Maria McCambridge of DSD proved the class of the field at the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and despite the dreadful conditions, clocked a personal best time for the race of 34 mins 3 secs on her way to victory.
It was fourth time lucky for McCambridge since 2010 alone; she has been running the race since 1999. In 2010, she almost caught her club mate Linda Byrne, who just made it to the line first in 34.29 with a fast-finishing McCambridge two seconds behind. Last year, she was again second behind surprise winner Barbara Cleary of Donore who won in a time of 34 mins 7 secs with Maria clocked at 34:29. In 2012, she was third behind Siobhan O’Doherty who won in 34 mins 20 secs.
Although she turns 40 next month, McCambridge, who aims to make the Irish team for next year’s Rio Olympics, has shown impressive form in recent months and is clearly enjoying her running. Most recently, she ran a lifetime best of 33 mins 12.28 secs for 10,000m at the Night of 10,000m meet in Highgate London.
By the Belfield fly-over on the Stillorgan Road and despite a fearsome headwind, McCambridge had already pulled away from the pack. Behind her three times previous winner Catherina McKiernan and Anne Marie McGlynn of Letterkenny were left to battle in out for second place. In the end, McGlynn made it, with McKiernan finishing a close third – and first over 45 – for a second year. Also in the reckoning was O’Doherty, a previous winner; Sarah Mulligan of DSD, who finished fourth last year, Raheny’s Maria O’Sullivan, Meghan Ryan and Fiona Clinton of DSD, Finn Valley’s Teresa McGloin-Doherty and Cathy McCourt of North Belfast Harriers.
We also spotted previous winner Annette Kealy of Raheny and Paralympian Catherine Walsh of Fingallians while Sinead Kane was also running with her guide John O’Regan and tok the visually impaired category finishing in 45 mins 45 secs.
Results –
1 Maria McCambridge (DSD) 34.03, 2 Ann Marie McGlynn (Letterkenny) 34.42, 3 Catherina McKiernan (W45) 34.46, 4 Siobhan O O’Doherty (Borrisokane) 34.54, 5 Sarah Mulligan (DSD) 35.12, 6 Teresa McGloin-Doherty (Finn Valley) 36.04, 7 Maria O’Sullivan (Raheny Shamrock) 36.15, 8 Meghan Ryan (DSD) 36.33, 9 Fiona Clinton (DSD) 38.38, 10 Cathy McCourt (North Belfast Hrs, W40) 36.40. Visually impaired – Sinead Kane 45.45.
More news/results when we get them. All help welcome. Photo gallery at www.lindie.zenfolio.com
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