DSD Elites to the Fore at Dublin Marathon
In almost ideal marathon running conditions on Sunday morning, two of DSD’s elites took to the start line of the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Grace Lynch and Hiko Tonosa, both with strong marathon times under their belts from previous outings, were hoping to make an impression at the business end of the race. The Dublin Marathon incorporates the Irish national marathon championship, so there were national medals up for grabs on the grueling 26.2-mile route around Dublin.
Grace took off at a steady pace from the gun and was always within touching distance of the leading Irish women. At halfway, Ann-Marie McGlynn had opened up a sizeable lead over the other Irish contenders, and Grace, in 4th position, was steadily focused on staying in contention for the medals. In the final few miles, Grace sensed that a medal was up for grabs and a strong surge into the finish saw her claim bronze in the Irish national championships, only a few seconds behind Aoife Kilgallon from Sligo, with Ann-Marie McGlynn taking the overall Irish title. Grace’s surge for bronze earned her a new PB of 2:36:09, a place on the national podium and a 9th place finish in the overall standings.
On the men’s side, Hiko Tonosa set off with clear intent of making his mark at the front of the race. Hiko had no hesitations about joining the leaders who laid down a ferocious pace from early on. The lead group, comprised of competitors from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania, also included the DSD vest of Hiko, who hung cautiously at the back of the group for most of the race. It was clear that Hiko not only wanted to win his first Irish marathon title, but also wanted to show the international elites that they had to contend with the young man from DSD if they were going to take home the top prizes. As the miles passed by, the strong pace set by the leaders caused the group to gradually dwindle, and Hiko unleashed his trademark kick in the final metres of the race, to sail past Abraraw Misganaw of Ethiopia and claim 3rd place overall, behind winner Moses Kemei of Kenya and 2nd placed Abebaw Desalew of Ethiopia. Hiko was well clear of the rest of the competitors in the national championship and finished over 4 minutes ahead of Ryan Creech and William Maunsell who were 2nd and 3rd in the national championship.
Hiko’s finishing time of 2:09:42, not only eclipsed his previous best of 2:15:01, but was also a new Irish record for the distance (subject to ratification). This is no mean feat on the Dublin Marathon Course, which is notoriously hilly compared to many of the major marathons, and shows the huge potential that Hiko has at this event, which he has only just dipped his toe into.
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