Hehir records encouraging win in build-up to Dublin Marathon

By Stephen Leonard

WHILE he was first home in Saturday’s Dublin Half Marathon, Seán Hehir of Rathfarnham Athletic Club is not losing the run of himself as he continues preparation for his primary goal – the 2016 Dublin Marathon.

Targeting his third National Marathon title (having won the contest in 2013 and again last year), Hehir knows he will be coming up against fierce opposition, but has been encouraged by last weekend’s result.

“I had never won any of the series races before so it was lovely to get the win here, but my main goal is the Dublin Marathon in five week’s time.
“I was a spectator at the Dublin Marathon long before I took part in it and, for me, it’s a race like no other.

“Communities from all over come out to support the runners and it really presents Dublin at it’s best.

“I’d love to win my third National Marathon title, but that’s going to be easier said than done and I’m not going to get ahead of myself.

“There’s going to be a very strong field there. Paul Pollock who was 32nd in the Olympic Mara-thon and Sergiu Ciobanu who just missed out on Olympic selection will be there, along with two strong Kenyans and other top runners, so it’s going to be very tough,” he stressed.

Hehir was first across the line last weekend in a time of 1:07.45, successfully fending off the challenge of Ethopia’s Fikru Teshager and Raheny’s Mark Kirwan.

There was more good news for the Rathfarnham club as Caitriona Jennings emerged the third fastest woman in 1:20.33, finishing behind Catherina McKiernan (1:19.27) and winner Barbara Sanchez (1:18.26).

Matthew Horrigan finished 11th in the men’s event in 1:13.14 ahead of clubmates Tom Costello (19th in 1.14.57), Peter Toomey (1.23.23) and Sean Doyle (1.44.45).