The 2022 National Marathon Championships will take place this Sunday in conjunction with the Irish Life Dublin Marathon (October 30th).
The classic distance always springs some surprises and some newcomers to the distance running fraternity. All eyes will be on the likely favourites and their challengers as they take on the 26.2 mile test around the streets of Dublin for the first time since 2019.
Last year’s National Marathon Championships (senior) took place in Belfast and on that occasion it was Fionnuala Ross that claimed the women’s title in 2:43:43.
The women’s race should be a compelling watch and we are certain to have a new champion with Fionnuala Ross not in this year’s line-up. Letterkenny’s Ann Marie McGlynn looks one of the leading favourites to take the 2022 national title. McGlynn boasts a PB of 2:29:34 from 2021 and anything close to that time will be make the Letterkenny athlete difficult to pass.
Courtney McGuire (Clonmel AC) ran a superb race at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon in August and could get into podium contention if building on that performance, while Rachel Birt (Annalee AC) and Ciara Hickey (Brothers Pearse A.C.) also come into the weekend on the back of a strong season on the road.
North Belfast Harriers will bid to retain the team title following their superb performance in Belfast last year.
There will be no shortage of drama in the race for category honours which look as competitive as ever with over 3,200 championship entries set to battle it out.
The race start time is set for 8.45am with race results available on the Dublin Marathon website. National Marathon results will be made available after this year’s Dublin Marathon once they have been verified.
