Sean Hehir and Barbara Sanchez took wins at the weekend in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Half Marathon in a field of 9,000 runners at the Phoenix Park.
Sean Hehir of Rathfarnham W.S.A.F Athletic Club won the fourth race of the SSE Airtricity race series in a time of 1:07.45. Hehir comfortably controlled the race from the start, holding off Ethiopan, Fikru Teshager (1:08.58) and Raheny Shamrock Athletic Club member, Mark Kirwan (1:09.27).
Hehir was delighted with his performance today, and commented on his progress towards the upcoming marathon;
“It was wet and windy, but the fantastic atmosphere made up for it with 9,000 people taking part. It’s a good, challenging course, I was feeling good and relaxed, so I’m quite happy with how today went. I’ve got five weeks to got until the big one though! Dublin is my favourite marathon to run by a country mile. 19 and a half thousand people – the atmosphere will be amazing. I’m happy with the win today, but not going to get carried away. I have five weeks to get the last of the work in, but this was great motivation to push toward’s winning a third National Marathon Title.”
In the women’s race, France’s Barbara Sanchez took the victory in a time of 1:18.26. Catriona McKiernan (1:19.27) collected her fourth second place finish of the Race Series, while 2012 Olympian, Caitriona Jennings (Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. AC) took bronze in a time of 1:20.33.
Sanchez, who lived in Dublin for ten years, but has moved back to France this past year, flew in to Dublin at one am this morning to take part in today’s race. The French woman commented on how much she enjoys competing in the SSE Airtricity Race Series;
“It was very tough conditions, but I wanted to take part because I like this race. Everything is perfect for racing here; the organisation, the atmosphere – maybe not the weather today – I think it was a head wind the whole race! But it was good and I’m happy with my running and of course, nice to take the win.”
This race in the 2016 SSE Airtricity Race Series brings runners one step closer to the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon which takes place the 30th of October, starting from Fitzwilliam Square.
For more information or to follow the action, visit the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon website at www.sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie and stay updated with Facebook/DublinMarathon or @dublinmarathon.