Dubliner Murchan wins Frank Duffy 10 Mile

Local pride was to the fore at the Irish Life Frank Duffy 10 Mile in Phoenix Park on Saturday, as Dubliner Pierre Murchan (Dublin City Harriers) stormed to victory in 49:02, marking a dream debut over the distance in front of a sold-out home crowd.

The 28-year-old Rathfarnham resident, better known as a 5000m specialist, showed his class by pulling clear of defending champion Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC).

His winning time was just outside the course best and capped a memorable day for Dublin athletics. Armstrong finished runner-up in 49:45, with Stephen McAuley (Letterkenny AC) third in 50:55.

“This was my first ever race over 10 miles, but I know this park inside out from training with Dublin City Harriers every week,” said Murchan.

“Hugh was right on my shoulder for a long time, and I only really got away gradually. The support on the course was fantastic.”

Pictured: Pierre Murchan (Dublin City Harriers) – 49:02
Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) – 49:45
Stephen McAuley (Letterkenny AC) – 50:55

Murchan, who ran for Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships in Turkey last December, has balanced sport with an impressive academic career.

A graduate of DCU and NUIG, he recently completed a PhD in cancer genetics, imaging and AI in pathology at Trinity College Dublin, and now works in the field with an Irish start-up.

“I’ve still got unfinished business over 5km, but this gives me confidence. I might even look at lining up for the Dublin Marathon in October.”

There was more Dublin success in the women’s race as Kate Purcell (Raheny Shamrock AC) (pictured above), a former winner of the Frank Duffy, claimed third in 59:58, just behind winner Ann-Marie McGlynn (Strabane AC, 56:08) and defending champion Caitlyn Harvey (RoadRunners AC, 59:40).

Ann-Marie McGlynn (Strabane AC) – 56:08
Caitlyn Harvey (RoadRunners AC) – 59:40
Kate Purcell (Raheny Shamrock AC) – 59:58

“Conditions were perfect, and I was delighted to dip under the hour,” said Purcell. “Next up for me is the Tullamore Half before heading to Berlin Marathon in September.

“It was just brilliant to be back in the Race Series atmosphere today.”

Thousands of participants, from club athletes to fun runners, enjoyed the rolling 10-mile challenge, supported by pacers and cheered on by crowds across the park. All finishers received a souvenir t-shirt and goodie bag at the finish line.

The Irish Life Dublin Race Series continues with the Half Marathon in Phoenix Park on Sunday 21st September, before the flagship Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday 26th October 2025.