Offaly's Ann-Marie storms to spectacular National Marathon glory

Ann-Marie McGlynn won her first National Marathon Championship title on Sunday morning.

Nee Larkin and a native of Mucklagh, McGlynn was absolutely thrilled at her big win. Living in Strabane and a member of Letterkenny AC, she soared to victory in an excellent 2 hours, 34 minutes and 13 seconds.

The National Championships were held in conjunction with the Dublin Marathon, the 42nd edition of which took place.

Around the streets of the capital, McGlynn had just over three minutes to spare. North Belfast Harriers’ Gladys Ganiel was second in 2:37:08 with Donore’s Sorcha Loughnan third in 2:45:31.

McGlynn was the fifth woman home and the first Irish woman, going 49th in the overall standings.

Ethiopia’s Amente Sorome Negash won in 2:26:22 from Taipei’s Joan Kipyatich, who was second in 2:27:04 with Genet Abdurkadir, also from Ethiopia in third, crossing the line in 2:27:49.

Peninah Jerop was fourth in 2:29:06 with McGlynn fifth in the overall women’s placings.

Twelve months ago, McGlynn was second to Courtney McGuire in the National Championships.

She had shown good form when winning the Belfast Half Marathon in 1:14:53 back in September.

McGlynn’s clock started at around 8.45am and went through 10k in 36:20. The watch showed 1:16:11 as McGlynn passed the half-way marker.

43 years of age, the then Ann Marie Larkin was a brilliant juvenile with Tullamore Harriers before giving up the sport in her 20s. She returned in her 30s and has enjoyed a remarkable “second” career, representing Ireland, winning national titles and losing out on Olympics' qualifications by a handful of seconds.

The Letterkenny AC athlete had shown good form when winning the Belfast Half Marathon in 1:14:53 back in September.