European Master's Athletics Indoor Championships - March 2026

During March two of Plant Based AC's athletes represented Ireland in the European Master's Athletics Championships. Rachel and Lea were entered into a number of events, ranging from 800m up to 5km. There was a predominant indoor track focus given this was the indoor championships.

Rachel finished the competition as the European Champion 3000m, taking gold and podium position in her age. She also took silver in the 5km race just two days later. The 5km road race also incorporated a team event, in which Rachel was scoring with the ever talented Fiona Gettings of Longford AC, and Catherine O'Connor from Parnell AC. This super trio brought home gold for team Ireland, being the fastest three in their joint age category to race the event.

The 800m heat was up the next day. Rachel ran strong to qualify for the final one night later. However this ended up being the one event she didn't medal in. To round out the championship Rachel had one more event to go, the 1500m. Despite having had a full week of racing in her legs, and being up against fresh competition, Rachel finished in third place, taking another medal for Ireland. Medal haul: two gold, one silver, one bronze.

Lea competed in the 5km road race also and alongside his teammates, they secured a team silver for Ireland in the. road race. Lea also raced a number of track events in Torun, Poland. Lea made it to the final of each race and gave his all. He finished valiantly in his events and put on a strong performance having been ill whilst abroad.

Total medal haul for Plant Based AC athletes in this championship: five medals. Two gold, two silver and one bronze. Great outcome from our athletes and their committment helped to secure seventh place for Ireland in the overall national standings. For such a small nation, it was a very impressive outcome. Well done team Ireland and Plant Based AC crew!