Over 10,000 Gather For Garmin Great Ireland Run
Click here to sign up for the 2019 Reminder Service.
Despite the rain, more than 10,000 elite athletes, amateur runners, walkers and spectators came together in the Phoenix Park today for the 17th staging of one of Ireland’s leading athletic events, the Garmin Great Ireland Run 2018. Featuring a 10k and a 5k, along with Junior and Mini runs, the high-energy event was both a celebration of running and an enjoyable family-focused day out in one of Ireland’s most-loved parks.
The prestigious Men’s 10k event, which annually boasts participation from both international and Irish elite athletes, was won by England’s Oliver Lockley who crossed the finish line in the impressive time of 00:30:18. It was a fierce contest with Ireland’s Brian Maher of Kilkenny City Harrier’s Athletics Club on Lockley’s tail for the last 100m. Maher crossed the finish line just seconds after Lockley in a time of 00:30:20.
All eyes were on Irish Olympian, Mick Clohisey of Raheny Shamrocks Athletics Club who delighted cheering spectators with his 10k performance. Despite battling until the end, Clohisey placed third crossing the finish line in 00:30:22.
Moments after the race, Lockley said: “Maher made me work for that win, we were neck and neck but I’m delighted I managed to get across first. Garmin Great Ireland Run is a challenging course and an event I have wanted to win for some time.”
The women’s 10k, which was a highly-competitive event and featured elite sporting talent from both local and overseas athletic clubs, was won by Ireland’s Shona Heaslip of An Riocht Athletics Club, Co. Kerry who crossed the finish line in 00:34:52. In second place was Ireland’s Kerry O’Flaherty crossing in 00:35:00 followed by England’s Gemma Steel who crossed in 00:35:08.
Commenting on her win, Heaslip said: “Today was a brilliant experience, crossing the finish line to the cheers and support of a home crowd was electric. I’m delighted that the Irish team represented our country and Irish running in the best way possible and I’m really pleased with my finish time, the icing on the cake.”
Over 10,000 runners, both novice and elite, shared the Phoenix Park route during the 10k event. One such running enthusiast was TV personality and Garmin Great Ireland Run Ambassador, Deric Ó hArtagáin.
He said: “I participated in the Great Ireland Run 10k event last year so wanted to come back and see if I could finish in an even better time this year. I’m delighted with my performance and really enjoyed the experience, despite the weather. The combination of running in the beautiful Phoenix Park and sharing the road with Irish and international elites, whilst being cheered on by the most enthusiastic Irish spectators was really special.
“Today’s events showcased that Ireland’s love for running is alive and well. As a fitness enthusiast, it was particularly enjoyable to see so many first-time runners crossing the 5k finish line. After weeks sometimes months of training, getting across the finish line is a fantastic achievement.”
The start of the 5k event was signalled by a warm-up from Garmin Great Run Ambassador and personal trainer to the stars, Performance Coach Sean Harding. The event saw thousands of first-time runners hit the road following months of dedicated training.
The event was won by Killian McNamee representing the USA who proudly crossed the finish line in 00:17:03. The first female finisher was Maisy O’Sullivan from St. Abban’s Athletic Club, Co. Laois. The 5k finish line was awash with tears and laughter as emotional spectators congratulated beaming finishers as they realised their fitness goals.
Every finisher in the 5k and 10k events received an official event shirt, medal, chip-timed result and goody bag, with other keepsakes on offer for Junior and Mini runners.
For more information on today’s event and to see a full-list of finishing times visit greatrun.org/ireland
To discover more about the event follow @Great_Run on Twitter and Instagram, or search #GreatIrelandRun
Related Articles
1/11
Celebrities Join Tens of Thousands in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Among the tens of thousands of participants taking part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run are a host of celebrities running the 10k.
Sold-out AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run gets Brum buzzing for Bank Holiday Weekend
More than 14,000 Brummies pounded the sun-kissed city streets for fun, fitness or to fundraise at the sold-out 2024 AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 5 May
14,000 Runners Counting Down to Midland’s Biggest
More than 14,000 excited runners from across the Midlands are counting down to a sold-out AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run this Sunday.
Ready for the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run
We’ve been talking to some of the inspiring runners who’ll be joining us at the Great Bristol Run start line.
Uniting to Run for Mental Health
Running has had such a positive impact on Will Farr’s mental health in the past, that it spurred him on to set up a running group to help those around him.
Your road to Greatness in Birmingham
The AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run is back on Sunday 7 May. Expect iconic landmarks and incredible local support along the 10k and half marathon route.
Reigning team champions return to Birmingham
As winners of last year’s Business Challenge, Solihull School returns to the start line for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.
Groundbreaking Joint Venture for Future of Athletics in the UK
UK Athletics (UKA), The Great Run Company (GRC) and London Marathon Events (LME) today announced the creation of a new joint venture, Athletic Ventures.
Doting Brothers Set to Race in Memory of Baby Sister
Two loving brothers from Newcastle-Under-Lyme are limbering up to take on the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run in memory of their little sister.
Great Birmingham Run scores a hat-trick!
With a month to go before the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, the three football clubs are encouraging fans to run for their community foundations.
Arup are up for the challenge on Sunday 5 May
39 runners from engineering giant Arup are taking on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge.
