Big boost for famed Tipperary 10K road race as national records confirmed

Athletics Ireland have confirmed that two national records have been set over the long-standing road race circuit in Dundrum. The two records were set at the annual Coillte 10k road race on July 7, 2021 a race which has been ran every year since 1986.
The first record was set by Cork athlete Lizzie Lee from the Leevale club who set a new national record for the over 40 women’s category when winning the race in a cracking time of 33 minutes 45 seconds for the 10,000 metre (6.2 mile) distance.

The second record was set by Tipperary athlete Angela McCann from the Clonmel club who set a new national record for the over 50 women’s category in a super time of 37 minutes 21 seconds for the 10,000 metre (6.2 mile) distance.

This is a huge plus for the course when you consider there are 32 Irish master women records listed from 5k up to 100k and 10 of the 32 have been set outside the island of Ireland. The course must be specially measured to meet the Athletics Ireland and International Association of Athletics Federations standards. This is done using the Jones Counter/Bicycle method of measurement.

The course has been measured by three different qualified measurers since the measurement system came into place and it was first measured in 1996. Brendan O’Connell Killenaule was the first measurer, and he was followed by Joe Aherne Cappamore with the last measurement carried out by Billy Purcell and Jim Ryan from Two Mile Borris. The club would like to thank all measurers for their help over the years but especially Billy and Jim whose detailed photographic evidence and paperwork streamlined the ratification process.

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The timing of the race is also important as this must tie in with the distance and here the club would like to thank Niall O’Sullivan of Premier Timing Systems from Clonmel for his help with having all in order. Indeed, Niall has been timing our races for many years now which we greatly appreciate.

A good road surface is also important to help athletes get fast times and here the club would like to thank Tipperary County Council and their local Area Supervisor Pat Fitzelle for his help over the years in maintaining the circuit. Dundrum Athletic Club would also like to thank Tipperary County Council for a huge road upgrade on a one-kilometre stretch of the circuit just before covid lockdown. To also thank the local councillors especially Declan Burgess for their help in getting this crucial work completed.

Sponsorship of the race in which the records were set is also important to help keep the event going year after year and to this effect the club would like to thank all the local businesses for their continued support. To the semi state company Coillte a special thanks for been the main sponsor of the race since 2003.

The road race circuit is very popular consisting of two laps and an ideal circuit for spectators to watch a race at different locations by walking less than 100 metres. It is a regular venue for County and Munster championship races and indeed has held an All-Ireland championship in the past. It is also the venue for the clubs annual BK5K road race every May.

Race Director John Moore who has been involved in organising the Coillte 10k race since the first race in 1986 would like to thank all the volunteers who give of their time every year to help at the event. Also, to congratulate the two record holders Lizzie and Angela and here looking forward to some great racing over the iconic circuit in the years to come.