In a stunning display of endurance and skill, Fionnuala McCormack achieved a remarkable milestone at the Valencia Marathon, clocking her fastest marathon time ever. The 40-year-old athlete finished the race with an impressive time of 2:23:46, which marks a personal best by 12 seconds. This achievement places her 11th overall in the competitive field.
McCormack’s performance was just 83 seconds shy of Catherina McKiernan’s long-standing national record of 2:22:23. Additionally, she remains close to the record set by Sinéad Diver, who holds the title of the fastest Irishwoman with a time of 2:21:34, achieved in the same city two years prior.
The Valencia Marathon is renowned for its fast course, which has seen numerous personal bests and record-breaking performances. McCormack’s previous best time of 2:23:58 was also recorded on this very course in 2021. This year, she set out with high aspirations, aiming for McKiernan’s record. She reached the 10K mark in a solid 33:46 and halfway in 1:11:25, maintaining a strong pace throughout the race.
Despite a slight slowdown in the latter half of the marathon, McCormack managed to finish just one second behind American runner Sara Hall. This performance not only showcases McCormack’s dedication and talent but also positions her as a strong contender for future competitions.
As a mother of three, McCormack’s journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring. She recently competed in the Olympic marathon in Paris, where she made history as the first Irishwoman to participate in five Olympic Games. Her commitment to the sport and her family is evident, as she continues to balance her athletic career with motherhood.
Looking ahead, McCormack’s time at the Valencia Marathon puts her just 16 seconds away from the automatic qualifying standard for next year’s World Championships in Tokyo, which is set at 2:23:30. This near miss has undoubtedly fueled her determination to improve further and secure her spot in the upcoming global competition.
Fionnuala McCormack’s latest achievement not only highlights her incredible talent but also serves as a testament to the growing presence of Irish athletes on the international stage. With her recent performance, she has solidified her status as one of Ireland’s top marathon runners, inspiring many with her perseverance and passion for the sport.
