Paul Pollock
# Paul Pollock

Paul Pollock (born 25 June 1986) is an Irish Marathon runner from Holywood, Northern Ireland. He competed at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing the marathon in 32nd position, in a time of 2.16.24. He was the first Irishman home, followed by his teammates Kevin Seaward and Mick Clohisey. His time was the third-fastest by an Irish runner at an Olympic game. He also competed in the men's marathon at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan.

He first competed in a major championship in 2004 when representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, Australia. He finished 4th in the 1500 m. By 2017, he had 15 Irish caps, as well as having represented Northern Ireland on numerous occasions. He has competed on the world stage at each of the major global championships – Commonwealth Games, World Championships, European Championships, and Olympic Games.

In 2018, Pollock qualified to run in the Commonwealth Games marathon, but was forced to withdraw due to injury during training in Australia.

Following his participation in the 2013 World Athletics Championships, he continues to write a monthly blog detailing his races and training. Having originally been a member of Abbey AC (Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland), he now represents both Annadale Striders (Belfast) and Kent AC (England). He continues to train, coach, and compete, alongside working part-time as an Emergency Medicine doctor.

## Championships Record

| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 2004 | Commonwealth Youth Games | Bendigo, Australia | 4th | 1500m |
| 2005 | European XC Championships | Tilburg, Holland | 46th | XC (Junior) |
| 2008 | European XC Championships | Brussels, Belgium | 57th | XC (U23) |
| 2011 | European XC Championships | Velenje, Slovenia | 25th | XC |
| 2012 | World Half Marathon | Kavarna, Bulgaria | 34th | Half marathon |
| 2013 | World Outdoor Championships | Moscow, Russia | 21st | Marathon |
| 2013 | European XC Championships | Belgrade, Serbia | 26th | XC |
| 2014 | European Outdoor Championships | Zurich, Switzerland | DNS | Marathon |
| 2014 | World Half Marathon | Copenhagen, Denmark | 30th | Half marathon |
| 2014 | Commonwealth Games | Glasgow, Scotland | 16th | 10000m |
| 2014 | European XC Championships | Samokov, Bulgaria | 23rd | XC |
| 2015 | European Indoor Championships | Prague, Czech Republic | Heats | 3000m |
| 2015 | European XC Championships | Hyeres, France | 45th | XC |
| 2016 | Olympic Games | Rio, Brazil | 32nd | Marathon |
| 2016 | European Outdoor Championships | Amsterdam, Holland | 17th | Half marathon |
| 2016 | World Half Marathon | Cardiff, Wales | 14th | Half Marathon |
| 2016 | European XC Championships | Chia, Sardinia | 36th | XC |
| 2017 | World Half Marathon | Gifu, Japan | 42nd | Half marathon |
| 2017 | World Marathon | Beppu-Ōita, Japan | 18th | Marathon |
| 2018 | World Half Marathon | Barcelona, Spain | 28th | Half marathon |
| 2018 | IAAF World Half Marathon Championships | Valencia, Spain | 77th | Half marathon |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games | Gold Coast, Australia | DNS | Marathon |
