O'Regan smashes course record as Harriers men win team prize

The 2026 edition of the BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon was run off on its traditional date, the last Saturday in August and what a day it proved to be.

The club proudly welcomed more than 2,000 people through its gates over the course of the morning, creating a wonderful atmosphere that never wavered.

With almost 1,200 athletes crossing the finish line, the 2026 BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon once again demonstrated just how far the event has come since its inaugural staging in 2013. That first race attracted 300 finishers, and the event has grown into a sell-out fixture, attracting athletes from clubs throughout Ireland and beyond.

From the gun, three athletes quickly established themselves at the head of the field, with Jaakko Jarvi from Finland, Jake O'Regan of St John's AC and Conor Duffy (Glaslough Harriers AC) setting the early pace. A chasing group remained within close proximity in the opening stages, but it was O'Regan who soon moved to the front. The St John's AC athlete gradually extended his advantage and maintained his lead all the way to the finish.

O'Regan produced a superb performance to cross the line in 1:05:23, smashing the previous course record of 1:05:49, set by Ryan Creech of Leevale AC. Wayne Waldron of Donore Harriers AC moved into second place in 1:08:55, with Jarvi completing the men's podium in third in 1:09:35.

First for Tullamore Harriers was Kevin Minnock with a superb 4th place finish. Kevin also recorded a four-minute personal best on last year's time, underlining his excellent progression. Clubmate Paul Mitchell was next home in fifth place, with Conor Duffy finishing sixth.

The women's race was won by Maebh Brannigan of Galway City Harriers taking the victory in 1:16:05. Maebh recently claimed the National 10-Mile Championship title. Aislinn Hogan of Ballyskenach AC finished second in 1:19:07, while Niamh McEntegart of Mullingar Harriers AC took third in 1:23:08.

Mariesa Cleary was the fourth lady finisher in 1:24:12, with Anna Dooner of Roscommon Harriers close behind in fifth in 1:24:55. Sixth place went to Breda McDonald (Ballyroan Abbeyleix & District AC), who recorded a time of 1:35:07.

The Quinlan Cup (men’s team trophy for the first four club athletes) was presented to Tullamore Harriers, with Kevin Minnock, Paul Mitchell, Killian Nolan and Michael Brennan on the winning team.

Mullingar Harriers AC women won the Phyllis Delaney Cup, which was presented by Phyllis’ son, James. The team was made up of Niamh McEntegart, Jacinta Reilly, Orlaith Flanagan and Criona Reid.

The BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon has become a major community occasion, bringing thousands of athletes, families, supporters, volunteers and visitors to Tullamore. The race incorporated the Leinster and Offaly Half Marathon Championships, adding to the attraction for athletes competing for county and provincial honours, with a large entry from clubs across Leinster and Offaly.

The success of the event reflects the commitment of the club members and organising committee, the generosity of sponsors, the support of the local community and, above all, the hundreds of volunteers who give their time to make the day possible. Countless hours go into logistics, safety, traffic management, course preparation and catering to ensure the successful running of the event. Combined with the tremendous support of the club’s volunteers, this dedication continues to strengthen Tullamore Harriers’ reputation both locally and nationally.

Title sponsor BnM was represented on the day by Sharon Doyle, Head of HR & Communications; Stephen Nolan, Community Liaison Specialist; Benedicta Durcan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager; and Brendan Connolly, Head of Asset Management & Trading.

Tullamore Harriers is deeply indebted to BnM and to all its loyal sponsors, whose generosity and support make the race possible.

The club also gratefully acknowledged the presence and assistance of An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly, Offaly Civil Defence, Offaly County Council and Offaly Volunteer Centre. Their support with safety, traffic management, emergency planning and stewarding was integral to the smooth running of the event.

Congratulations to the individual medallists, age category winners and to everyone who participated.

From as early as 6am, the club was buzzing with activity. Volunteers were busy with course set-up, catering, registration, water stations, car parking and countless other jobs, while by 8.30am, the club was alive with athletes, marshals, supporters, media and sponsors. The 17 walkers set off at 8.45am, leading the way for the main field, which got underway just over an hour later.

Just before 10am, Tullamore Harriers Chairman Adrian Curley welcomed the assembled athletes at the start line on Charleville Road. As tradition dictates, Tullamore Harriers invited a special guest to officially start the race, and this year's honour went to one of the club's longest serving and most dedicated members, Liam Hennessy.

Liam has given an extraordinary amount of his time to Tullamore Harriers over many years. He served as Club Secretary for 20 years, from 1987 to 2007, before taking on the role of Treasurer for a further 17 years, from 2008 until 2025. He continues to serve on the club's busy Management Committee and remains a driving force behind the continued development of Tullamore Harriers.

Highly respected by all who know him, Liam is regarded as one of life's true gentlemen and welcoming him and his family to the start line was a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication and service to the club.

Men's age group winners

1st O40: Dan Morris (Mullingar Harriers AC, 1:11:26); 2nd O40: Mick Fogarty (Ferbane AC,1:12:15).

1st O50: Ruben Bartelink (Dundrum South Dublin AC, 1:16:39); 2nd O50: Brian Gurrin (Kilcoole AC, 1:17:08).

1st O60: Eddie Newman (Mullingar Harriers, 1:22:56); 2nd O60: John Fitzmaurice (Roscommon AC, 1:25:11).

1st O70: Donal Murphy (Rathfarnham AC, 1:39:13); 2nd O70: James Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane/North Clare AC, 1:54:51).

Women's age group winners

1st O40: Alex Wood (LSA AC, 1:25:47); 2nd O40: Emma Boland (Newbridge AC, 1:27:47).

1st O50: Caroline Donnellan (Edenderry AC, 1:28:19); 2nd O50: Criona Reid (Mullingar Harriers, 1:33:23).

1st O60: Irene Clements (Clones AC, 1:32:13); 2nd O60: Mary Stuart (Mullingar Harriers, 1:36:39)

1st O70: Angela Naughton (1:57:22); 2nd O70: Eileen O’Brien (Lucan Harriers AC, 2:12:46).