Eoin Everard and Lizzie Lee were the victors at last week’s Streets of Kilkenny 5k race which was hosted by local club Kilkenny City Harriers. The race also served as the second round of the popular Kia Race Series 2022.
Athletes from all corners of the country made their way to the Marble city and with decent prize money on offer the race was highly competitive. In total over 80 clubs were represented and in excess of 800 athletes took to the start line.
The course involves athletes completing two 2.5k loops, with the race starting and finishing at the Parade, a stone’s throw from the iconic Kilkenny Castle.
Eoin Everard from the local club had placed 2nd in this race on two separate occasions and was eager for history not to repeat itself in 2022. In March Everard won a gold medal in the 3000m competing in the O35 category at the European Masters Indoor Championships in Braga, Portugal, before finishing 4th in the National Senior Indoors in the same event just a few days later. Back on the road, he would’ve been hoping for that form to continue.
From the gun Everard was in the lead group with company from the likes of William Maunsell, Sean Doyle, Michael Harty, Brian Maher, and Kieran Kelly. Not much separated the athletes throughout but Everard made his move before hitting the Parade for the final time and it proved decisive. He crossed the line with his arms aloft in celebration in a time of 14.11, a new course record, knocking four seconds off Hiko Tonaso’s previous record which was set in 2019.
Michael Harty (East Cork AC) finished 2nd in 14.14. The closely fought dual between him and Everard ensured that Harty ran a new National O40 5k record. William Maunsell of Clonmel AC finished 3rd.
Rio 2016 Olympian Lizzie Lee of Leevale AC took the honours in the Women’s race. Lee was strong throughout and crossed the line in a strong time of 16.31, six seconds outside of Cheryl Nolan’s course record. Lee held off the challenge of Maria McCambridge (Dundrum South Dublin AC) who finished in 2nd in 16.46, which was new National O45 record. Jessica Coyne (Leevale AC) was 3rd in 16.51.
The next race in the Kia Race Series takes place on May 17th, with the Bob Heffernan and Mary Hanley 5k in Enfield, Co. Meath hosted by Na Fianna AC.
