ARMSTRONG & HEASLIP SECURE NATIONAL HALF MARATHON ...
ARMSTRONG & HEASLIP SECURE NATIONAL HALF MARATHON TITLES IN CHARLEVILLE
Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) and Shona Heaslip (An Riocht AC) were crowned the 2024 national half marathon champions at the sold-out Charleville Half Marathon this morning (Sept 15th).
Armstrong was first across the finish in Cork, completing the half marathon distance in a time of 1:04.35. Armstrong enjoyed a superb battle with defending champion Ryan Creech (Leevale) who put up a strong showing in defense of his title to ultimately come home in second in 1:04.54. Eoghan Totten (Newcastle & District AC) was right in contention throughout, completing the podium to cross in 1:05:56.
Speaking after the race, a delighted Hugh Armstrong spoke of how the leaders pushed on from the halfway mark and complimented all involved in putting on today’s event. He said: “We slowed to 30.40 at the 10km mark and I said I better pick it up a bit and we picked up nicely on the way back. It was a great battle with Ryan (Creech) the whole way back, so I’m delighted. The course was very good and the organisation by all involved was great so thanks to everyone”.
Shona Heaslip took the women’s title in impressive fashion, adding the half marathon title to her 10k road title from earlier in the year. The An Riocht athlete crossed in a time of 1:10:57 which saw her finish ahead of second placed Grace Lynch (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) who made it back-to-back national road medals having taken gold in the 10 mile earlier this year. Lynch would finish in a time of 1:15:38 ahead of Ciara Wilson (D.M.P. AC) in third 1:17:18.
Speaking after the race, Heaslip said: “We went off fast like I thought it would, but it settled in the middle and then the race probably started in the last few miles where I burned a little. I’ll learn from it and take it with me as I build up to future marathons. I’m going on holiday later today and I’ll reassess when I’m back. I’ve a couple of big goals for next year in February and April, so up until then it’ll just be a building block with training camps and a few shorter races to sharpen”.
Heaslip continued: “The course was fast but probably a pity about the rain and a small bit of wind coming into the final few miles, but thanks to everyone in North Cork for putting on a great race. It’s great to add a national title to my 10,000m on the track and 10k on the road, so to do the treble is quite nice”.
Senior Results:
Hugh ARMSTRONG Ballina A.C. 1:04:35Ryan CREECH Leevale A.C. 1:04:54Eoghan TOTTEN Newcastle & District AC 1:05:56Shona HEASLIP An Ríocht A.C. 1:10:57Grace LYNCH Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 1:15:38Ciara WILSON D.M.P. A.C. 1:17:18Provisional Team Results: Here
Athletics Ireland would like to thank all involved in the Charleville Half Marathon for hosting this year’s championships.
