Team Ireland brought home bronze medals in both the Men’s and Women’s races at the 2025 Anglo Celtic Plate, hosted this year by England at the Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit in Leicester—a course better known for wheels than running shoes.
Men’s Race Recap
The Men’s race started at a blistering pace, with athletes from all teams frequently rotating in the lead pack. However, the tight hairpin turns and demanding course began to take their toll. Ireland’s Stephen Murphy, national 100-mile record holder, and Wayne Waldron, reigning 50K champion, were both forced to withdraw due to injury concerns.
Ireland’s hopes remained alive thanks to a composed and strategic run from 100K national record holder, Ciaran McGonagle, who used his experience to keep the team in medal contention. He was strongly supported by Matthew Collins and debutant Rob Kelly, securing a hard-fought third-place finish.
Women’s Race Recap
England dominated from the outset in the Women’s race, leaving other teams to battle for silver and bronze. With just three athletes lining up, Team Ireland had no room for error. Leading the charge was last year’s national champion, Patricia McLoughlin, with solid performances from Lorraine McMahon and Christine Kinsella sealing the bronze medal for the Irish women.
Anglo Celtic Plate 2025 – Team Results
Men’s Team Podium
1st – Scotland
2nd – England
3rd – Ireland (McGonagle, Collins, Kelly)
Women’s Team Podium
1st – England
2nd – Scotland
3rd – Ireland (McLoughlin, McMahon, Kinsella)
National Titles for McGonagle and Wilton in 100K Championships
The Anglo Celtic Plate also doubled as the Athletics Ireland 100K National Championship, where Ciaran McGonagle (Letterkenny AC) defended his national title with a time of 6:59:44, claiming his third consecutive title.
In the women’s race, Karen Wilton (Jog Lisburn) captured the national title in 9:04:19. Wilton also represented Northern Ireland in the international competition.
100K National Championship 2025
Men
1st – Ciaran McGonagle (6:59:44)
2nd – Matthew Collins (7:26:57) PB
3rd – Rob Kelly (7:41:01) PB
Women
1st – Karen Wilton (9:04:19)
2nd – Patricia McLoughlin (9:11:39) PB
3rd – Lorraine McMahon (9:17:27)
Support Team
1. John O’Regan – Team Lead
2. Louis Byrne – Team Physio & Crew Coordinator
3. Chris Colfer – Crew
4. Kevin English- Support
5. Kate McHugh – Support
6. Caroline McGonagle – Support
7. Paul Redmond – Support
