Teenager Ava Crean Shocks Dublin Marathon with Historic Win

Ava Crean, at just 19 years old, made headlines today by becoming the first Irish woman to cross the finish line at the Dublin Marathon. Her remarkable achievement not only secured her the Irish title but also established her as the youngest national champion in history, finishing with a time of 2:34:11. Crean’s performance was particularly impressive as she placed sixth overall among more than 22,000 participants.

Crean’s victory was unexpected, as she surpassed defending champion Ann Marie McGlynn, who finished eighth with a time of 2:36:24. The race showcased a thrilling competition, particularly between Crean and McGlynn, who have an age difference of 26 years. Both were together until the 21-kilometre mark, displaying a captivating duel for the title. McGlynn, aiming for her third consecutive national championship, had recently recovered from a grade two hamstring tear sustained six weeks prior but expressed admiration for Crean’s accomplishment.

“Honestly, I really love to see that, and I hope to see her year on year now,” McGlynn stated. “Ava needs to be nurtured now because she is really talented. She’s got it.”

In her post-race reflections, a stunned Crean conveyed her disbelief at her achievement. “I honestly can’t believe this. I only started running during Covid and began on a treadmill. I was too embarrassed to run outdoors because I kept stopping every 500 metres,” she shared. Crean noted that she had measured her distance by the water stations along the route, feeling overwhelmed when she finally saw the finish line.

Crean’s journey into running began indoors during the pandemic. Her first marathon experience came in April 2023 in Manchester, where she completed the race in 2:49:00. Shortly thereafter, she participated in the Limerick Marathon and acquired the guidance of her coach, John Kinsella.

Reflecting on her training for the Dublin Marathon, Crean mentioned that she had dedicated around four months to preparation. “Now I see all the hard work, and looking back, I couldn’t have done it without my coach,” she remarked. Currently studying sports and exercise science in Manchester, Crean is already looking ahead, having registered for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

The Dublin Marathon not only marked a significant milestone in Crean’s young athletic career but also highlighted the emergence of new talent in Irish long-distance running. As she continues to develop her skills, the running community eagerly anticipates her future performances and potential as a rising star in the sport.