The National Half Marathon Championships will take place this Saturday, August 30th, as part of the long sold out Bord na Móna Tullamore Half Marathon. A field of approximately 1,400 runners, including over 800 championship entrants, is primed for action on the roads of County Offaly. Elite club athletes from all over Ireland will line up alongside recreational runners, all eager to tackle the scenic 13.1-mile course and vie for national titles in various age categories.
Scenic Course & Championship Atmosphere
Hosted by Tullamore Harriers, the half marathon kicks off at 10:00am from Tullamore Harriers Stadium. Runners will be guided through a scenic route winding through the local villages of Mucklagh, Killurin, and Cloonagh, before returning for a memorable final 400m lap on the stadium track. The course features a mix of flat stretches and gentle hills on closed rural roads, offering both a challenge and an enjoyable experience for participants. The race also doubles as the Leinster and Offaly Half Marathon Championships.
Strong Field of Club Athletes
With over 800 runners entered in the national championship categories, the competition at the front of the pack will be intense. Last year’s team champions, Leevale AC for men and DSD AC for women, set a high bar in Charleville, but predicting this year’s winners is no easy task given the depth of talent entered. Many clubs are fielding full teams, and a host of top athletes will be eyeing individual and team honours on Saturday.
On the men’s side, the race looks wide open. Among the favorites is Jake O’Regan (St. John’s AC), who comes in fresh off a string of victories on the roads. O’Regan clocked an impressive 1:06:51 to win the Cork City Half Marathon in back June, signaling excellent form that could make him the man to beat in Tullamore. Pushing him will be a cohort of seasoned club runners. The host club’s own Barry Minnock (a sub-70 half marathoner in his prime) and Kevin Minnock, add local interest and experience, while Cillian O’Leary (Raheny Shamrock AC), a past national medalist now in M40 (M45 for the National Championships), will lend further competitive fire. In a unique twist, even a European Indoor 400m champion is expected on the start line. David Gillick (DSD AC) is lining up for the half marathon, bringing a bit of sprinting stardom to the Midlands.
The women’s field is equally compelling. Ann-Marie McGlynn (Strabane AC) stands out as a frontrunner, the Irish international marathoner is the reigning national marathon champion (2023 and 2024) and boasts a half marathon personal best of around 71 minutes. McGlynn’s pedigree (she represented Ireland at the World Half Marathon Championships in 2020 and won national titles on both road and cross-country in 2024) makes her a strong favorite for the women’s crown. Less than two weeks she added the Frank Duffy 10 mile crown to her repertoire. However, she will not lack competition. Kate Purcell (Raheny Shamrock AC), the 2022 national half marathon champion, leads a strong Raheny contingent and will be keen to reclaim glory.
Host Club in Force and Course Records
As host club, Tullamore Harriers AC will be out in force on the day, the home team is fielding an impressive 60 athletes across various age groups. This includes a mix of experienced competitors and first-time half marathoners from the club, all eager to shine on home turf. Their presence will ensure loud support all along the route, especially for local runners as they make the final lap of the track. Many Tullamore volunteers and supporters are involved in organising the event, underscoring the community spirit behind this race.
The Tullamore Half Marathon course records could be under threat given the caliber of this year’s field. The current benchmarks are 1:05:49 for men (set by Ryan Creech of Leevale AC in 2023) and 1:18:15 for women (set by Natasha Adams of Letterkenny AC). Weather and race conditions permitting, the likes of O’Regan or McGlynn might have their eye on these times. Organisers have also readied an array of prizes, including cash awards for the top six men and women overall and for masters winners in each category, to reward the day’s outstanding.
Event Quick Facts & Info:
- Date & Start Time: Saturday, 30th August 2025. Race start at 10:00 AM
- Location: Tullamore Harriers Stadium, Co. Offaly, incorporating National, Leinster, and Offaly Half Marathon Championships
- Course: 13.1-mile loop through Mucklagh, Killurin, Cloonagh, on closed roads; finishes with a lap on the Tullamore track
- Participants: 1,400 runners (800 + in championship categories) from clubs nationwide
- Defending Team Champions (2024): Leevale AC (Men) and DSD AC (Women)
- Course Records: Men 1:05:49 (Ryan Creech, 2023); Women 1:18:15 (Natasha Adams, 2022)
- Notable Entrants: Ann-Marie McGlynn (national marathon & XC champion), Jake O’Regan (Cork Half Marathon winner), Kate Purcell (former champ), (David Gillick (400m European champion)
Image: Perri Williams