Yesterday at the 123.ie National Cross-Country Championships in Donegal, Sarah Healy (21) took first place making this her first senior Cross Country Title.
Healy was pushed all the way in quality senior races, but the UCD student would soon be the star of the 10-race weekend.
The women’s 8000m race came down to a duel between Healy and well-known European silver medalist, Ciara Mageean. The two 1500m specialists raced side by side over the first 5000m. They finally broke from a group that included defending 2021 champ, Michelle Finn, who ultimately finished in third place.
Huge win for Sarah Healy who puts about 15 seconds into Ciara Mageean over the last 600m with a flying finish to win the Irish Senior Cross Country title - her first.
Mageean second, Michelle Finn 3rd, with Ann-Marie McGlynn 4th. pic.twitter.com/yF7ehqze3h— Cathal Dennehy (@Cathal_Dennehy) November 20, 2022
Healy played the long game and waited until the last uphill climb to sprint ahead. She crossed the finish line with a 15 second clearing to take her first Irish senior cross-country title in 27:05.
Mageean’s performance was also very impressive as she was running the last lap with only one spike. The City of Lisburn star was happy to claim silver for this race.
Healy said: "I’m so excited, it means a lot to me against such good girls. I enjoyed it, as much as you can enjoy 8K cross. It’s a very scenic course."
The Dublin City Harriers saw four of their athletes finish in the top 20, with Lauren Tinkler claiming the team title when she came in 7th for an accomplishment race.
Check the full list of results below:
