Men's winner Cormac Dalton of Mullingar Harriers AC after the 2026 Irish Life Frank Duffy 10 Mile in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Dalton dominates Irish Life Frank Duffy 10 Mile

Published: Sat 15 Aug 2026, 8:25 PM

Last updated: Sat 15 Aug 2026, 8:30 PM

Cormac Dalton (Mullingar Harriers AC) was the clear winner today at the Irish Life Frank Duffy 10 Mile, the second event of the Irish Life Dublin Race Series. The Irish international won comfortably in 49:17, competing in his debut 10-mile race.

The event brought together first-timers, elite athletes and club runners for 10 miles through the Phoenix Park.

First held in 1978 and named in memory of legendary Civil Service Harriers coach Frank Duffy, the race has been a fixture of the Irish road racing calendar since.

Dalton, a member of member of Ireland’s European Cross Country silver medal-winning team in 2025, said it was the longest distance he had raced, and he enjoyed taking it on as he looks ahead to the next Olympic cycle.

“I’ve only gone 10k in my life, so it was my longest race ever. It’s a PB anyway! I was feeling strong enough out there,” he said.

“With the LA Olympics coming up, you have to make decisions on where your future lies and marathon running is in the plan. It’s a natural move for me and this 10-mile felt quite comfortable,” he added.

Around the half-way mark, Dalton was able to break clear of runner-up Michael Brady (Raheny Shamrock AC), who was looking for his second title of the series, but placed behind Dalton in 50:06.

Neil Johnston (Annadale Striders) rounded off the men’s podium in 52:27.

“Myself and Michael [Brady] went through six miles or so together, I think when we were coming back towards Chesterfield Avenue and I think I just pulled away,” said Dalton.

The 27-year-old reflected on the success of winning the European silver medal in December, and looked to the future.

“Yeah, it’s been a great year. That win in December meant a lot and I felt like we took it in our stride too. Moving towards the marathon is the plan.

“It’ll be interesting to see, but obviously there’s a lot of learning curves as well. You don’t know what your body’s going to do after 30km, so there’s a lot to learn ahead of me. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

There was also a standout winner in the women’s race as Maebh Brannigan (Galway Harriers AC) ran a personal best of 56:59. Sarah Diamond (Kilcoole AC) finisher runner-up for the second time in the series, finishing in 58:55, while Pamela Kirk (RoadRunners AC) placed third in 59:53.

The sold-out 2026 Irish Life Dublin Race Series concludes with the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon in Phoenix Park on Sunday September 20.