The Youghal AC Half marathon was the newest addition to the Peugeot Race series calendar, and the host club delivered a spectacular day of racing on the Cork Coast.
The big race feel was evident in the days leading up to the event, with full road closures in place for the duration of the day, allowing runners and spectators alike to enjoy the town and all it had to offer while participating or supporting the race. The locals came out in their thousands to line the narrow streets and cheer the runners home, on a morning that will live long in the memory for all that were on site to enjoy it!
The day started with the 10km at 9:30, and was followed at 11:45 for the Half marathon (part of the Peugeot Race Series)
In the men’s race, Kane Collins of Donore Harriers returned having won the race in 2024, and took control of the race early to retain his title on the new two loop course that took in the town, surrounding areas as well as some of the greenway. His time of 1:10:28 was 1 minute 30s ahead of his nearest challenger, Pat Hennessy of West Waterford AC. Barry Twohig of St Finbarrs AC was 3rd home, and he also led his club to the mixed team prize of €1,000, courtesy of Peugeot Ireland.
The women’s race was a closer affair, with Leevales Niamh Moore and Ciara Hickey of Brothers Bearse AC locked in a massive battle for large parts of the race. It was Hickey (just) who led the pair through the first lap, but when they reappeared at the finish at the end of lap 2, Moore had made the decisive move, winning the race in 1:18:44, 30s clear of Hickey in second. Laura Noonan completed the podium, coming in in 1:27:08.
This race has grown year on year and our guess is given the level of organisation on show, it will grow again in 2026. Congratulations to all in Youghal AC, and to all participants. The newest stop on the Peugeot Race Series calendar was a massive success!
RESULTS: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/youghal-bay-10k-half-marathon-2025/
PHOTOS ABOVE COURTESY OF MICK D PHOTOS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1199109265353893&type=3
