Mick Kearney reports: There was great excitement in Morton Stadium last Thursday evening 28 March 2024 for the start of the 2024 Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix Series. This year we are delighted to welcome into the Series athletes from Ballymun AC, Coolock AC, Raheny Shamrocks AC, LSA AC, Dunboyne AC, Skerries AC and Crusaders AC. Some 89 runners competed in the only 5 Mile track race in Ireland for the Frank White Trophy. To accommodate this large field two separate races took place.
In Race 1 Sean Doran and Anthony Brady (Coolock AC) provided excellent entertainment for spectators as they were neck and neck throughout the 20 lap race. It was Sean who took the finishing tape in a time of 00:27:26 with Anthony Brady following in 00:27:35. Declan Power was third in 00:27:46.
The first woman home was Siobhan Devaney in 00:34:07, Maura Matthews was second in 00:35:07 and Aisling Andrews was third in 00:35:11.
In Race 2 Lee Duddy put in an impressive performance to win in a time of 00:32:00 followed by Alan Worrall in 00:34:33 with Mick Gleeson in third in 00:34:55.
Elaine McLoughlin was first women home in 00:36:19 followed by Laura Kernan in 00:36:38 with Orla Deighan third in 00:36:59.
Later in the Clubhouse when the results were collated the winner of the Frank White Trophy was Lynette Richardson from the Ballymun AC club. At the post race reception a delighted Lynette was presented with the impressive Frank White Trophy by Club President Mick Kearney. Dermot Faughan was in second with Karen McAffee in third. Congratulations to all three.
Many thanks to all who took part, those who officiated at the event and those who provided the post-race refreshments. A big thank you to the Clonliffe coaches and athletes who facilitated the holding of both races on the track from 7.30 to 9pm. The full points distributions for this race will be published separately shortly.
Corrected Results: