Thousands flock to Westport for running extravaganza
Competitors cross the line at the start of the 10k race held as part of the Westport Marathon.
Athletics: On a picture perfect day in sunny Westport, nearly 4,000 participants undertook the third Westport Marathon last Saturday morning. One of the most scenic routes in the world, the Westport Marathon welcomed both seasoned and first-time marathoners with a challenging yet rewarding experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and the backdrop of Croagh Patrick.
The event featured three race distances: a full marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km) and a 10k run. It is now the largest running event in the West, attracting participants from all over Ireland and afar. Indeed this year saw huge growth in international competitors with runners travelling from Switzerland, France, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, the United States and even Australia to take part in the event.
Winner of the full marathon was Sean Hehir from Gorey who finished in a course record time of 2:33:22. The first female over the line was Ellen Marie Curley from Clifden who came home in 3:21:21. Taking the number one spot in the men’s half marathon in 1:15:40 was Dublin man James Moran. Leah Lawler, a native from Carlow, took first prize in the women’s half.
Westport man Bryan Renton raced across the finish line in 34:56 to win the men’s 10k while the first lady was Maria Byrne from Dublin who took the top prize with a time of 41:28.
Mayo Athletic Club was one of several local clubs represented on the day. Tadgh Hanrahan ran 2:57.01 to finish ninth overall in the marathon and third in the M40 category.
In the half-marathon, the Mayo AC finishers were: Michael Rocke 1:23.11, Gerry Kirrane 1:25.38, Colette Tuohy 1:31.20 (sixth woman overall and first O50), Damien Finnegan 1:31:24, Una Mayock 1:36.00, Tony Hegarty 1:42.49, Lucy Tuohy 1:44.53, Thomas O’Brien 1:47.42, Michelle McAlpine 1:49.12 and new member Ryan O’Sullivan 1:57.01.
Eimear Fitzmaurice finished third woman overall in the 10k and first over-40 while the other Mayo AC 10k runners were Lisa Lally (46:51) and Jimmy Feeney (48:12), who was the first masters athlete over-70.
Western Alzheimers is this year’s charity partner of the Westport Marathon. It provides a complete range of care and support services to individuals and families affected by Alzheimers/Dementia in the West of Ireland. You can donate at www.westernalzheimers.ie.
