Catherina McKiernan facts for kids

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

Catherina McKiernan (born November 30, 1969, in Cornafean, County Cavan) is a famous former long-distance runner from Ireland. She was known for her amazing speed and endurance in races like the marathon, 10,000 metres, and cross country running.

Catherina McKiernan's Journey

Catherina McKiernan has held the Irish national record for the Marathon since 1998. She achieved an incredible time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 23 seconds at the Amsterdam Marathon. She also held the national records for 15 kilometres and the half marathon since 1997.

After her running career, Catherina became a running instructor. She offered special workshops to teach people about a running technique called ChiRunning. This technique helps runners move more efficiently and with less effort.

In August 2023, Catherina was announced as a "life coach" for the senior Cavan county football team. In this role, she helps the players with their mental strength and overall well-being.

Amazing Achievements

Catherina McKiernan had a very successful career, winning many medals and races. Here are some of her top achievements:

International Success

• 1992: Won a silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships.
• 1993: Earned another silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships.
• 1994: Won her third silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships. She also won a gold medal at the European Cross Country Championships.
• 1995: Achieved her fourth silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships.
• 1997: Won a team bronze medal at the World Cross Country Championships. She also won the Berlin Marathon, setting a record for the fastest debut marathon by a woman.
• 1998: Won the famous London Marathon and the Amsterdam Marathon. She also won the Lisbon Half Marathon.

Other Notable Wins

Catherina also won the Dublin Women's Mini Marathon four times: in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2004. In 1999, she also won the Paris Half Marathon.

National Titles

Catherina McKiernan also won several national titles in Ireland:

• 3000m: She won this race four times, from 1990 to 1993.
• 5000m: She won this race once, in 1996.
• Cross Country: She won the national cross country title three times, from 1990 to 1992.