What started as a wet, windy morning in Charleville, Co. Cork turned into a reasonably pleasant day as over 1,600 of the 2,300 entrants arrived in North Cork for the annual Charleville International Half Marathon.
Now in its 15th year, its a race that is a frim facourite on the race calendar, mainly due to the meticulaous detail and organisation of the host club, North Cork AC. It is known as a fast course and attracts athletes from all over the country (and beyond).
The start line was littered with talent, and as the gun went at 10am, it was David McGlynn, Liam Aldridge, John Travers and Sean Tobin that set the early pace. Those 4 gallantly chased down, but couldnt catch, the wheelchair athlete Shauna Bocquet (Craughwell AC) who was first accross the line in a time of 58:51.
The winner of the mens race was David McGlynn of Waterford AC, pulling away to win his second race of the 2025 Peugeot Race series in a time of 1:05:43. Liam Aldridge was second with Donore Harrier John Travers in third.
It was probably the womens winner that was the story of the day however, as 19 year old Ava Crean dominated a trong field to cross the line in 1:15:21, over 90s clear of Dee Grady (Ennis Track) and Alex Murphy (UCD AC) in thrid. Ava is a member of the Back 2 Boston project and is pictured below with John Kinsella (founder Back2Boston) and some clubmates.
Full results: https://www.popupraces.ie/race/charleville-international-half-marathon-2025/
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=SweatySnaps&set=a.797286429484431
**Some Perri Williams Photography images used above also
