Ryan Creech from Cork Secures Second Place at Irish Life Dublin Marathon for Third Year in a Row

Ryan Creech of Leevale AC achieved second place in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, marking his third consecutive year at this level. He finished the race on Sunday with a personal best time of 2:11:42, surpassing his previous record of 2:12:28 set earlier this year in Seville.

Consistent Performance Amidst Tough Competition

Creech’s finish of sixth overall showcases the depth of talent among Irish athletes. Despite achieving a personal best, he described the experience as bittersweet. “If you’d said to me last night that I’d run a PB of 2:11 and come second again, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he stated. Creech expressed happiness with his performance, while acknowledging the challenges faced during the race.

A Race Full of Challenges

The marathon began with a promising start, as Irish runners maintained a sub 2:09 pace. However, headwinds and hilly terrain made the later stages particularly difficult. Creech noted the impact of the weather: “The wind was a stinger.”

During crucial moments of the race, he was overtaken by David McGlynn from Waterford AC, who ultimately secured the men’s national title with a time of 2:11:01. Creech recalled the moment McGlynn passed him: “I heard someone shout my name and realized that Dave was right behind us before he accelerated past.”

• Men’s National Results:
• 1. David McGlynn (Waterford AC) – 2:11:01
• 2. Ryan Creech (Leevale AC) – 2:11:42
• 3. Paul O’Donnell (Dundrum South Dublin AC) – 2:12:11

Highlighting Irish Marathon Talent

Creech praised the increasing caliber of Irish marathon runners, emphasizing the significance of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon on the national calendar. He remarked, “The standard is just getting better and better and it’s going to push everybody on.”

Accompanying him at the marathon were his biggest supporters, including his 1.5-year-old daughter, Zoe. He described the day as special for his family, stating, “Whether you run two hours or six hours, it’s a special day for everyone.”

With his impressive performance, Ryan Creech continues to put Cork at the forefront of Irish marathon events, demonstrating resilience and dedication in his pursuit of excellence.