Yared Derese set a new course record in today’s Donegal Half Marathon in Letterkenny when he cruised to victory in a time of 1:07:22.
The Carrick Aces AC runner, who won the National Half Marathon last year in 1:03:44, took two and a half minutes off the previous course record of 1:09:51 that was set by Raheny’s Freddy Keron Sittuk in 2015.
Second in the event, which attracted a field of around 400, was Shane O’Donnell from Rosses AC in 1:13:38, with Letterkenny AC’s Philip McHugh third in 1:15:28.
Helen McCready from Rosses AC, winner of the senior women’s title in 2022, made a successful defence of her crown when taking the victory in 1:21:54. Runner-up was Finn Valley’s Natasha Kelly in 1:24:32, with Ciara Cunningham of Tir Chonaill AC third in 1:24:36.
Giving his reaction to the day’s proceedings, race director, Brendan McDaid, said he was delighted at how well everything went.
“We were extremely happy to have around 400 taking part which is up significantly on last year. Our aim is to keep building on the numbers and we will be aiming to have 500 on the road in the 2024 event,” he commented.
See Monday’s Donegal News for more coverage and photos from Sunday’s event.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)
Every Thursday
Every Monday
Posted: 3:41 pm August 27, 2023