Mick Kearney: The first of the GP track races in the current Series, 5000m, took place on the ALSAA Track at Dublin Airport on Thursday evening 8thJune 2023. In favourable weather conditions Maurice Ahern sent the runners on their way to complete the 12 ½ laps.
Deirdre Fitzsimons took first place in the Grand Prix picking up the maximum 40 points. Robbie Dowling was second and Mick McMahon was third. Sean Doran continuing his return to form had the fastest time of 16:46. The first lady home was Orla Deighan in 21:55. Many thanks to all who participated and officiated. The full race result is outlined below.
Points achieved in the first 5 Races of 2023 GP Series
The GP Committee indicated during the current Series of races that it would acknowledge those who achieved the most points over the first 5 scheduled races.
| First Name | Surname | Points after 5 races |
| Caroline | Daly | 158 |
| Declan | Grant | 154 |
| Shane | Rooney | 151 |
Congratulations to Caroline Daly, Declan Grant and Shane Rooney, the top three leaders after 5 races.
The GP Points Table for the first 5 races is attached.
Next Race – 800m in Morton Stadium on Thursday 29th June (start time to be confirmed)
Now that the GP Track Series has commenced the next race is scheduled to take place in Morton Stadium on Thursday 29th June. This race will be an 800m. No doubt all runners are eagerly looking forward to both training and competing on this world class track. The date of the 800m gives a nice lead in for runners to get some vital speed work completed before taking on this extended sprint. Further GP track races will be scheduled shortly.
Still time to enter this year’s Grand Prix Series
There is still time to enter this year’s GP Series as there are a further 11 races to take place. Each runner participating is given a club handicap time so that runners of different abilities have the chance to compete equally. The entry fee is €30 and there are plenty of opportunities to achieve prizes and personal bests.
Race result – 5000m Middlesex Cup – ALSAA Thursday 8th June 2023
| First Name | Surname | Actual Time | ||
| 1 | Sean | Doran | 00:16:46 | |
| 2 | Ray | Dunne | 00:17:43 | |
| 3 | Robbie | Dowling | 00:18:12 | |
| 4 | Mick | McMahon | 00:18:27 | |
| 5 | Richie | Barr | 00:20:16 | |
| 6 | Eoin | Rafter | 00:20:18 | |
| 7 | Declan | Grant | 00:20:27 | |
| 8 | Mick | Gleeson | 00:20:40 | |
| 9 | Shane | Rooney | 00:20:52 | |
| 10 | Philip | Matthews | 00:21:51 | |
| 11 | Orla | Deighan | 00:21:55 | |
| 12 | Trevor | Wisdom | 00:22:00 | |
| 13 | Joe | Fowler | 00:22:20 | |
| 14 | Diarmuid | Doyle | 00:22:24 | |
| 15 | Carl | Fleming | 00:22:26 | |
| 16 | Kevin | Sheedy | 00:22:35 | |
| 17 | Aine | McCann | 00:22:46 | |
| 18 | Laura | Kernan | 00:23:01 | |
| 19 | Declan | Murray | 00:23:02 | |
| 20 | Jean | Dunne | 00:23:12 | |
| 21 | Dave | Reilly | 00:23:56 | |
| 22 | Deirdre | Fitzsimons | 00:24:07 | |
| 23 | Yvonne | McDonagh | 00:24:20 | |
| 24 | Ciara | O’Regan | 00:25:55 | |
| 25 | Caroline | Daly | 00:26:21 | |
| 26 | Jason | Kernan | 00:26:49 | |
| 27 | Shey | Byrne | 00:27:34 | |
| 28 | Pat | Devitt | 00:27:35 |