Crossan top Irish finisher

ATHLETICS: For the third successive year Gary Crossan was the top Irish finisher in the Dublin marathon, but he admits it's not getting any easier.

The 33-year-old from Donegal, who also collected his third national title, came home in 12th place overall, clocking two hours 24.07 seconds - his slowest time of his last three efforts.

Crossan's reserves of physical and mental toughness proved decisive. Unlike the last two years he was for a long time chasing other Irish runners, such as Dundrum's Conor Holt, who had taken the courageous decision of trying to chase down the African leaders, but ultimately paid a high price.

Though they ran together for the opening two miles, Holt then surged ahead, and was over a minute clear of Crossan at halfway. Only at the 21-mile mark did Crossan find himself in front, and though thoroughly exhausted at the finish, the national title was once again his.

"That was definitely the toughest of the lot," he said. "Every corner you turned there seemed to be a strong wind. And I don't know how they managed to break the course record today. But sure I suppose I'll be back next year looking for a fourth."

While Holt eventually came across the line in 2:25.50 he was out on his feet, the result of such a total effort. When he came around he got the bad news. Two other Irish runners had passed him - Pauric McKinney (13th) and Paul O'Callaghan (14th) - and he was out of the medals.

McKinney clocked 2:24.39 to become the second Irish finisher for the fifth successive year, while O'Callaghan, who was also the first over-40 home, clocked 2:25.15.

The race for the women's national title wasn't nearly so close, with Blarney's Valerie Vaughan coming home in a comfortable 2:52.10 - good enough for fifth overall. It might well be her last race at the distance at the end of a fine career, and yet she seemed to enjoy every step.

Taking the silver was Helena Crossan of Letterkenny, who clocked 2:53.28 in sixth, while Patricia Murphy completed the sets of medals when taking third in 2:56.54, leaving her 10th overall.

Mark Carroll has collected the 16th edition of the Mayors Cup cross country in Boston's Franklin Park, clocking 23.53 for the 8km event. He has made the European Cross Country in December as a possible target having shelved plans for another marathon.