East Down AC take on annual Dublin Marathon

East Down AC take on annual Dublin Marathon

1 November 2023

SUNDAY morning saw East Down AC athletes head south to Dublin for the annual marathon which has been held every year since 1980.

The course starts at Fitzwilliam Street and finishes in Merrion Square, close to the historic Trinity College in the city centre. 

The course also passes through many of Dublin’s famous 18th century Georgian streets and the beautiful Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest urban park. 

Conditions on the day were unsettled with some sunny spells and some heavy showers in store for later on in the race. 

East Down AC had nine brave runners make the trip to take on the toughest of races, alongside 22,500 runners from 60 countries, who also toed the start line for this flat and fast course.

All these athletes have been quietly training away, putting in the big miles and trying to avoid injuries. 

From the gun Dermot Cahill was on a mission to get under the three hour mark as he has completed a number of marathons but has always just missed out on a sub-three run. 

After a well paced race Dermot crossed the line in 2:59:35 sec in 754th position for a new personal best – a great effort from Dermot.

Not too far behind Dermot was Barrie Atkinson, who proved that being a grandad does not slow you down with a time of 3:05:48. 

The second personal best time of the day went to Paul Brear-Clarkson, beating his best time by four minutes, and partnered by wife Alice, they both broke the tape in 3:06:38 sec. 

This was great team work from this couple, but Alice did admit it was tough going out there. 

Niamh Kellet was the next red and yellow vest to cross the line in a time of 3:19:36, another determined run from Niamh. 

Philip Vint, who is running a marathon a month and is an old hand at the Dublin event, placed in a time of 3:38:49 to complete his 88th marathon. 

Another runner who knows the streets of Dublin well is Declan Teague, and with relatively little training finished in 3:45:41 and was pleased with his efforts. 

Stephen McCartan was next in with a great time of 4:40:46 and Joanne Carson will be pleased to get under the five hour mark with a time of 4:57:09. 

Some great performances from the EDAC athletes. The men’s race was won by Kemal Husen in a new course record of 2:06:52 with Amente Sorome Negash winning the ladies race in 2:26:22.