Two Time US Olympian Emily Sisson set a new All Comers record over 5km at the 2025 Streets of Kilkenny, running a time of 14.57 to become the first female to run sub 15mins for 5km on Irish soil (record subject to ratification). The American finished 9th overall in a race that was won by local favourite Cathal O Reilly of Kilkenny City Harriers, who pulled away Pierre Murchan to win the race in 14:15.
But it was Sissons run that had everybody talking, a stunning performance on what was a beautiful evening for running in Kilkenny.
This Peugeot Race Series event had sold out 2 months in advance, and though capacity was capped at 1000 entires, the organisers most likely could have doubled that number if they wanted, such was the demand for tickets as the event came closer.
The race takes place in Kilkenny City Centre on a fast, 2 lapped course, and at the end of lap 1, it was Pierre Murchan and Cathal O Reilly that had opened a small gap on the chasing pack…these two battled for the whole race, but in the end it was O Reilly who surged clear to win by 6 seconds from Murchan in second, with Clonmel AC’s David Mansfield finishing a strong 3rd.
We didnt have to wait long for the female winner, as the clocl ticked passed 14:50, Sisson emerged on the Mall and powered up the hill to win, over a minute clear of Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick AC) with Orla Duffy of Dublin City Harriers completing the podium in 3rd.
The next round of the Peugeot Race Series takes place in Tullamore on May 1th at the Aishling Murphy 4 Mile Road race.
Results: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/the-streets-of-kilkenny-2025/
Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=SweatySnaps&set=a.684486794097729
