AND THEY’RE OFF... Eventual winner Yared Deresse (green singlet) leads the charge at the start of the Bohermeen half marathon on Sunday. Photo: David Mullen/www.cyberimages.net

Bravehearts turn out in huge numbers for Bohermeen AC Half-Marathon

Despite most of the sporting schedule decimated by snowfall last weekend the brave souls that went to the line at the Bohermeen AC Half-Marathon ensured a competitive event.

Almost 1,500 runners faced the starter on the starting line outside the former home of the late club stalwart and athlete Sonny Bennett who passed away in recent weeks.

The event also incorporated the 49th Rennicks Cup and 46th Fr Delany Cup.

The starting line was packed with many of the best half marathon runners in Ireland and from the gun past winner in 2019 and 2020 Yared Deresse from Carrick Aces in Monaghan battled Sean Tobin from Clonmel AC who recently won the South Pole marathon.

Both athletes set a strong pace and by half way had split from the chasing duo of Peter Somba from Dunboyne and Martin Hoare, the National marathon champion.

With the wind rising considerably on the second lap Yared, who set the course record in 2020 of 63 minutes 54 seconds came home to win ahead of Tobin in 65:58 and Tobin posted 66:37, Martin Hoare took third in 67:40.

The ladies’ race was won by Kate Purcell of Raheny ,who is current National half marathon champion, her winning time was 78:24. Edel Gaffney of Trim took second in 79: 29, with Rachel Birt of Annalee of Cavan in third place (79:40).

On the local front Olivia Martin from Bohermeen placed eighth overall and first in the F50m grade and posted a personal best of 86:16 and also a new club record for the distance.

The Rennicks Cup for the first men’s team of six to score was won by Donore Harriers and the Fr Delany Cup was won by Clane AC.

Bohermeen AC wish to thanks main sponsor McNally Logistics and all its supporting sponsors. The event could not happen without the huge amount of voluntary help from the local community and club members. The 2024 event will take place on March 10th.