The second leg of the Athletics Ireland Race Series takes centre stage this Sunday morning (June 21st) as championship honours once again go on the line at the 25th edition of the Irish Runner 5 Mile in Phoenix Park.

More than 600 club athletes are expected to contest the national championships alongside thousands of recreational runners when the race gets underway at 9am.

Defending senior men’s champion Emmet Jennings (Dundrum South Dublin AC) heads a strong field as he looks to retain the title he won so impressively twelve months ago. In the women’s race, however, a new champion could be crowned with reigning title holder Patricia Jackman (Waterford AC) currently absent from the entry list.

• Late entry closing Friday 12 noon: Register

RACE DAY TIMETABLE

• 07:00 Help Desk & Number Collection Area Opens
• 07:45 Bag Drop Opens
• 08:45 Number Collection Area Closes
• 08:45 Assemble in allocated Assembly Zones
• 08:58 Wheelchair / Racing Buggy Start
• 09:00 First Wave Start (National Champs & Sub 35Min)
• 09:02 Second Wave Start (36Min – 45Min)
• 09:04 Third Wave Start (46Min and upwards)

Men’s Race: Jennings bids to retain title

Emmet Jennings reclaimed the national 5 Mile crown last year in a superb winning time of 24:19, adding to the title he first captured in 2023. The Dundrum South Dublin athlete will once again start among the favourites as he bids for a third championship victory.

Jennings also spearheaded DSD to senior team gold last year, and the Dublin club appears well-positioned to mount another strong challenge for team honours.

Among those hoping to dethrone the defending champion is Jake O’Regan (St John’s AC), whose consistency on the roads throughout 2026 has marked him out as a major contender. Former champion Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock AC), winner of the title in 2019, will lead what is expected to be a formidable Raheny challenge, while Dylan Casey (Ennis Track AC) continues to knock on the door of a breakthrough senior championship medal after a series of impressive performances on the roads in recent seasons.

Women’s Race: Wilson looks to regain title

Jackman produced a commanding display to win in 27:16 last, but with the Waterford athlete currently not entered, the race for gold appears wide open.

Ciara Wilson (DMP AC) returns in pursuit of a second national 5 Mile title after her first place finish in 2024. One of Wilson’s chief rivals is likely to be Maebh Brannigan (Galway City Harriers), who impressed at last month’s National 5K Championships, claiming bronze and finishing ahead of Wilson in fourth place.

The team competition also promises to be fiercely contested. Dundrum South Dublin AC secured senior women’s team gold last year, but strong challenges are expected from Clonliffe Harriers, Galway City Harriers, and Dublin City Harriers as clubs vie for national honours in Phoenix Park.

Race Day:

• 🕘 Start Time: 9:00 AM sharp
• 📍 Location: Phoenix Park, Dublin
• 📊 Provisional Results: Will be posted on [MyRunResults.ie] after the race
• 📊 Participant Information including Parking & Course Map: Here
• 🏁 Next in Series: The National 10 Mile Championships return to the Phoenix Park on Sunday, July 19th – Enter Here

National Championship Medals:

• Senior individual medals will be presented on the day.
• Masters individual medals will be available upon request.
• A medal table will be located beside the podium after the finish line. All other medals not collected on the day will be available at the National 10 Mile on 19th July in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

*Preview based off those entered at time of writing on Wednesday 17^th.

TRAVEL & PARKING

🚗 Parking in Phoenix Park is limited. We recommend using public transport or city centre car parks. Suggested locations include:

• Parkgate Street, Thomas Street, Ushers Quay, Christchurch Place, College Green, Jervis Street, St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre

🚌 Bus Routes – Several Dublin Bus routes provide access to Phoenix Park, including:

• 26, 38B, 39, 70, 99, C5, and C6

📍 These routes serve various park entrances such as Parkgate Street, Islandbridge, Chapelizod, and Ashtown Gates.

For full and up-to-date public transport information, please visit the Dublin Bus website.

🚈 Luas – RED line to Heuston Station

🚲 Bike Parking will be available in the event village.

Last Year’s Results

Men’s Individual

1. Emmet Jennings – 24:19 (Dundrum South Dublin AC)
2. Kane Collins – 24:25 (Donore Harriers AC)
3. Jamie Byrne – 24:42 (Dundrum South Dublin AC)

Women’s Individual

1. Patricia Jackman – 27:16 (Waterford AC)
2. Hannah Steeds – 27:32 (Leevale AC)
3. Meghan Ryan – 27:58 (Dundrum South Dublin AC)

Senior Men’s Teams

1. Dundrum South Dublin AC – 1:41:34
2. Raheny Shamrock AC – 1:41:42
3. Mullingar Harriers AC – 1:45:26

Senior Women’s Teams

1. Dundrum South Dublin AC – 1:29:11
2. Galway City Harriers AC – 1:31:08
3. Raheny Shamrock AC – 1:34:29