Catherina McKiernan facts for kids

Catherina McKiernan, born on November 30, 1969, in Cornafean, County Cavan, Ireland, is a famous former long-distance runner. She was known for her amazing speed in marathons, 10,000-meter races, and cross country running. She broke many records and won big races, making her one of Ireland's top athletes.

Quick facts for kids Personal information
Born	(1969-11-30) 30 November 1969 (age 55) County Cavan
Spouse(s)	Damien O'Reilly
Sport
Country	Ireland
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	Half marathon: 1:08:54 NR (Luxembourg 1998) Marathon: 2:22:23 NR (Amsterdam 1998)
Medal record Women's athletics Representing  Ireland World Cross Country Championships Silver 1992 Boston Individual Silver 1993 Amorebieta Individual Silver 1994 Budapest Individual Silver 1995 Durham Individual Bronze 1997 Turin Team EAA European Cross Country Championships Gold 1994 Alnwick Individual

About Catherina McKiernan

Catherina McKiernan is a well-known Irish athlete. She holds the national record for the fastest marathon by an Irish woman. She set this record in 1998 during the Amsterdam Marathon. Her amazing time was 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 23 seconds. She also holds the national records for the 15-kilometer race and the half marathon since 1997.

After her competitive running career, Catherina became a running instructor. She teaches workshops on a special running technique called ChiRunning. This method focuses on making running easier and more efficient.

Major Achievements in Running

Catherina McKiernan had a very successful career, winning many medals and races. She was especially strong in cross country running and marathons.

World and European Championships

Catherina won four silver medals in a row at the World Cross Country Championships. These races are tough competitions where runners race across natural terrain like fields and hills.

• In 1992, she won a silver medal.
• In 1993, she won another silver medal.
• In 1994, she earned her third silver medal.
• In 1995, she won her fourth silver medal.

In 1997, she also helped her team win a bronze medal at the World Cross Country Championships.

Catherina achieved a gold medal at the European Cross Country Championships in 1994. This showed she was one of the best runners in Europe.

Marathon and Half Marathon Wins

Catherina McKiernan was also a fantastic marathon runner.

• In 1997, she won the Berlin Marathon. This was her very first marathon, and she ran it faster than any woman had ever done on their debut.
• In 1998, she won two very famous marathons: the London Marathon and the Amsterdam Marathon.
• She also won the Lisbon Half Marathon in 1998.
• In 1999, she won the Paris Half Marathon.

Dublin Women's Mini Marathon

Catherina was a frequent winner of the Dublin Women's Mini Marathon. She won this popular race multiple times:

• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2004

National Titles

Besides her international success, Catherina also won many national titles in Ireland:

• She won the 3000-meter race four times, from 1990 to 1993.
• She won the 5000-meter race once, in 1996.
• She won the national cross country title three times, from 1990 to 1992.