Stephen’s day comes early for Clonliffe Harrier

A LOCAL athlete who starred in the KBC Dublin Marathon described his overall second place finish as the best day of his life. 

Stephen Scullion of Santry-based Clonliffe Harriers completed the 40th marathon in a time of 2:12:01 to win the national title in perfect conditions. 

Scullion bettered his old personal best of 2:14:34 which he set in Houston last January.

It was a day of personal bests in ideal marathon conditions with Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock AC) second in a new best of 2:13:19 and Hugh Armstrong (Ballina) third on his debut in 2:14:22.

Aoife Cooke (Eagle AC) ran an impressive personal best of 2:32:34 to win the women’s national title.

At the start line, Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe presented the Lord Mayor’s Medal to 13 inspirational runners who have taken part in all the Dublin Marathons since the race began in 1979.  

Billy Kennedy’s volunteer efforts were also honoured. As the only member of the original organising committee still to be involved, he also received the honour of the Lord Mayor’s medal.

The runners included Dubliners John McElhinney, Michael Carolan, Donal de Buitleir, Dominic Gallagher, Martin Kelly, Patrick Gowan and the eldest of the group, Frank Behan, who turns 79 this month.

Five other counties were represented: Seamus Cawley (Limerick), Seamus Dunne (Meath), Billy Harpur (Wexford), Peadar Nugent (Galway) and Donal Ward (Donegal), while Mary Nolan Hickey (Wicklow), was the only woman aiming to run a 40th consecutive Dublin Marathon.

Mayor McAuliffe said he was honoured to present the medal to this special group. 

“Completing a single marathon is a momentous achievement but completing 39 with the aim of a 40th in sight is a remarkable testament to human will, determination and a true love of running,” he said. 

“The Lord Mayor’s Medal is about honouring individuals who have shown true resilience and these outstanding individuals are excellent accounts of this resilience and determination in their respective journeys to complete the annual 26.2 mile run on 39 separate occasions.