Pollock Magnificent in Bulgaria

Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) produced a magnificent performance to finish 34th at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Kavarna, Bulgaria. The race was held in extremely hot and humid conditions, with the world's best distance runners battling it out for the title. In a race dominated by African athletes, Pollock was the fifth European athlete across the line.

Pollock executed a brilliant race plan, pacing his effort to perfection as he sweeped through the field. He reached the 10km point in 30.59 and was lying in 57th place at this point. From there, he began to motor and moved up to 46th at 15km (46.36). The race was really on, he grew stronger and stronger and continued to move up the field. By the finish, Pollock had made up another ten places and crossed the line in 34th place in a time of 65.38.

The race was dominated by Eritrean athlete Zersenay Tadese, who won an unprecedented fifth title in a time of 60.18. The women's race was won in a sprint finish by Ethiopian athlete Meserat Hailu in a time of 68.55

Next up for the Annadale Strider will be the Dublin City Marathon in October, which will be his marathon debut.