The second leg of the Athletics Ireland Race Series delivered a thrilling morning of championship action in Phoenix Park, as Jake O’Regan (St. John’s A.C.) and Heather Murphy (St. Michael’s A.C.) stormed to victory in the National 5 Mile (June 21st).
Men’s Race: O’Regan Claims Gold as Ennis Track Secure Team Title
Jake O’Regan produced a commanding performance to claim his first National 5 Mile title, crossing in a winning time of 24:27. The St. John’s A.C. athlete adds this crown to previous national successes over 10K (2023) and the half marathon (2025).
O’Regan and Ennis Track’s Dylan Casey ran stride for stride through the early and middle stages, with little separating the pair approaching the 4-mile mark. However, a decisive surge from O’Regan heading into the final mile proved to be the winning move as he pulled clear in the closing stages.
Speaking after the race, O’Regan said: “Delighted with the win, it was tough out there. I’d say if it was a couple of hours later it might have been even more difficult in the heat, but it’s great to get the weather for it. There’s a tricky hill at 4K and Dylan opened a small gap there, but thankfully I was able to reel it back in, put the head down, and with a mile to go I never looked back.”
Reflecting on his national title, he added: “It’s great to pick up these titles. You’ll look back on them in years to come with your family, so it means a lot. Training has been going well and it’s full steam ahead now for the Irish Runner 10 Mile next month as we build towards the Dublin Marathon.”
Casey (Ennis Track A.C.) followed in second place in 24:38, with Gerry Forde (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.) completing the podium in 24:48.
Ennis Track secured the senior men’s team title thanks to performances from Liam Naughton (24:54), Padraig Nugent (25:44), and Jamie Kelly (27:08), backing up Casey’s runner-up finish.
Women’s Race: Murphy Adds National 5 Mile Crown
Heather Murphy continued her impressive season with a second national title of 2026, adding the 5 Mile crown to her National Half Marathon victory secured in Cork last month. The St. Michael’s A.C. athlete was assertive from the start and never relinquished control, crossing the line in 27:24.
Speaking after the race, the 22-year-old said: “I’m very happy with how it went. The goal was to win, so I’m delighted I came out and did it. The incline coming up Chesterfield was tough in the heat, but I kept my head down and told myself to keep working. I’m hoping to come back for the National 10 Mile next month, and we’ll see how the rest of the season goes from there.”
Murphy was followed home by Nakita Burke (Letterkenny A.C.) in 27:44, while Fiona Roche (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) took third in 28:47.
Roche’s performance anchored Raheny Shamrock A.C. to the senior women’s team title, supported by Annette Kealy (31:25) and Molly Rickard (32:47), with the trio finishing well clear of their nearest challengers.
Senior Team Results
Men’s Teams
- Ennis Track A.C. – 1:42:24
- Clonliffe Harriers A.C. – 1:47:42
- Raheny Shamrock A.C. – 1:50:09
Women’s Teams
- Raheny Shamrock A.C. – 1:32:59
- Tullamore Harriers A.C. – 1:42:06
- Brothers Pearse A.C. – 1:42:27
Selected Individual Results
Men
- Jake O’Regan (St. John’s A.C.) – 24:27
- Dylan Casey (Ennis Track A.C.) – 24:38
- Gerry Forde (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.) – 24:48
Women
- Heather Murphy (St. Michael’s A.C.) – 27:24
- Nakita Burke (Letterkenny A.C.) – 27:44
- Fiona Roche (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) – 28:47
Full Provisional Results
What’s Next?
The next event in the 2026 Athletics Ireland Race Series is the National 10 Mile Championships, returning to Phoenix Park on Sunday, July 19th. Register HERE.
Top 3 Men
Top 3 Women
