On a memorable morning in Tullamore, the family and friends of Ashling Murphy, as well as the wider Tullamore community and Irish running community came together to honour the Ashlings memory at the second annual Ashling Murphy memorial run. Traditional music filled the air in the midlands town, and friends, family and past teammates, pupils and colleagues gathered to remember Ashling and show support and solidarity with the Murphy family.
The race itself was round 4 of the Peugeot Race Series, and was promoted by Offaly Athletics. The whole Offaly athletics community pulled together and created an occasion that will live long in the memory.
It was fitting too that Irelands National marathon champion, Courtney Mcguire, was the first female home and took home the Ashling Murphy cup. Her winning time of 21.38 took almost a minute off the previous course record, and had her well clear of Fiona Clinton (DSD) and junior Heather Murphy (St Michaels) in second and third.
In the mens race, pre race favourite Eoin Everard used his trademark fast finish, just as he did in Enfield the previous Tuesday, to run away from the field and win in a time of 19:22, again a course record. Second was DSD;s Killian Mooney (DSD) with David Mansfield of DSD in third.
Both Everard and Mcguire picked up course record bonuses of €500 each courtesy of Peugeot Ireland
A full summary of the series to date, including updated standings in both the team and individual tables can be found here: https://www.popupraces.ie/peugeot-race-series-2023/
The Peugeot race series moves onto Dunshaughlin for the Dunshaughlin 10k on June 17th on what promises to be another great night of racing.
RESULTS: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/ashling-murphy-4-miler-2023/
PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=SweatySnaps&set=a.257560553457024
