This is also a new PB for Paul, by over 5 minutes and places him 2nd in the Irish All Time List, just behind John Treacy’s time of 2:09.15 in Boston, 1988. He has now qualified for next summer’s Tokyo Olympics Marathon.
Paul said; “I am absolutely delighted with this especially after requiring an operation in September to fix a broken metatarsal. It’s great to be the second fastest ever Irishman “.
Clonliffe Harriers’ Emma Mitchell was also impressive in the Women’s race where she was timed at 2:36.47 in her debut marathon. This makes her the third fastest ever NI woman. The 26 year old will now be aiming for another marathon in the spring with one eye on the Tokyo Olympics.
The full results can be found here: https://www.watchathletics.com/article/11003/results-valencia-marathon-2019
Written by Brian Hill