Mike Griffin competed in the 13th Annual Clonakilty Marathon on Saturday morning (November 25).
He completed a dedicated marathon training plan in the months preceding the recent Dublin City Marathon, and during that time ran 1:26 in the National Half-marathon in Tullamore in August.
Unfortunately, just over a week before the Dublin Marathon he had a fall while training which required stitches, and was unable to take part.
However, with all those training miles ‘in the bank’ he entered the Clonakilty event with a target of a sub 2:50 finish. Over the years Mike ran a few marathons – his best finish time before Clonakilty was Dublin 2011 when he ran 3:03.
Mike came home in third place in Clonakilty in 2:49.30 – a fantastic run! He ran a consistent pace right through, passing halfway in 1:24.
It’s a great achievement for the Castlebar based athlete. His Clonakilty success will help make up for the disappointment in missing out on Dublin.
Mike has also had a great year on the track winning National medals with the club's team in Indoor and Outdoor masters Championships in 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relay events.
The Clonakilty Marathon winner was Tudor Moldovan Clonliffe Harriers AC in 2:30.57, first woman Dolores Duffy Watergrasshill AC 3:39.04.
Full details on www.mayoac.com.
