivered disciplined, consistent performances, contributing significantly to Ireland’s third‑place finish in the men’s team standings.

Women’s 100K National Championships

The women’s race saw a superb performance from Patricia McLoughlin, who claimed the national title in 08:14:57, setting a new Irish W50 age‑group record—one of the standout achievements of the day.

Women’s Results – National 100K Championships 2026

1. Patricia McLoughlin – Le Chéile AC – 08:14:57 (PB)
2. Sinead Egan – Galway City Harriers – 08:56:17 (PB)
3. *Lou McLoughlin – Marathon Club Ireland – 09:05:23

* Represented Northern Ireland in the ACP team competition.

Patricia McLoughlin’s record‑breaking run, supported by strong performances from Sinead Egan and Julie McNamee, secured Ireland’s third‑place finish in the women’s team standings.

Team Ireland Athlete Results

Women

1. Patricia McLoughlin – 08:14:57 (PB) – Le Chéile AC
2. Sinead Egan – 08:56:17 (PB) – Galway City Harriers
3. Julie McNamee – 09:22:21 (PB) – Tir Chonaill AC

Men

1. Rob Kelly – 07:08:53 (PB) – Raheny Shamrocks
2. Matthew Collins – 07:15:06 (PB) – Portmarnock AC
3. Terry Shanley – 07:18:51 (PB) – Clane AC
4. Sean Meehan – 07:21:43 (PB) – Cherry Orchard RC
5. Barry McCarroll – 07:32:32 – Slieve Gullion Runners

Event Overview

The Anglo Celtic Plate continues to serve as an important stepping stone for athletes progressing to the 100K distance. It provides a competitive yet supportive environment for runners with proven ability over shorter distances or different terrains to test themselves over the classic ultramarathon distance.

The 31st edition in Limerick upheld that tradition, offering Irish athletes invaluable experience and producing performances that highlight the growing strength of ultrarunning across the island.

Event Personnel

• Team Manager: Louis Byrne
• Crew Lead: Lorraine McMahon
• Site Manager: Derek Mackessy
• Race Director: Anthony Lee

Special thanks to PopUpRaces and Brian Conroy for providing live tracking and team results throughout the event.

John O’Regan
Anglo Celtic Plate Ireland