By Maria Moynihan
EVEN the occasional downpour did not dampen the spirits of up to 100 runners who took part in the fourth annual Born To Run Tralee Marathon Club 40 mile ultra marathon and relay event on Saturday.
The ultra marathon – which last year was voted one of the top five running events in Ireland – proved a sell out success, where the mileage was more than matched by the atmosphere.
With proceedings starting at 7am by Mayor of Tralee, Graham Spring, local and visiting athletes tackled the four mile looped course through Ballyard a total of 10 times, with the option of a two person tag team and a four person relay team for those who wished to share the journey.
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The men’s race was won by Cork runner, fireman and Guinness World Record holder, Alex O’Shea, who completed the course in a record-breaking four hours, 29 minutes and 30 seconds, while the women’s title was won by well-known ultra athlete Catherine Guthrie in six hours, 42 minutes and 34 seconds.
Meanwhile, the tag team title was taken by David Twomey and Catherine Hannon of The Kerry Crusaders, while the relay event was won by local runners Michelle Greaney, Tommy Horan, Pascal Boylan and Frank O’Connor.
This year’s event was extra special as Born To Run partnered with St Ita’s and St Joseph’s school for children with mild learning difficulties, with profits from the event going towards a new vocational training centre that will include amenities like a school cafe, woodwork room and hairdressing training facility.
And to make sure that as much money as possible was raised, local businesses in town were extremely generous in their support, from chief sponsors WeatherMaster Kerry Ltd and Prestige Marketing, to the local hotels and shops who donated everything from sandwiches to pizza for the athletes taking part.
Many people also gave up hours of their time to volunteer to keep the runners safe, fed and hydrated, while local residents living along the route added to the party atmosphere.
“It was a great race on the day, with participants ranging from Irish international athletes who came to Tralee, to our local runners,” said race director, Tom Foley. “The top three men and women battled it out to the end, and everyone got home safe and sound and had a great day, which is the most important thing.
“Born To Run Tralee Marathon Club would like to thank everybody who supported the ultra marathon, from our sponsors to our volunteers, and look forward to many more events to come.”
For further information and results, visit www.borntorunevents.ie Scroll down for photos…
