Raheny victory delights Cullen

Mary Cullen stormed to a course record of 25 minutes and 37 seconds in windy conditions at the Axa Raheny five-mile race yesterday while there was also plenty of action in the Woodie’s DIY National Junior and U23 Championships in Athlone.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Cullen, who broke the course record she set last year of 25:55 and moved her to number two on the Irish all-time list for the distance behind Sonia O’Sullivan (24:43).

“It was very windy but it’s January in Ireland and you don’t expect ideal conditions,” said the North Sligo athlete who has battled injuries in recent years.