Ain’t no mountain high enough for extreme runners
The trio of medallists in the ladies race up and down Nephin last Sunday, from left: Becky Quinn, 2nd, Laura Flynn, 1st, and Orla McEvoy, 3rd.
Recent years have seen a huge increase in running, with tens of thousands taking to Ireland’s streets and roads at distances from 5km to the marathon. For some runners, however, the challenge of the roads is not enough. Members of the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) do exactly what it says on the tin, taking to the mountains and hills, often on unmarked routes, in pursuit of even greater challenges.
Last Saturday and Sunday, June 29/20, saw runners assemble in Mayo for the annual Connacht Championships, held on Mweelrea and Nephin.
Saturday saw 44 runners assemble at Silver Strand for the tough ascent to the top of Mayo and Connacht’s highest point (814m). The men’s race was won by Martin McConnell, with Mark McAdden in second and Sean Quirke third. First woman home was Becky Quinn, with Ciara Largey second and Cherry Magee third.
After an overnight stay with barbecue – a highlight of the IMRA calendar – many of the runners made their way to Lahardane for the second leg of the championship on Nephin – at 809m, a slightly easier challenge.
Conditions were good as 27 runners set off up the north face of the mountain but the field soon spread out as the steep climb took its toll. First to reach the stile was Mweelrea winner Martin McConnell, and he stayed in the lead to win his second race of the weekend, an impressive performance. He was followed home by Sean Quirke, an improvement on his third on Mweelrea, and Alan Dunne. In the women’s category Laura Flynn came first, followed by Mweelrea winner Becky Quinn and Ciara Largey.
The prize giving was held in Leonard’s of Lahardane. Thanks to the volunteers who organised the events and ensured everything went smoothly.
