Butler graduate adds international racing experience to Team B.A.A.
BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that Barry Keane has joined the B.A.A. High Performance Team. Originally from Waterford, Ireland, Keane was an NCAA All-American in track and cross country while at Butler University. Keane will be coached by B.A.A. High Performance Team Head Coach Mark Carroll, a two-time Olympian for Ireland, and will train in Boston. The B.A.A.’s High Performance Team is sponsored by adidas.
“I am looking forward to joining a prestigious and storied organization such as the B.A.A.” said Keane. “The heritage behind the club and organization is unlike any other in the country. To be coached by one of the best Irish distance runners of the past 30 years is a privilege, which I plan on taking full advantage of.”
Keane has international racing experience, having competed for Ireland at the European Championships in cross country and the European Junior Championships on the track. He finished 33rd at the 2022 European Cross Country Championships held in Italy. His 13:21.57 5,000-meters indoor personal best ranks second fastest all-time in Irish history.
While at Butler, Keane was a four-time Big East Conference champion in the 10,000-meters. In 2023, he finished seventh in the 10,000-meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships to earn first team All-American honors. Over 5,000-meters, Keane twice placed 11th at the NCAA Championships (2022, 2023) and won the Big East Conference title at the distance in 2023. In cross country he finished a career best 17th at the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships, and was Big East conference champion in 2022.
Keane was selected as the Big East Sport Excellent Award recipient twice, recognizing his success in athletics, academia, and through community service.
“The B.A.A. High Performance Team is excited to welcome Barry to Boston,” said Coach Carroll. “Barry comes to the team after a successful NCAA career earning All-American status in cross country and track. The B.A.A. is delighted to have the opportunity to guide and support Barry's professional running career as he transitions to the roads and the marathon in the coming years.”
“I am looking forward to competing for the club and hopefully for my country this year, both on the track and also move towards competing on the roads,” said Keane. “To be given the opportunity to train and live as a pro athlete is something I've always dreamed of, and I hope to take advantage of these opportunities to their full extent this year.”
The B.A.A.’s High Performance team supports runners on their way towards making international teams, with the goal of competing at the highest level: the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, and Abbott World Marathon Majors. The B.A.A. is sponsored by adidas, which provides comprehensive support for the organization’s High Performance team, running club, and mass-participatory events.
Personal bests for Barry Keane can be found below, along with a complete list of B.A.A. High Performance Team members.
Barry Keane
Hometown: Waterford, Ireland
College: Butler University
Personal Bests:
Mile (indoors) – 4:11.50
3,000 meters (indoors) – 7:56.46
3,000 meters (outdoors) – 8:18.66
5,000 meters (indoors) – 13:21.57
5,000 meters (outdoors) – 13:26.29
10,000 meters – 28:04.66
B.A.A High Performance Team Roster:
Eric Hamer
Jonas Hampton
Bethany Hasz
Megan Hasz
Paul Hogan
Barry Keane
Matt McDonald
Annie Rodenfels
Abbey Wheeler
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 15, 2024. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.