Annual Ashling Murphy four mile road race to bring hundreds to Tullamore
Road race commemorates late school teacher
NOW firmly established on the Irish athletics calendar, the annual Ashling Murphy four mile race will once again take place in Tullamore in May.
Commemorating the young school teacher whose murder while out jogging along the Grand Canal near Cappincur shocked the nation a few years ago, this year's race will be started by her father, Ray Murhy, a well known local musician, on Sunday, May 17.
In its fourth year, it is one of the most popular four mile road races in the country and is part of the Peugeot series – ten races over a variety of distances and it brings some excellent runners to Tullamore.
The Ashling Murphy race is the third the series and it will once again bring hundreds of runners to Tullamore. Organised by Offaly Athletics, the race supports the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, an organisation established to continue Ashling’s legacy through Irish music and the many passions she loved.
The first female finisher will be presented with the Ashling Murphy Perpetual Trophy by Ashling’s parents, Ray and Kathleen Murphy. Previous winners of this are:
2022 - Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC)
2023 - Courtney Maguire
2024 - Íde Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick AC)
2025 - Hannah Steed (Leevale AC)
The race starts at O'Connor Square, following a loop around the town and finishing back in the town centre with a fast downhill finish as they race down High Street to the welcome sight of the end line. It is a great day and occasion, albeit tinged with great sadness. Once again, Ashling's love of music will be reflected by the provision of musical entertainment while there is always a huge turnout of locals to cheer on the runners, with 3,000 spectators expected.
The race starts at 10.00am with walkers heading off ten minutes earlier. Registration is available at https://www.popupraces.ie/peugeot-race-series-2026/.