The Micheal Manning Memorial Dunshaughlin 10k is widely regarded as once of the country best races, and the sold out 2024 edition only served to enhance that theory, as almost 1000 participants took to the start line on a warm, overcast evening in Co Meath for Round 5 of the Peugeot Race Series.
This was the climax of the first mini series, with Pierre Murchan wrapping up the victory on the male side in Enfield with a race to spare. He took the night off in Dunshaughlin, leaving the race wise open at the front end!
The womens side of the series was still up for grabs, and in the end it was Hannah Steeds, 4th on the night in Dunshaughlin, that took the top prize of €1500 courtesy of Peugeot Ireland. Hannah was a model of consistency throughout the series and is a popular and thoroughly deserving winner!
The race itself developed into 2 mini battles very quickly, with a strong group of 6 men taking an early lead, going through 5km in 15:08, lead through by Conor Duffy of Glaslough Harriers. The group gradually whittled down to 3 with a thrilling sprint finish to decide the podium order. The massive crowd roared them home and in the end, it was William Fitzgerald of Craughwell AC who held off Conor Duffy in 2nd and Aaron Hanlon of Drogheda & District in 3rd.
The womens race was just as close. with Danielle Donegan of Tullamore Harriers going through 5k in just under 17 minutes, 13s clear of the chasing pack lead by Ciara Hickey of Brothers Pearse and Meghan Ryan of DSD. It was a lead that Donegan did not relinquish, and in the end she come home to rapturous applause, winning in a time of 34:18. Second was Ryan of DSD, with Hickey in 3rd and Steeds of Leevale in 4th.
In the team event, it was another win for Dundrum South Dublin, with Mullingar Harries in 2nd and Dublin City Harriers in 3rd. Still early days here but already DSD look odds on for 3 in a row!
Full Results: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/micheal-manning-memorial-dunshaughlin-10k-2024/
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=SweatySnaps&set=a.480297421183335
