Leevale’s Claire McCarthy has finished 33rd in the IAAF World Championships women’s marathon in London in a season’s best time of 2:38:26, which is just outside her personal best.
Claire made a cautious start to the race but it paid dividends in the latter stages as she climbed the ranks.
“You have to try and keep going,” she stated afterwards “Your body is tired — your calves, and your Achilles tendons are all pulling and screaming at you. You just have to put your head down and stick in there.”
“I had the best build up in a long time for a marathon. The best training partners that anyone could ever ask for, the support around Cork has been amazing. I can’t say there was anything wrong with my build-up.
“I would have loved to come out with a PB, but this is the best I can do. I’m happy with it.“The crowds outside on the roads. I fell into tears at times, the support was absolutely incredible. It was unreal, it’d give you chills.”
When asked about balancing her running with her family commitments, the mother of four responded: “My kids are part and parcel of my running career. They make me a better runner, and give me a good balance that I need.”
We know the effort and sacrifices that Claire has made to reach the level, but now there is no doubt, she is world class.
Claire McCarthy on her brilliant 33rd at 41 years of age and a mother of 4
Posted by Athletics Ireland on Sunday, 6 August 2017
