Raheny AC’s Kate Purcell’s wins the Irish Life Dublin Race Series, Frank Duffy 10 Mile

Kate Purcell of Raheny AC was particularly thrilled to win the women’s title at the Frank Duffy 10 Mile in the Phoenix Park last Sunday in 59 minutes and 36 seconds, over half a minute clear of Annadale’s Caitlyn Harvey (60:09) with Killorglin native Niamh Clifford (Donore Harriers) third in 60:20.

“I’m so thrilled. That’s a PB because I’ve never done a 10 Mile before. I can’t wait to go home and tell my family,” said the mother of two from Swords who helped Ireland win team bronze at the 2013 World Mountain Running Championships.

“I’ve run one marathon and a lot of halfs but a 10 Mile never before fit into my schedule, so it’s been a great experience and a great stepping stone for next month’s half-marathon,” she said.

“I’m with Raheny Shamrocks, coached by Paul Brady, for the guts of a decade now.

“He’s like family to me, an amazing coach and inspiration.I really had no expectations going into the race, you never know who’ll turn up and conditions were really windy today.

“My goal was just to break the hour mark and half-way through I knew I was giving it everything but not sure I was going to make that.

Peter Somba made it two from two but runner-up Josh O’Sullivan Hourihan (Donore Harriers), an international orienteer who knew the course particularly well, pushed him all the way while top Irish mountain runner Kate Purcell (Raheny Shamrock AC) broke the hour-mark while taking the women’s title.

They were joined by thousands of runners who were taking on the 10 Mile in the Phoenix Park.

Results:

2022 Irish Life Race Series – Frank Duffy 10 Mile (Phoenix Park)

• Men: 1 P Somba (Dunboyne AC) 51:14, 2 J O’Sullivan Hourihan (Donore Harriers) 51:21, 3 M Hoare (Celbridge AC) 52:10.
• Women: 1 K Purcell (Raheny Shamrock AC) 59:31, 2 C Harvey (Annadale Striders) 1:00.09, 3 N Clifford (Donore Harriers) 1:00:20.