Dublin Marathon 2016

Dublin Marathon 2016, inc Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championships

Sunday October 30th 2016

Athletics Ireland Press Release - Feidhlim Kelly

Sergiu surges to fourth national title; Graham breaks new ground in Dublin

Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) surged to his fourth national title in Dublin today in 2:17:40 while Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) took a big step up in class to win the women’s national title in a massive personal best of 2:41:54.

Record numbers took to the streets for the SSE Airtricity Dublin marathon in perfect conditions for runners and the times and competition didn’t disappoint.

Dereje Debele Tulu (Ethiopia) won outright with 2:12:18 and Namibia’s Helalia Johannes was the first woman in 2:32:32 – just one second ahead of Ehite Bizuayehu Gebireyes.

In the bid for national glory, Sergiu Ciobanu and Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham) were locked together until the feeding station at the 20km point.

“I kept the same pace,” said Ciobanu on gapping Hehir at 20km. “Gradually I opened the lead but Sean (Hehir) finished hard and fast. He wasn’t far behind me.

“I’m relieved. I really wanted to win the national title. That’s my best Dublin marathon by two minutes. My previous best was 2:19.”

Hehir settled for silver in 2:18:46 with Mark Kirwan (Raheny Shamrock)winning the battle for bronze with Gary O’Hanlon in 2:22:17.

Ciobanu’s time of 2:17:40 was just outside the World Championships qualifying time of 2:17:00 but he’s looking forward to the future and pulling on the green vest once more.

“I know I missed the world qualification standard of 2:17 but we’ll see. I’ve represented Ireland three times in the last ten months. I really look forward to working with Athletics Ireland and to represent Ireland in the future. I just love to run.”

Laura Graham pulled out all the stops and took full advantage of the perfect running conditions to significantly rewrite her previous best time of 2:48:03 set in London earlier this year.

With four children aged 6, 5, 4 and 3, Graham has to do a lot of her training on the treadmill to keep an eye on the youngest along with the occasional ‘bumpy ride’ with the buggy in toe out on the roads. She is coached by Ryan Maxwell who provides in depth coverage of Northern Ireland athletics on @nirunning and his website as a voluntary service.

“It was really good,” said Graham afterwards having not initially realised she won the national title. “I really love the course and there was very little wind. The crowd was unbelievable. I loved every minute of it, even the tough bits. Hard work pays off.”

Caitriona Jennings (Letterkenny) took silver with 2:44:59 and last year’s winner Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) had to settle for the bronze with 2:48:38 – faster than her winning time last year.

Le Cheile’s Patrick Monahan won the wheelchair race once more in a new best time of 1:39:18.

Top 3 Irish Men

Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers A.C.) 2:17:40
Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham WSAF A.C.) 2:18:46
Mark Kirwan 2:22:17

Top 3 Irish Women

Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) 2:41:54
Caitriona Jennings 2:44:59
Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) 2:48:38

Irish Times Marathon Report

Results, Photos & Videos

Results ongoing

National Marathon Championship - Men

Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championship 2016 Men

• 1st - Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers A.C.) 2:17:40
• 2nd - Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham WSAF A.C.) 2:18:46
• 3rd - Mirk Kirwan 2:22:17

Athletics Ireland National Marathon Champion 2016 Sergiu Ciobanu

National Marathon Championship - Women

Athletics Ireland National Marathon Championship 2016 Women

• Laura Graham (Mourne Runners) 2:41:54
• Caitriona Jennings 2:44:59
• Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers) 2:48:38

Dublin Marathon Winners

Men

1st Dereje Debele Tulu, Ethiopia, 2:12:17

37th SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Winner Dereje Debele Tulu

Women

37th SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon 2016 Womens Winner Helena Johannes

1st Helalia Johannes, Namibia, 2:32:31
2nd Ehite Bizuayehu Gebireyes,2:32:32

Photos

628 Photos on Cork Athletics Flickr! Account

Videos

Selection of Videos on Cork Athletics Vimeo Account
Video upload is ongoing, including coverage at Dolphin's Barn (Approx. 13 Miles) and Northumberland Road (25.5 Miles - covering all finishers, up to just over 4 hours)