Athenry runner Paul McNamara won today's Edinburgh Marathon in a time of 2:25. In very windy conditions Paul was to the fore of this tactical race from the outset. Although Paul was part of the leading group from the start it became clear in the very early miles that fast times would be out of the question due to the prevailing windy conditions. Paul was forced to make his own pace as his competitors in the leading group were either reluctant or unable to share the workload at the front of the race. Justice was done in the end, however, as Paul was on his own as he crossed the finish line first. This is Paul's first major marathon win and only hints at his potential at the distance. In less arduous racing conditions and amongst more ambitious colleagues, Paul can surely hope to record a significantly faster time.

Due to the Edinburgh Marathon's frankly bizarre policy of not releasing detailed results each year until they've been printed in a local newspaper the day after the race, we haven't got a more details to report at this point, but, will reproduce a result when the organisers deign it appropriate that the great unwashed should have access to one. Seems like a strange way to run a race to us.

Congratulations from all of us in Athenry AC to Paul on a fantastic win.

From RTE Sport:

(http://www.rte.ie/sport/athletics/2008/0525/athletics1.html)

Paul McNamara from Athenry Athletic Club in Galway led home a field of close to 10,000 to win the Edinburgh International Marathon in 2 hours 25 minutes and three seconds.

McNamara, who works as a regional development officer for Athletics Ireland, went clear in the closing stages but had to work hard all the way to finish to hold off the challenge of British runner Nathaniel Williams, who finished less than half a minute adrift.

'We were running at 2:18 pace for the first four miles, but it was into a really strong head-wind and along the sea front,' said McNamara.

'A group of four of us got away and then at 22 miles I began to push the pace and managed to go clear. The time is not great, but it was really satisfying to win my first marathon after only two attempts at the distance.'

A former athletics scholarship student at Providence College in America, McNamara has continued his athletics career with some success since arriving back to work in Ireland.

'I was hoping for a sub 2.20 time in Edinburgh, but it just was not on with the stormy winds that faced us for the first 18 miles,' he said.

The Galway runner will now set his sights on the track and he hopes to compete in the 10,000m in the National Championships in July.

'I will run another marathon this year - possibly the Dublin marathon in October,' he said.

Galloway Gazette Report on the race:

http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/latest-scottish-news/Thousands-run-in-Edinburgh-marathon.4118861.jp

Scotsman Report on the race:

http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Marathon-a-winwin-day-for.4119092.jp