Sep 20, 2008 [Jeremy Walsh] This website is in danger of becoming the personal results page of Sergiu Turea, who was racing again today, this time in the half marathon in the Phoenix Park. With the sun beating down on us, it was a great day to watch, but maybe a bit hot to be running a hilly half marathon. Last year’s National Half Marathon Champion Michael O’Connor set the early pace, with Sandis Bralitis keeping him company. Sergiu wasn’t far behind in 4th place at 2 miles, but had moved into clear 3rd by 8 miles, holding that position to finish in a time of 70.16, behind the winner O’Connor in 67.58. Such have been Sergiu’s improvement and succeses over the last year or so, that he was disappointed with this. However, he should have a great base now for the upcoming cross country season.
Next Clonliffe man home was Ronan Hartnett who was 18th overall in a chip time of 76.48. There was an interesting battle developing for 3rd Clonliffe man. A few weeks ago in Longford, Ernie Ramsey went out hard and Maurice McCrohan picked him off over the last few miles. Learning from this, Ernie went off easier this time and was about 20 seconds down on Maurice at 2 miles. However at 8 miles he had built up a lead and held this to finish 61st in 82.27, his best race to date. Another Clonliffe man having a great race was hill specialist Dermot Murphy, running a storming last 5 miles, picking up numerous places to finish 79th in 84.05. There must be something in them there hills…
Maurice McCrohan was next home, 83rd in 84.28. Conor Delaney was 91st in 84.41; Brendon Buck 165th in 88.56; Alan Worrall 216th in 90.59; Paul Carolan 373rd in 95.47 and Tony Kiernan 1037th in 1.48.24. Apologies if I missed anyone.
Congratulations to all, and well done to the organisers for getting the results up so quickly. That’s what we like to see!