Dublin Marathon personal best for County Antrim Harriers
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Relaxing by the Grand Canal in Dublin are County Antrim Harriers Greg Hopkins, Christine Murray and Irene Downey, who all successfully completed the Dublin City Marathon. SE4504
COUNTY Antrim Harriers made the long trip from their base in Ballyclare and headed south to take part in last Monday's Dublin Marathon.
With conditions on the morning of the race clear and cold, the morning soon turned into a surprisingly warm sunny day, and proved ideal for most of the 10,000 strong field.
As expected, the club's top female athlete Christine Murray was the first of the club to cross the finish line near St Stephen's Green after the gruelling 26.2 miles around the streets and suburbs of Dublin, clocking an excellent 3.40.55. Christine was running at 8 min per mile pace for the first 20 miles before her early enthusiasm caught up with her, but nevertheless was absolutely delighted with her endeavours on the day which earned her a personal best (pb). Next home was Greg Hopkins who was content to clock up another marathon, and was pleased enough after his 3.43 at Loch Ness three weeks previous, to finish with a time of 3.58.06. Next to cross the finish line in 4.06.05 were tri-athletes Helen Murray and Steven Acheson. Steven was making his marathon debut and both ran stride for stride for the entire 26 miles. Both have been heavily involved training on the triathlon scene and were pleased just to finish. Next home for the club was Paula Hilman in a pb of 4.08.18. Paula, although exhausted at the finish, was absolutely delighted with her time given her limited training due to work commitments. Next to cross the line was Irene Downey, with a time of 4.14.42. This was the 3rd pb for the club on the day, and was an excellent result for Irene and a good reward for all her endeavours in training. Next home for the club was Larne based Jonathan Turner, who was running with wife Pamela on her marathon debut. Jonathan is a marathon runner of note with over 50 marathons to his credit, including Loch Ness Marathon 3 weeks previously. Pamela had only 8 weeks training under her belt and a single long run of 15 miles, but showing great courage and determination, and encouraged and cajoled by her husband clocked a well deserved 6.10.15, a magnificent achievement of which to be proud off.
Dublin City Marathon
Christine Murray 3.40.55 pb
Greg Hopkins 3.58.06
Helen Murray/Steven Acheson 4.06.05
Paula Hilman 4.08.18 pb
Irene Downey 4.14.42 pb
Jonathan & Pamela Turner 6.10.15
