The Next Generation - Pia Langton

At just 17 years old, Pia Langton is already making herself known in the world of middle-distance running. A prodigious talent with a remarkable track record, Langton's achievements in the 800 metres are nothing short of extraordinary, positioning her as a rising star in athletics.

Langton, who competes for the Kilkenny City Harriers, has been setting records and breaking barriers since her early teens. Her impressive list of accomplishments includes being crowned the National Champion in the 800 metres for 2024, a title that underscores her dominance in the event. Additionally, she holds the Leinster record for both the U17 and U18 age groups in the 800 metres, highlighting her exceptional talent on the track.

Her talent has also shone brightly on the cross-country circuit. Langton was a key member of the All Ireland club cross country winning team in 2024, where her individual performance placed her 11th overall in the U18 category. This achievement earned her a spot on the Irish team for the European Club Cross Country Championships, where she represented herself with distinction.

Langton's international experience extends beyond cross country. She has previously competed for Ireland at the SIAB event in 2023, where she finished a commendable 4th in the 800 metres. This performance was a testament to her potential on the European stage.

One of Langton’s short-term goals was to make it to the final of the European U18 Championships in the 800 metres. After engaging with Run Republic, she accomplished this target. Her grit and determination were on full display as she progressed through three demanding races over three days in Slovakia. Langton finished 8th in the final, achieving a personal best time of 2:07.9 while competing in Slovakia. This accomplishment is a significant milestone in her young career and a strong indicator of her future potential.

Looking ahead, Langton has set her sights on maintaining consistency and continual improvement. Her long-term aspirations include making it onto an Olympic team, a goal that reflects her commitment to reaching the pinnacle of her sport.

As Pia continues to develop and push the boundaries of her performance, she is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming years. The future of middle-distance running in Ireland looks bright with Langton among the pack, and Run Republic eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her promising career.

Featured Image: by Perri Williams