OLYMPIAN Paul Pollock has set a new KBC Race Series Record to win the South Dublin 10K.
His time of 29:28 on Sunday, July 21 improved on Mick Clohisey’s Race Series Record of 29:44 which he ran in 2015 at the Fingal 10k.
Clohisey, the reigning national marathon champion matched that time today to finish sec-ond with Hiko Tanosa third in 30:03.
Mark Kenneally was fourth in 30:30. There was a headwind for the first 5km with Raheny man Clohisey taking on the early pace before Pollock made a surge of speed to break away from the leading pack.
All three Olympic Marathon runners, Pollock, Clohisey and Keneally, have now commited to race in the KBC Dublin Marathon on Sunday, October 27.
The winner Pollock said after the race: “I was thrilled with that, it was a beautiful course out there, there was a great atmosphere and buzz around.
“It was great to have a good race against Mick and Tanosa,” he added. “The next goal for me is the Berlin Marathon in a few weeks, and Dublin is part of the plan too.”
Clohisey is also opting to race in the KBC Dublin Marathon over the World Championships which are set to take place in Doha in October in less than favourable conditions for the distance.
He said: “My wife is expecting a baby in September so it will be a different kind of a build-up to the race. I hope to make it to the start line in good nick.”
Olympian Breege Connolly was the first across the line in the women’s field in 35:19, followed by previous Dublin Marathon national titleholder Laura Graham who ran 35:40. Scotland’s Gemma Rankin was third in 35:46.
Breege said: “I am delighted with the win.
“Laura led the race for the first 5km, and then I pushed on from there to the finish line.”
She added: “I plan to run the 10 mile, and I hope to toe the line for the Dublin Marathon in October.”
Over 3,500 competitors ran, with the start and finish at Grange Castle Business Park in Clondalkin. The route also took in Corkagh Park and the Grand Canal Walkway.
Next up in the KBC Race Series 2019, is the Frank Duffy 10 Mile on Saturday, August 24.
The KBC Dublin Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, September 21.
The sold-out 2019 Dublin Marathon, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with KBC, has a record entry of 22,500.
The runners will take to the start-line on Sunday, October 27.
Last year’s 39th running of marathon saw over 20,000 hitting the streets.
It also marked a celebration of female runners with the revolutionary Constance Markievicz appearing on the finishers’ medal.
