On Thursday evening 5th June 2025 in showery conditions some 75 athletes competed over three 5000m races in the combined Club Championships and Grand Prix. Under the watchful eye of starter Peter McDermott, the first race commenced at 7:45pm.
As the race progressed a trio of runners took to the front namely Sean O Leary, Ben Guiden and Malcom Kiplagat. Entering the crucial final lap and coming into the finishing straight Sean made a decisive break winning in a time of 15:09. In close pursuit in second place was Ben Guiden in 15:16 with Malcom Kiplagat finishing third in 15:17. A delighted Sean when told of his time said, “I will take that take that”. Stephen Bateson presented Sean O Leary with first prize at the post-race reception.
Top 3 – Senior Men’s 5000m Club Championship
| Place | Bib | First Name | Surname | Time |
| 1 | 137 | Sean | O’Leary | 0:15:09 |
| 2 | 125 | Ben | Guiden | 0:15:16 |
| 3 | 128 | Malcom | Kiplagat | 0:15:17 |
The women’s 5000m championship featured in the second race. Continuing her great form of late Rachel McFadden ran an excellent race to come first in a time of 18:34. Second in the Club Championship was Natalia Lungo in 19:53 who also competed in the second race. In the third race Sinead McDermott ran a stormer to win Race 3 and claim third prize in the Club Championship with a time of 20:21. Ciara Peelo was on hand to present the women’s prizes at the post-race reception.
Top 3 – Senior Women’s 5000m Club Championship
| Place | Bib No | First name | Surname | Projection |
| 1 | 77 | Rachel | McFadden | 0:18:34 |
| 2 | 149 | Natalia | Lungo | 0:19:53 |
| 3 | 165 | Sinead | McDermott | 0:20:21 |
All three 5000m races were keenly contested and it was great to see so many competing in each race. The top three in Race 2 were David Mullin 18:18, Richard Bartlett 18:23 and Pat O’Grady 18:30.
The biggest field of the night was in Race 3, a total of 36 athletes. In first place with a decisive win was Sinead McDermott 20:21, in second was David Dineen 20:49 and in third was Shane Casey in 20:50.
Congratulations to all the competitors who made it such a memorable night. Many thanks to all those who officiated and provided the post-race refreshments.
Full results:
Up coming club championships
10th June – Club 200m and 800m C’ships
12th June – Club 100m and 1500m C’ships
Grand Prix Result
There was a great turn out of Grand prix athletes in all three 5000m races. With valuable points at stake, it was clear each runner was giving it their best shot. When all the results were collated the winners of the 5000m Grand Prix all came from Race 3.
In first place was Darren Hart with time of 21:36. In second place was David Dinnen clocking 20:49 while David Doran was third in 21:36, the same time as Darren Hart. Congratulations to all three.
Grand Prix – Top 3 points winners
1. Darren Hart 66 Points
2. David Dinnen 65 Points
3. David Doran 64 points
5000m Grand Prix Race Sponsor – David Murphy
Many thanks to David Murphy who kindly sponsored the prizes for the Grand Prix 5000m.
Next Grand Prix
19th June – Richie Barr 800m.