Third time lucky for O’Doherty

It was a case of third time lucky for a delighted Siobhan O’Doherty as she led home over 40,000 women at the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin in 34:20 having finished second the previous two years.

“I’m delighted to win having been runner-up the last two years,” said the Borrisokane AC athlete who travelled up on the train from Nenagh yesterday morning with her mother Agnes. ” It’s the best thing to happen to me.”

Despite the warm conditions it was a marked time improvement for O’Doherty who ran 35:09 last year and 35:31 in 2011.

“It was hot and I tucked in but I felt really good at 7km so I just went for it,” said O’Doherty who had a good battle with Raheny Shamrock’s Fiona Roche for the first seven kilometres. Roche finished second in 34:43.

Maria McCambridge (DSD) who led early on was disappointed with her run in third in 35:00 but still had reason for cheer having been recently selected for the marathon at the World Championships in Moscow in August.

“It was a bad day at the office. I’m disappointed but I’m delighted to have been picked for the marathon in Moscow,” said McCambridge who was left off the marathon team for the London Olympics last year.