Clonliffe atheletes were in action in the Liberties 6k fun run in aid of St James Hospital “Target Lung Cancer” campaign on Thursday night. The cool, wet conditions did not put off over 700 runners from toeing the line for this unique 6k road race that takes in several landmarks in the capital’s Liberties area, known as “the heart of old Dublin”. The race route starts and finishes in the beautiful grounds of the Irish Royal Hospital Kilmainham whilst taking in some of the most famous sites throughout the Liberties including James’s Street, St. James’s Gate, St. Catherine’s Church, Thomas Street, the National College of Art and Design, Francis Street, The Coombe and the Guinness Storehouse.
David Flynn and Declan Power – both former winners of this event – took part this year. Flynner recording a time of 18:32 (4th place) and Declan 19:05 (10th Place)
There was top quality at the sharp end of the field, with Duncan Philips of Texas, USA taking the victory in 17:38 over Irish international triathlete Bryan Keane. Duncan will be known to followers of the Morton Games, when he finished 2nd in the 2013 Morton Mile, and relied on his miler’s finishing kick on this occasion to overhaul Keane in the closing stages.
Despite the inclement weather, it was a well-organized and keenly supported event, in aid of a worthy cause… and one to mark in the diary for future years.