North East Stunner! Declan on top of the world after World Masters victory

By Paul Byrne

Declan Toal returned home to a hero’s welcome last week following his brilliant 10K victory in the World Masters championships in Poland. The 51-year old Priorland Gardens man was competing in the Over 50’s 10K race and held off a strong challenge from Mexican athlete luciano Trujillo to finish four seconds clear in a time of 33:02.

Declan’s victory on the world stage is all the more remarkable given the fact he only returned to the sport seven years ago having giving up running at 23 due to illness. Declan, a son of clan na Gael legend, leslie Toal, returned to the running track in his mid forties when his children joined St Gerard’s ac and he was asked to help out in a coaching role. From there he joined the north east Runners and that competitive spirit that burned so brightly in his youth returned with a vengeance as Declan quickly re-established himself as one of the most talented runners in the country. Continued on Page 2