It was a perfect day for running our 22nd Annual Jingle Bells 5K race on Saturday Dec 1st in the Phoenix Park. It was a Sunny, cold day as predicted but far from the cold temperatures we experienced two years ago and not a breeze to contend with. Ronnie Delaney got the race underway at 11am and soon after it was a three man race up front with Paul Robinson (St. Coca’s AC), Thomas Fitpatrick (Tallaght AC) and John Coghlan (MSB) leading the field of about 1400 runners.

Coming down the Upper Glen Road Fitzpatrick and Robinson were neck and neck but Robinson, with a 3.37 1500m PB this year, showed his finishing pace and finished clear winner by about 10 metres. It was the third time the race was run over this course since the winter of 2010 and the Kildare man finished with a course record of 14.18 (14.15 chip), Fitzpatrick followed in 14.20 with John Coghlan posting 14.36 for third place.

In the women’s race Linda Byrne (DSD) finished 9 seconds ahead Kerry Harty (Newcastle AC) with 15.51 and 16.00 respectively. Orla Drumm (Crusaders AC) finished 3rd with a time of 16.33.

We had 1188 adults take part and almost 200 children. Thank you to all who took part, made it a great day, and who supported the race, Donore Harriers and Debra Ireland. Thanks to all the help from those that made the day happen, including our own members, the OPW, the Park Rangers, the Gardai, BHAA, the Civil Defence, Glenn at Championchip, friends of Donore from Clonliffe Harriers, MSB and Liffey Valley AC.