This is a remarkable change from four years ago when no Irish woman ran inside the A standard then. The problem now of course is that Ireland can only send three women to the Olympic Marathon and it's possible that others may join the four that have ran qualifying times. Who will get dropped from the team? As far as I know, it's based on overall performances rather than the fastest qualifying time although the fastest qualifying time would seem to be the fairest way to go.
Others in action in Rotterdam were Breege Connolly of North Belfast Harriers who ran 2:40.25. Gladys Ganiel, also of North Belfast Harriers ran 2:43.46 which was slower than the 2:40:56 she ran in Houston, Texas last January. Lizzie Lee of Leevale AC ran 2:46.33.
In the mens race in Rotterdam, Sergiu Ciobanu of Clonliffe finished 13th in a time of 2:15. 27 - just 25 seconds outside the men's Olympic A standard of 2:15. Sean Connolly of Tallaght was 22nd in 2:16.42, Gary Thornton of GCH 28th in 2:17.27, Tom Frazer of St Malachy's 35th in 2:20.00.
In Paris, Alan O'Shea of Bantry AC ran 2:21:56 and Lorraine Manning of Raheny ran 2:46:43 to finish in 13th place.
It is arguable that the fastest time is the fairest way to go. But surely the course the time was achieved on is important in deciding who to choose? For example Byrne ran hers on a course (Dublin) which is a lot more testing than Rotterdam or Houston, which are completely flat. Surely that is also very relative to selection. McCambridge ran the slowest of the 4, but I'm unsure about the gradient of the course on which she ran. I do know that portions of it are cobbled and more difficult to run on.
ReplyDeleteTop three times should be chosen. It seems in all sports some old codgers wants to have a say in that which doesn't concern them in the first place...
ReplyDeleteI just think its great that this time round we have choices - its bodes well for running in Ireland. Also, very glad I don't have to make that selection!! :-)
ReplyDeletei ran the rome marathon- i was amazing she qualifying on that course so hats off to her. he cobbles are ve tough but the course is flat. 3 fastest times is the best way to go tho. it's a shame the 3 fastest men and women couldn't be selected on the basis of their placing in the dublin marathon- the organisers were unhayy when this doesn't come off. the mens results are disappointing but the marathon mission plan is defo yielding results
ReplyDeletewell i believe that what these girls heard way back before anyone qualified, was that top 3 in the national champs would go provided they had the standard. Top 3 were Aoife, Maria and Avain Dublin. However, i must applaud Catriona on an amazing time in Rotterdam. It's a pity it might not get her to London. Lets see if this will stand it's ground or will AAI/marathon mission change their minds!!!!
ReplyDeleteCaitriona's marathon was pretty windy. I was there. She ran a brilliant race and had no pacers.
ReplyDelete