It was an action packed 48 hours for the 2024 Peugeot Race Series with Round 3 in Tullamore at the Ashling Murphy Memorial 4 Mile Race on Sunday May 19th, followed soon after by the Bob Heffernan and Mary Hanley 5k on Tuesday, May 21st.
First to Tullamore, where on a perfect day for running, the Ashling Murphy Memorial 4 Mile race took place, hosted brilliantly by Offaly Athletics, and providing yet another fitting tribute to the late Ashling Murphy. With family and friends present, and athletes’ from right across the country on site, it was a day that will again live long in the memory.
What unfolded during the race will also live long in the memory, as Pierre Murchan (Dublin City Harriers) obliterated the previous course record, running 18:30 for 4 miles and coming home comfortably ahead of Colin Maher (Ballyfin AC) in second and Jamie Byrne of DSD in 3rd. It was Murhans 3rd straight win in the series, and strengthened his grip on the series.
The womens race was equally as impressive, with last years series winner Ide Nic Dhomhnaill also breaking the previous course record, coming in in 21L15, 25s clear of Dublin City Harrier’s Lauren Tinkler, with youngster Heather Murphy completing the podium in 3rd.
We barely had time to catch a breath before Round 4 in Johnstownbridge was upon us, and it was here that Pierre Murchan made it the perfect 4 from 4 and secured Series 1 of the Peugeot Race Series for 2024. He sat for 4km and broke from the field with a KM to go, winning comfortably from Conor Duffy in second and Aaron Hanlon in 3rd.
The depth at this race has always been remarkable, and this year was no different, with the womens race in particular showing incredible depth at the front of the race. It was won by DSD junior Emma McEvoy in 15:59 with clubmate Grace Lynch in second and Tullamore Harrier Nadine Donegan in 3rd. With almost 60 female athletes running sub 20 minutes, prizes were certainly hard to come by!
A final notable run was Brian Lynch of North East Runners, who unofficially broke the M70 National record running 18:44. (to be ratified at time of writing)
The final round of the first mini series takes place in Dunshaughlin in June, and while the mens series is done and dusted, its all to play for in the womens, with Leevale athlete Hannah Steeds in the driving seat. Current leaderboard here
RESULTS & PHOTOS:
Round 3: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/ashling-murphy-4-mile-2024/
Round 4: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/bob-heffernan-mary-hanley-5k-road-race-2024/
