Fiona Stack of Raheny AC and David Glynn of Swords make the podium of the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon 

Fiona Stack of Raheny AC and David Glynn of Swords both had successful runs at Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon in the Phoenix Park yesterday.

The Men’s race was won by Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) in a time of 1:06:25 to complete the full set on the series, having won the Corkagh 5 Mile, Fingal 10k and Frank Duffy 10 Mile earlier this year.

From left: Peter Somba (Dunboyne AC) 1:09:08,
Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) 1:06:25, 23 David Glynn (Swords) 1:09:42

Somba, a previous winner of the race, settled for second (1:09:08), with Swords man David Glynn crossing the line third (1:09:42). 

Speaking after the race, David Glynn from Swords in Dublin who has had success in this event before, finishing third in the race last year said: “It was good.

“I felt grand at the start but the lead group were just a bit too quick, so I had to hold back a bit. All and all, I’m happy out.

“I’m consistent, I run every morning, and it comes to fruition on these race days. I’m delighted I must say.  

“I’ll build up to the marathon now and hope to beat last years’ time.

“The marathon is always the culmination of the whole year as a runner.

“I ran 2:29 last year, so I’d like to run around 2:25.

“It’s all on the day with running, some days you feel good, other days you don’t.” 

Leevale athlete and two-time Olympian Michelle Finn was the winner of the women’s race, breaking the course record as she clocked a time of 1:15:45.

The Cork woman finished ahead of Road Runners AC’s Caitlyn Harvey (1:17:55) and Raheny Shamrock AC’s Fiona Stack (1:20:24), both of whom made the podium of this race once again. 

Masters’ athlete Fiona Stack (O40) originally from Ballyshannon in Donegal but now living in Swords and runs for Raheny AC finished second in this race last year but was over two minutes faster this year.  Speaking after the race she said: “I really enjoyed it.

“It’s a tough course but it was a lovely morning for it. I’m delighted to make the podium again.

“Training’s been going really well, the big target is the Irish Life Dublin Marathon in a few weeks’ time, this is all part of the prep.

“I’m very happy. “I can’t wait for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, it’s a very special day.

“I think this will be my tenth time doing the race, I always come back. It’s a brilliant race.” 

Thousands of runners lined up for this highly anticipated annual event which had its earliest ever sell-out in June – 3 months before race day.

Throughout the race, pacers helped runners to achieve their target times.

They were also encouraged in the final part of the course with the Irish Life Supporters Cheer Zone had music and plenty of colour and noise to get the runners through the final part of the 13.1mile race. 

Each finisher received a goody bag, a t-shirt, together with an intricately designed medal for completing the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon.

The medal was created by Mark Winters, a talented student and artist from NCAD.

It features the diverse wildlife of Phoenix Park, which is the race route, including squirrels, foxes, a seagull, and a pigeon. The standout feature of the medal is a beautiful depiction of a majestic deer, which is a symbol of Phoenix Park. 

Results: 

2024 Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon (Phoenix Park) 

Men: 1 H Armstrong (Ballina AC) 1:06:25, 2 P Somba (Dunboyne AC) 1:09:08, 3 D Glynn (Swords) 1:09:42 

Women: 1 M Finn (Leevale AC) 1:15:45, 2 C Harvey (Annadale Striders) 1:17:55, 3 F Stack (Raheny Shamrock AC) 1:20:24