Tullamore Harriers report – 21st September 2026

Castlegar Open Cross-Country Meet 
On Saturday 19th of September several Tullamore Harriers athletes made the journey to Galway racecourse for the Castlegar Open Cross-Country meet. This event traditionally heralds the transition from road and track events to the fields. There is always a strong turnout at this competitive fixture, and it also incorporates the Galway championship. 
First up representing Tullamore Harriers was Sophie Hynes who lined up in the U12 girls’ competition. She ran a strong race and produced a blistering fast finish to claim the gold by one second to get the Harriers athletes off to a great start. 
Not to be outdone by his sister, James Hynes controlled the U14 boys’ race and also finished in first place with a race plan executed perfectly. 
Next up was Heidi McCarthy in the girls U14 race. There was tough competition and Heidi showed great grit and determination to hold off the fast finishing Galway challengers to also claim gold by a mere second in a super race. 
Róisín O’Brien was next up in the girls U15 race which was 2.5 kilometres in length and she acquitted herself very well coming home in an excellent sixth place amongst a very strong field of athletes. 
Jack Marron donned the blue and white vest in the Boys U18 race which was 4.5 kilometres and by this stage the weather turned very challenging with torrential rain and blustery wind throughout. Jack stuck to his task and finished in sixth place which is a great season opener for him. 
Mairéad O’Brien took to the line in the girls U11 race which was easily the biggest field of the day. She ran consistently throughout the 1-kilometre race and crossed the line in 34th place. 
Mick O’Brien also raced in the men’s open race which was 8km and he came home 2nd over 50.  Altogether a very successful outing for the Tullamore athletes and sets them up nicely for the Offaly cross country season. 

Athlone 10K 

Olive Mannion supported the Athlone AC-hosted Athlone 10K on Sunday last (the 20th of September) on a beautiful day for running. The out-and-back course started and finished on the TUS Athlone Campus running track, taking in the Athlone/Mullingar Greenway along the way. Olive had a great run, finishing 2nd O60 in a time of 56:43 

Dublin Half Marathon.  

John O'Connell lined out in the Phoenix Park for the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon (Sunday 20th September). The somewhat hilly route brought 8,000 runners together for 13.1 miles through the Phoenix Park for the final race of the Irish Life Series.  John clocked 2.00.16.  

World Road Running Championships Copenhagen. 

3 of our ladies who travelled to Copenhagen to take part in the Copenhagen Running Festival, alongside a large field of more than 65,000 athletes. The festival incorporated the 2nd staging of the World Road Running Championships, with championship races over the 1 Mile, 5K and Half Marathon distances. 

The ladies proudly donned the blue and white and in the 5k where Rita Daly Ravenhill clocked 22:47, Una Mullen - 28:24 and Karen Nolan - 28:24. Karen then went on to compete in the Mile race, where she recorded 6:47. 

2 Johnnies Women’s Mini Marathon 

Melissa Hogan competed in the 2 Johnnies Women’s Mini Marathon in Cahir on Saturday last (19th September). Melissa clocked 1.22.19 for the 8K run. 

Rhode 3/4 Marathon 

On Saturday, 19th September, Tullamore Harriers’ Garry Whittle competed in the Rhode AC-hosted ¾ Marathon - a challenging 19.65-mile race. Garry had a fantastic run, finishing 8th overall in a time of 2:23:03. A great performance and one that sets Garry up nicely for the Dublin Marathon in a few weeks’ time. 

Luggacurren 10K. 

Richie Faulkiner competed in the Luggacurren 10K race in Co Laois on Sunday the 13th of September. The race is a long-standing road race featuring a course of challenging hills. Richie was 2nd over 50 in 42.51. 

RUN & COFFEE  

The Tullamore Harriers hosted Run & Coffee was a great success on Sunday last, and we will do it all again next Sunday (September 27th). 

Whether you are: new to running, new to Tullamore, looking to improve your running or simply looking for a friendly group to run with - everyone is welcome, no matter your pace or experience. Meeting at the Old Warehouse on Sunday morning at 8.30am.