Catherina McKiernan (Cornafean AC) continued to show her return to form winning the women's section in the adidas Frank Duffy 10-mile race in the Phoenix Park on Saturday, 16th August.

A pleased McKiernan commented, "I was really happy with how I ran today, you are always trying to get a little bit more from yourself, and I was happy that I felt so good at the end. I found it much easier than the Irish Runner Challenge, despite the fact that it was a much tougher course, with an uphill finish. Longer distances just suit me better."

Conor Holt won the men's race in 51.10 - more than a minute clear of runner-up James Rothwell's 52.19. Dundrum South Dublin's Holt is training for a fall marathon. In June, Holt ran 2.21.41 to place 18th at the Grandma's Marathon held in Duluth, Minnesota on 20th June.

Holt was happy with the win but hoped to run faster saying, "It was pretty hot out there today, and it was a very hilly course, so I was really happy with my time, I would have liked to come in under 50, but given the course, I am happy how I did."

Both winners plan to run a fall marathon but have not committed which event they plan to run.

This race was the second in adidas race series comprised of four races. The races are the Irish Runner Challenge 5-miler (20th July), Frank Duffy 10-miler (16th August), BHAA Half Marathon on Saturday (20th September) and culminating with the adidas Dublin Marathon, on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th October.

Thanks to Marie Scully and David Mervyn for this report.